In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing our Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of the behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family.
The Spotlight is an ongoing column in Letters and features recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves and you, our readers.
If you know someone whose efforts are worthy of consideration, please make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining a database that will be used to help determine future recipients. Email us and put “Volunteer Spotlight” in the subject line.
Better yet, come join us. We always need new volunteers!
Steve Hoult on Life at CAMP
A board member of CAMP Rehoboth, Chair of the Grounds and Building Sub-Committee, member of the Volunteer Development Committee and Rainbow Thumb Club, Steve has also served as past Secretary. He is employed at Polo Ralph Lauren as an Assistant Manager, and he and his partner of 24 years, Rick Bane, reside in Lewes.
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP?
I’m happy to say, I’ve been involved with CAMP Rehoboth from the beginning. We started visiting Rehoboth in 1989 and met Steve and Murray at that time. That Labor Day weekend was my first Sundance and I volunteered to assist with the first Sundance Auction. CAMP was formed in 1991, and Rick and I moved to Rehoboth in January of 1992. It only seemed natural to continue my involvement with the community. It’s one of the main reasons we moved to Rehoboth.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
My best memories involve Sundance. It’s incredible to see so many people come together and support our community. It’s also what I call our “Chosen Family Reunion” because you can reconnect with so many people. It’s also a great way to end the summer!
What does CAMP mean to you?
When we first moved here, we opened a Subway Sandwich Franchise on Wilmington Avenuee. We weren’t sure how the local community would accept a gay couple operating a quick service restaurant in their “family” town. As time went by, and CAMP Rehoboth got more involved in the community, people became more accepting of the LGBT community. Our regular customers became the people who worked for the city, as well as the police and fire departments. All that would have never happened without the work of CAMP Rehoboth!
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
I would relax with Rick and enjoy some down time.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
My Grandmother—although she passed away 20 years ago, I still feel a great connection to her. We got along very well and had so much fun together. She was a strong woman who raised five children on her own. I miss her very much!
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you help encourage someone to get involved with us?
CAMP has enriched my life and created a “home” with room for all by integrating the community. The Rainbow Thumb Club is a volunteer group I helped start to take care of the CAMP Courtyard. We’re always looking for new people to help. Stop by the Community Center to check out what we have to offer. Visit camprehoboth.com. Also, fan CAMP on Facebook. CAMP’s current activities and volunteer needs are posted on this page.
SHHHH! Please provide a little known fact about you…until now, that is…
I’m an avid fan of Drum and Bugle Corps (DCI) and Winter Guard (WGI). They are powerful, nonprofit, global youth activities with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence. My high school band director introduced me to them many years ago and I try to stay connected because they had a big influence on my life as a youth.
To vote for a volunteer for the Spotlight, send the name to info@camprehoboth.com.
