LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMPsafe - Wherever You Are |
by Michael Cover |
Since CAMPsafe began in March of this year, we have focused on raising awareness of HIV and safe sex among gay and bisexual men in Kent and Sussex Counties. By keeping the CAMPsafe messages constantly visible through bar cards, free condoms, CAMPsafe tattoos, materials for beach houses, the CAMPsafe survey, ads in local publications such as LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth and RBG, and this column, we hope that those who live, work and play here not only know the importance of practicing safe sex, but that they actually change their behavior to incorporate it in their lives. In recent weeks, people have commented that the program has had a wider impact than simply Kent and Sussex Counties. Those of us from the surrounding areas who are fortunate enough to spend some time in this lovely beach community can take the CAMPsafe messages home with us to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, or wherever it is we call home. The important part is, if we are to stop the transmission of HIV, we must begin by changing our own behavior - here at the beach, and at home. To help you do that, we have a supply of erasable CAMPsafe message boards, Do Not Disturb signs, temporary tattoos, and condoms available for you to take home. Stop by the CAMP Rehoboth office and pick some up. CAMPsafe Summer Survey Many of you have taken a few minutes to fill out the CAMPsafe Summer 1998 Survey, either on-line at the CAMP Rehoboth Web site or by filling out a hard copy at CAMP Rehoboth. To date, we have more than 200 responses. Some of you have asked why it is we are asking such personal questions. We can only design effective programs to educate and change peoples risky behavior if we understand what it is we are doing that puts us at risk of spreading HIV. This survey will help us learn the kinds of information we need to improve our programming and ensure that we are getting out the kind of information that you need to stay HIV negative. If you havent taken the survey, please take a few minutes to fill it out. Beginning Labor Day weekend, and throughout September, we will be asking you to give us some feedback on CAMPsafe. A short survey - no more than ten questions - will be made available at CAMP Rehoboth, at SUNDANCE 98, and at our Web site. It is critical that we get your comments about this first year of the program. CAMPsafe All Year Long Though it seems that Labor Day is approaching at rocket speed, CAMPsafe will continue its education campaign throughout the fall and winter. We are planning safe sex workshops and will continue to provide current information as we learn more about HIV. If you live in the area, and are interested in working with us on the CAMPsafe program, please call Michael Cover at 302-227-5620, or at campsafe@camprehoboth.com. CAMPsafe Hits The Bars Last weekend, you may have noticed the CAMPsafe banner on the patio at the Blue Moon. If you didnt pick up your condoms, door signs, tattoos or bar cards then, well be at Cloud 9 this weekend - both Friday and Saturday nights. Stop by and see us. Well be at the Double L , the Renegade, and SUNDANCE 98 on the following weekends. And if you havent had a chance to attend Karaoke with our own Gladys Kravitz at the Renegade on Saturday nights at 10:00, you should. As you may know, Gladys is featured on our CAMPsafe materials this year and has been quite an effective spokesperson. Id like to thank both Gladys and the Renegade for their support of CAMPsafe this year. Theyve been terrific. CAMPsafe 1999 Model Search is Underway Even though 1998 is not yet over, wed like to make sure were prepared for next year. Do you know someone who would make the ideal image and will help us promote safe sex? Perhaps one of you would like to flex some muscle in front of the camera and be featured on our materials next year. Let me know if you, or someone you admire, fits the bill. Were looking for one - or a few - good men to help us out. Remember, only you can help stop the spread of HIV by practicing safer sex. For the rest of the summer - and until theres a cure - Have fun! Play smart! And CAMPsafe! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 11, August 14, 1998. |