LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMPsafe Returns for a Second Season - Project alerts men to perils of letting their guard down |
Its all too easy to let ones guard down during a vacation or weekend stay at the beach. So, when thousands of people begin to slam our seashore each season, Rehoboth Beach offers numerous sources of guidance to help assure that the time visitors spend on the Delaware coast is both pleasant and safe. We have lifeguards who warn them of the dangers of riptides and the undertow. We have pharmacists and medical personnel who alert pale-skinned arrivals to the perils of prolonged exposure to solar rays and the importance of using a strong sunscreen. For a second year we also will have CAMPsafe to help communicate the importance of playing it safe to the gay men who come to the beach in search of bronzed bodiestheir own and often those of new sexual partners. CAMPsafe is an HIV/AIDS outreach, education and prevention project sponsored by CAMP Rehoboth and supported by a grant from the Delaware Division of Public Healths Department of Health and Social Services. The project, specifically targeted to gay and bisexual men, has the goal of providing useful information and resources in a lighthearted style appropriate to the fun-seeking spirit of those who come to a resort community. Thanks to the participation of many local bars, restaurants and beach houses, CAMPsafe got off to a strong start in its debut season. Among the projects accomplishments in 1998 were:
"It was particularly heartening to hear so many men say they actually used the condoms," said CAMP Rehoboth President Murray Archibald. Some 400 volunteers completed a detailed survey concerning their knowledge about HIV and their sexual behavior as part of the projects research efforts last season. Although the findings are still being compiled, Archibald reported that quite a few respondents indicated that CAMPsafe had succeeded in providing them fresh insight as well as helpful information. (Letters will report on the results of the survey in an upcoming issue.) Archibald also announced the appointment of a new project director for CAMPsafe. Rehoboth Beach business owner and journalist Bill Sievert will serve in that capacity for 1999. He is the co-owner of Splash, a contemporary sportswear and home accessories shop, with his life partner, John Theis. Sievert has served on the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth for many years and is a member of the Board of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, for which he is co-chairperson for public relations. He has edited and written for publications and news services including The Advocate, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Rolling Stone, The Louisville Courier-Journal, and Earth News Service. He is also the author of the current book "All for the Cause," a history of progressive social change since the 1960s featuring illustrations of more than 1,200 campaign buttons issued by movement groups. "We would like to involve even more members of the areas business community in CAMPsafe this year," Sievert said. "Last year was a fine beginning, with excellent support from bars and beach houses. We intend to nurture those relationships and spread the participation to more shops and guest houses. The best way to reach our audience is take our message to all the places gay men go to play, to shop and to sleep." Sievert noted that the need for effective communication about HIV transmission among gay and bisexual males is "as crucial now as it ever has been. Too many men, particularly younger guys, incorrectly believe either that there is less likelihood of contracting AIDS today or that medical progress means infection is no longer the threat to their lives it once was." A new behavioral study by researchers with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that unprotected sex is again on the rise among young gay and bisexual men in at least one major city, San Francisco. The study, as reported in the January 29th issue of Morbidity and Mortality, was conducted between 1994 and 1997. During that time, the rates of unprotected anal intercourse rose from 30.4% to 39.2% and the percentage of men who reported having unprotected anal intercourse with multiple partners increased from 23.6% to 33.3%. The highest rates of unsafe sex occurred among men between the ages of 26 and 29, and the number of self-reports of unprotected intercourse increased dramatically among these younger men. These data "suggest that the substantial reduction in sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with mencannot be assumed to be maintained indefinitely," CDC researchers said. A perception of lower risk of HIV infection, along with the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, "may lead to misunderstandings and complacency toward safe-sex messages." The report concluded that HIV prevention programs and community-based outreach "remain crucial to reach these populations." CAMPsafe will schedule a series of focus groups in the coming weeks to consult with representatives of Rehoboth area businesses, beach houses and AIDS/HIV support groups about their ideas for the 1999 campaign. "I would like to see more events aimed at direct participation by the guys in our target audience, contests or parties that give them opportunities to share their ideas on how to have fun safely," Sievert said. "Basically, well keep doing what was successful last year and well try some new approaches as well." One familiar element of CAMPsafe was the appearance of popular local entertainer Gladys Kravitz, 1998 CAMPsafe "spokesmodel" at the Beach House Rush Party in Washington. Producer Tom Minnuto selected her as official "emcee-ette" of the event which assists in organizing groups for summer houses. Gladys, whose gently scolding smile has adorned message boards, postcards, and other informational materials distributed by CAMPsafe, is known for leading weekly Karaoke sessions at The Renegade. At her appearances, she never fails to encourage her audiences to take to heart the projects motto: "Have fun! Play smart! And CAMPsafe!" For more information on CAMPsafe or to get involved in this years activities, call 302-227-5620 or e-mail campsafe@camprehoboth.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 1, February 5, 1999 |