The Sun Sets on Summer CAMP Challenge 2010
As you can tell by the handsome faces on the cover, the boys of 6 Futcher Drive captured first place in the inaugural Summer CAMP Beach House Challenge. Catapulted by their over-the-top, annual Independence Day Pool Party which raised nearly $3200, their collective house contribution exceeded $3,600 of the nearly $8000 raised by the entire Challenge.
For decades, a special camaraderie has flourished among Rehoboth’s beach-house “families.” In that spirit, we introduced the Beach House Challenge back in May as a means of reaching out to the houses and raising awareness about CAMP Rehoboth and what we offer to the community and to all of you.
The Challenge was intended to not only increase memberships and raise needed funds for CAMP Rehoboth, but as Murray Archibald reminded me often this summer, “the beauty of this effort is that it focused on the importance of awareness and understanding.” He couldn’t have been more right.
It brought 15 houses together to participate, while 40 of the 190+ included became members of CAMP. Our sincere thanks to each of you!
The winning house was determined by accumulating the most points from June 1- July 31. Points were accumulated by becoming a member; making a donation; or fundraising, where each dollar contributed equated to one point awarded; by attending CAMP events such as LOVE, LottoHeart, and DC Cowboys; and also by Volunteering, where 25 points were earned for each hour donated.
Final Standings of the Top 5 houses were:
6 Futcher Dr 4,695
61 Canal Landing 3,096
5 Prospect St 1,740
60 Baltimore Ave 1,385
216 New Castle St 1,070
So many memories…the first “meeting,” when Murray and I walked into the courtyard on the Friday morning before Memorial Day, hoping, just hoping that anyone would show up…Josh Levie, Brian Galm, Jordan Rosenstadt, Jake Sweet, and Ray Quinterro all did, and brought with them energy and creativity that has continued to inspire us. You guys have no idea what that meant to us!
To my dear friend Brain Henes, thanks for suggesting the Community Volunteer Day. Eleven of us working with Habitat for Humanity in Laurel, DE, on arguably the hottest day of the summer, proved to be exactly the kind of day we’d hoped for.
From Beach Bucket deliveries, to condom stuffing parties, to wine tastings and pool parties, together, we made it work! And don’t you worry CAMPers, I’ll be back again next year, so hurry, hurry, hurry!
As with any organization, in order to survive for the long-term, an emphasis must be placed on the future. And we’re no exception. Since being elected to the Board of Directors a year ago, I knew early on that I wanted to reach out to the, dare I say, younger community…those who are not only here for summer fun, but, in many cases, looking for a way to get involved and give back to their home-away-from-home.
The reality is I was once that person. Many of you reading this may be nodding your heads, too. You see, few of us are natives to Rehoboth. The vast majority come here from somewhere else, after having fallen in love with this precious little town we now call home.
Smiles of pride should adorn the faces of those CAMP Rehoboth supporters who’ve been around for years. And as we burst with pride in celebration of our 20th Anniversary, I know they are because many of them have told me how important programs like this are to the life and survival of our community.
Seeds have been planted. Cultivating continues. With any luck, they’ll be writing this column to another generation in years to come.
Steve Elkins loves to tease me about being one of the “younger” ones here at CAMP. At my age, I really don’t mind that, but this summer’s House Challenge certainly brought a younger crowd into the mix in the house we call “CAMP.” And no matter what, there will always be room here for all.
Chris Beagle is a member of the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth. Photos: Summer CAMP Habitat for Humanity Volunteers; 6 Futcher, Summer CAMP Challenge Winners. (Photo by Carolyn Watson Photography.)