November 18, 2022 - CAMP Rehoboth | Impact Report 2022

Stabilizing, Strengthening, and Setting a Course for the Future

INTRODUCTION
from Wesley Combs, President,
CAMP Rehoboth Board

As we near the end of 2022, the Board of Directors is pleased to present this overview of CAMP Rehoboth’s programs and services, along with a summary of outcomes achieved year-to-date.

Over the past two years we have done our best to highlight what CAMP Rehoboth does in and for our community via email updates and in Letters. Through this report, we are providing even more information about how funds raised are put to work.

Previously, CAMP Rehoboth has published a report near the end of the year that summarizes year-to-date financials as well as program outcomes. Some viewed this as an annual report, but it is better described as an impact report.

This year we have taken a slightly different approach due to the pandemic’s effect on day-to-day operations and income. In 2020, most programs and services were paused, with some shifting from in-person to virtual venues to ensure the safety of our staff and members.

While the roll-out of a vaccine in early 2021 enabled CAMP Rehoboth to restart some activities, a “new normal” did not arrive until late in the year. Thanks to the enforcement of safety precautions and additional protection from booster shots, in 2022 CAMP Rehoboth (along with the rest of the country) resumed functioning in a way that more closely compared to our pre-COVID operating model.

The 2022 Impact Report includes an overview of CAMP Rehoboth’s financials for the year 2021, for which the audit was completed in mid-November. The financials will soon be available in the About Us section of our website. While we only publish annual financial data once an audit is completed the year following, we can report that income and expense percentages for 2022, year-to-date, mirror percentages shown for 2021.

The report also includes a summary of the organization’s 2022 operations and its impacts on the LGBTQ+ people who live in Sussex County and across the state of Delaware.

In this year of transition, CAMP Rehoboth remains strong and vibrant. We invite you to learn more about CAMP Rehoboth’s continuous and ongoing commitment to providing the LGBTQ+ community with life-affirming support in this report. ▼

Financials at a Glance

CAMP Rehoboth’s FINAL 2021 Revenue figures reveal that nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of total revenue dollars came from Memberships, Grants, Donations and Special Events.

CAMP Rehoboth’s FINAL 2021 Expense figures show that program services (the community center, outreach, and health & wellness) account for 72 percent of total expenses.

Our Heart: CAMP Rehoboth’s Facilities, Staff, and Volunteers

Facilities

Community Center
CAMP Rehoboth owns several properties on its downtown campus situated around a center courtyard open to the public: the community center, two retail spaces, and a space dedicated to health and wellness services. Although CAMP Rehoboth has expanded to include many off-site and outreach activities, the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center remains a safe space that houses not only offices, but also resources, education, artistic expression, entertainment, health information, and a place for supportive partners to conduct their essential activities.

The state of Delaware awarded CAMP Rehoboth a $160,000 grant to address high-priority capital repairs.

Facility Improvements
In 2022, CAMP Rehoboth was awarded a $160,000 grant from the state of Delaware as part of the General Assembly’s Community Reinvestment Fund. The funds are targeted for high-priority capital repair projects. The improvements will increase energy efficiencies with resulting cost savings, enhance space used for the delivery of vital services, and enable several other renovations aimed at preserving the integrity of the property.

Retail Space
The majority of CAMP Rehoboth’s retail space is rented, helping to offset costs associated with maintaining its physical plant. The one exception is a second-floor apartment with adjoining studio, just vacated in August 2022 when co-founder Murray Archibald moved. The Board is assessing possible uses of this space.

Grants from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services/Division of Public Health (DHSS/DPH) and TCC Gives (foundation of Verizon), will enable the conversion of a small portion of the retail space to a Health & Wellness program office. Once completed, this space will enhance client privacy for those receiving confidential HIV testing and counseling services.

Elkins-Archibald Atrium
In October 2022, CAMP Rehoboth formally dedicated its community space as the Elkins-Archibald Atrium in recognition of its founders, Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald.

The Elkins-Archibald Atrium serves as a community gathering space for CAMP Rehoboth’s members as well as other local nonprofits, supports community service opportunities through the CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program, and houses annual programs and key events including Women’s FEST and SUNFESTIVAL.

In 2022, more than 22 community partners used the Elkins-Archibald Atrium for purposes including meetings, productions, clinics, trainings, service delivery, workshops, and presentations.

Staff
CAMP Rehoboth employs six full-time and one part-time staff. Two key staff positions were filled in 2022: Financial Assistant Derrick Johnson, and Development Manager Laurie Thompson.

Two key staff positions were filled in 2022.

Interim Director
Following the departure of Executive Director David Mariner in May, CAMP Rehoboth’s Board of Directors hired Interim Director Lisa Evans to oversee day-to-day operations and help assess the current and emerging needs of CAMP Rehoboth. In September 2022 the Board engaged the services of Michela Perrone, PhD, founder of MMP Associates, to help guide CAMP Rehoboth’s strategic planning process.

Executive Director
The Board is currently seeking a search firm or consultant to conduct an executive recruitment for a new executive director. The Board will work with the selected vendor to provide guidance in developing a transition plan, ensure the executive director job function aligns with strategic priorities, and implement a transition process that will result in the successful selection of new executive leadership early in 2023.

Volunteers
As of the end of October, 260 CAMP Rehoboth volunteers had contributed 1,459 hours to supporting both CAMP Rehoboth and other community organizations.

As of the end of October, 260 CAMP Rehoboth volunteers had contributed 1,459 hours to supporting both CAMP Rehoboth and other community organizations. Their efforts made possible CAMP Rehoboth’s community events, art shows, fundraisers, and outreach activities.

Between January and mid-October 2022, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus members contributed hundreds of rehearsal hours, performed three concerts, and gave four ensemble performances.

Our Four Pillars

PILLAR 1: HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Supporting the health and wellness of our community is an essential part of CAMP Rehoboth’s mission.

During 2022, CAMP Rehoboth provided free and confidential HIV testing, sexual health counseling, wellness programs, flu and human monkeypox (hMPVX) vaccines, and more.

CAMPSafe

Between January and October 2022, the CAMPSafe program distributed 80,499 condoms via 27 distribution sites and 19 events across Delaware.

In 1998, CAMPSafe was established as an HIV/AIDS education and outreach program to gay and bisexual men in Kent and Sussex Counties. Since that time, it has grown to include an array of onsite and outreach prevention, testing, and counseling programs. Between January and October 2022, CAMP Rehoboth:

■ Distributed 80,499 condoms via 27 distribution sites and at 19 events across Delaware
■ Administered free and confidential HIV tests to 118 people at our 37 Baltimore Avenue location and 275 people at our Western Sussex County location.
■ CAMPsafe’s staff attended or sponsored 19 events in Sussex County to provide HIV education and condom distribution.

Classes, Activities, and Support Groups
CAMP Rehoboth hosts a wide variety of programs that promote physical activity, social interaction, and spiritual/mental health. Among them are Men’s Yoga, Morning Mindfulness, and Flaming Knitters. One of the most popular is the Women’s Golf League, a group of 80 players who play nine holes each week between May and September.

CAMP Rehoboth offers theater productions, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus concerts, and art shows showcasing LGBTQ+ artists. All serve to promote cooperation, understanding, and inclusivity throughout the community. After two years of limited events and live streaming, this year CAMP Rehoboth was thrilled to return to in-person activities, reaching 80 percent more people than in the previous year.

PILLAR 2: Arts and Culture

CAMP Rehoboth Chorus
The 84-member chorus celebrated its 13th anniversary in 2022 with a return to in-person performances in May that drew approximately 1,000 people.

Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the 84-member CAMP Rehoboth Chorus returned to in-person performances in May with the “Great American Songbook” concert series. With attendance at the three concerts totaling approximately 1,000 people, the chorus serves as a vital CAMP Rehoboth ambassador to the community at large.

■ The Chorus Ensemble, composed of 20 chorus members, presented four outreach performances (through October 2022).

Art Shows

Through October 2022, CAMP Rehoboth hosted nine art shows in its gallery and atrium, featuring over 80 artists.

From January to October, CAMP Rehoboth hosted nine art shows in the CAMP Rehoboth Gallery and the Elkins-Archibald Atrium, featuring over 80 artists. The ART + ACTIVISM exhibit celebrated Black History Month and was our most successful yet. More Black artists than ever participated, including students from Delaware State University. For the sixth year, CAMP Rehoboth hosted the Delaware Division of the Arts’ 2022 Individual Artist Award winners.

Handmade Markets

CAMP Rehoboth’s five Handmade Art Markets provided 50 craftspeople an opportunity to display and sell their works.

The CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard was the venue for five Handmade Art Markets, providing a total of 50 craftspeople with the opportunity to display and sell their works. Performers were added this year, adding a new dimension to the events.

CAMP Rehoboth Theatre

CAMP Rehoboth’s resident theater company is now in its fifth year. In June, the group held three al fresco performances of two one-act plays in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard; in September, they sold out three (indoor) performances of 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.

The Elkins-Archibald Atrium also hosted two additional productions:

■ Rehoboth writer and sit-down comic Fay Jacobs performed two sold-out shows of her new show Aging Gracelessly: Still Rock ‘n Roll to Me on September 23.
■ Delaware Shakespeare Community Tour premiered its Spanish-English musical version of Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quieras, on October 21.

Film
At the invitation of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, in mid-November CAMP Rehoboth co-sponsored the showing of All Male: The International Male Story.

CAMP Rehoboth’s statewide efforts to foster the mental and physical health of LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages are especially critical in the current social climate. CAMP Rehoboth continues to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training for city and state park police on an annual basis, and advocates for LGBTQ+ equality at the local and state level.

PILLAR 3: Advocacy and Education

Advocacy
Despite years of progress, LGBTQ+ people in America continue to face discrimination in their daily lives, with state legislatures advancing bills that target transgender people, limit local protections, and allow the use of religion to discriminate. CAMP Rehoboth’s commitment to promoting human and civil rights was demonstrated in its advocacy and education work this year.

CAMP Rehoboth:
■ Co-signed a letter to President Biden from the National Women’s Law Center urging the administration to deliver on its broad promise to clarify Title IX’s protections for LGBTQ+ students in the face of escalating threats to their well-being, safety, and educational opportunities.
■ Continued the annual tradition of meeting with US Senator Tom Carper at CAMP Rehoboth to discuss more ways the state and federal government can support LGBTQ+ individuals in the First State.
■ Issued a statement denouncing the SCOTUS Dobbs decision and its devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ people, and all who need safe access to reproductive care.
■ Sent a letter to the Delaware Congressional delegation urging the federal government to expand funding for distribution and access to the hMPVX vaccine beyond high-density population areas to places where those who need it most are concentrated, like Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Board members were invited to Delaware’s Legislative Hall in Dover by Governor John Carney to attend his signing of this year’s Pride Month proclamation recognizing the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

In partnership with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, CAMP Rehoboth hosted a community town hall addressing the hMPVX public health emergency.
In celebration of Transgender Awareness Month, CAMP Rehoboth co-sponsored an ACLU event entitled “Speaking Freely: LGBTQ+ Expression in Schools.”

Police Training
CAMP Rehoboth Health & Wellness Coordinator Amber Lee and Board member Chris Beagle conducted sensitivity training for more than 50 Rehoboth Beach Police cadets, Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control officers, and state park personnel.

Tax Preparation
CAMP Rehoboth partnered with AARP to offer tax assistance, beginning in mid-February, to 216 community members.

PILLAR 4: Community Engagment

Outreach

Community engagement is key to CAMP Rehoboth’s growth and impact. CAMP Rehoboth pursues engagement through a variety of means designed to connect, inform, and positively impact individuals and organizations in Delaware.

Through October 2022, CROP’s 130 volunteers donated 320 hours of support to organizations and causes that share our goal of building a better community.

CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP)

CROP began in 2009 as Volunteer on Vacation (VOV), when a group of individuals got together to respond to community needs and paint the West Rehoboth Community Center. In 2015, VOV became the CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program or “CROP.” Today CROP continues to offer community service opportunities to all who have the time and willingness to make a difference.

CROP provided 130 volunteers who donated 320 hours of support to organizations and causes that share our goal of building a better community. Support was provided to the Food Bank of Delaware, Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding, Cape Henlopen State Park, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, and Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Youth Outreach

CAMP Rehoboth offers a variety of programs for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 11-19) and young adults (ages 18-25). These include:

■ YouthUp! Monthly Social, aimed at connecting youth so they might create community and develop friendships.
■ Youth Discussion Group, which creates a safe, open space for LGBTQ+ youth to engage with other like-minded individuals in conversation without fear of being bullied, ridiculed, and/or isolated.
■ Young Adult Discussion Group, a virtual group designed for young adults, ages 18-25, which offers support through a life period full of changes. This group is a partnership between CAMP Rehoboth and NAMI Delaware.
■ Youth Book Club, a virtual group which reads and discusses a book, selected by other youth, that revolves around queer identities and lives.
Events

Women’s FEST

Women’s FEST, a four-day long celebration each April, returned for its 21st year as an in-person event that included keynote speakers, vendor expo, singles mixer, silent and live auctions, sporting events and games, comedy acts, dances, and concerts featuring nationally and regionally renowned entertainers. It wrapped up with the Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, which raised funds for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

More than 3,000 people participated in CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s FEST and SUNFESTIVAL events this year.

SUNFESTIVAL

SUNFESTIVAL, CAMP Rehoboth’s largest fundraiser of the year, was a huge success. Events included a 5K, SUNFESTIVAL’s sold-out auction and show headlined by Emmy Award-winning comedian Judy Gold, and the return of Sundance, featuring DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony. It featured an ecstatic crowd, rejoicing that they were back together once again, after 2.5 years of isolation and uncertainty.

Block Party

In October, more than 2,000 people and 92 vendors attended the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party, which returned for the first time since 2018—uncooperative weather and COVID each having resulted in cancellations during the intervening years.

Battle of the Bachelors

The 31st annual Battle of the Bachelors was held at Aqua Bar & Grill in August 2022, raising $26,650 to support CAMP Rehoboth’s critical programs and services.

Communications

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth
From February through October 2022, 51,500 copies of Letters were printed and made available at 116 distribution points throughout the area.

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth continues to serve as a vital resource for the LGBTQ+ community, providing information on CAMP Rehoboth’s events and programs, advertising space for local businesses and nonprofits, and visibility for LGBTQ+ voices and topics. Letters is the most visible part of the CAMP Rehoboth operation in the general community, serving to educate and inform the broader public.

In 2022 (February through October issues), 51,500 copies of Letters were printed. They were made available at 116 distribution points throughout the area.

Social Media
CAMP Rehoboth’s social media communications continue to build momentum. Metrics are up nearly across the board, with followers of Facebook pages (e.g., CAMP Rehoboth, Women’s FEST, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus) up about four percent for each page (March to October). Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram followers have increased by four to nine percent over this same time period.

Website
CAMP Rehoboth’s website is heavily used; year to date, approximately 74,000 users had nearly 100,000 sessions with more than 230,000 page views. Google analytics statistics reveal a 40 percent increase in users over the March to October 2022 time period, with a corresponding 43 percent increase in sessions, and a 29 percent increase in page views.

The site is currently undergoing modernization and update, with completion planned for early-2023. ▼

Search form