LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth

CAMP Connect

Connect

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! CAMP Rehoboth has had backhoes, front-end loaders, bulldozers, dump trucks and a trench compactor working away. The property has been cleared and the old kitchen demolished. The construction crews have delivered, dug, moved and spread the sand and soil for the foundation. The Community Center's steps to the CAMP Courtyard have been removed in preparation for the kiosk footers and the building footers have been poured. Now, the cement block is being laid with the pouring of the foundation slab to follow. The building vibrates and the windows rattle. It is proving to be quite an action-packed winter here at CAMP Rehoboth!

While Bancroft Construction has been busy outside, CAMP Rehoboth staff has spent the "off-season" preparing for another year's events and happenings. From lining up advertisers for Letters to booking speakers for the Women's Weekend to researching grant possibilities, we are working to be sure the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center can meet the community's needs. That is why we are here!

Whenever I answer a bizarre phone call or there is a bizarre happening (as only our community can define bizarre) here on Baltimore Avenue, Kathy says to me with a grin, "I'll bet that never happened at CHEER!" She is right, of course. Actually, there are many things that happen here at CAMP Rehoboth that I could not have imagined while working for an organization serving senior citizens in the center of Sussex County. Perhaps the best example is the feeling of cohesiveness that I sense from our community. From community members answering the call to provide new clothing for children at Christmas to CAMP Rehoboth supplying desserts for the Community Unity Dinner, our community comes through for each other. I have a high regard for that and feel privileged to play a small part in it.

If you have seen the plans for the addition to the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center and for the completely revamped CAMPus Courtyard, I am sure that you recognize the incredible value the space offers to our community and to the greater Rehoboth Beach area. We will have the room needed for commitment ceremonies, small stage productions, retreats, meetings, special occasions plus gallery space for exhibits.

Now, I am in the position of asking all of you to help yourselves by helping CAMP Rehoboth. In order to complete the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center as we planned, we need to raise an additional $300,000 on top of the $1.2 million construction loan.

Of the $76,000 worth of items on the CAMP Rehoboth Wish List, nearly $50,000 worth has not yet been sponsored. The Angel Level areas need sponsors too. If you are a Founders' Circle member with a portion of your pledge not yet completed, and you could pay it off early, we would be extremely grateful.

Beth Fitton is Development Director of CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached at beth@camprehoboth.com or by calling 302-227-5620.

LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 01 February 08, 2008