In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing this Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of our behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family.
The Spotlight will be an ongoing column in Letters and will feature 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 an database that’ll be used to help determine future recipients. Email us at info@camprehoboth.com.
And because there’s always something to do, come join us. We always need new volunteers and would love to hear from you. We promise you won’t regret it.
Tony Burns—Smile,You’re a Letters’ CAMPshot!
How long have you been Volunteering for CAMP and what prompted you to get involved?
I noticed that the early issues of Letters had just a few photographs and didn’t capture the active social life in our Rehoboth community. That was the early 90s and appreciating the impact CAMP was having in making Rehoboth truly a place for all, I volunteered to share my photos with CAMP for their use. Since then, CAMPshots has grown from a page or two to as many as 11 in some issues.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering here?
I get my energy from interacting with people. The opportunity to represent CAMP in photographing local residents and visitors to Rehoboth has enabled me to meet so many wonderful people and share with them the history and mission of CAMP.
Best memory helping CAMP?
The signing of SB121, the Delaware Non-Discrimination legislation, at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center on July 2, 2009 was thrilling. It really brought home the difference CAMP Rehoboth has made in the lives we enjoy here today.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
I would probably use it to try and organize the many photos I still have in my bag to hand out to people.
Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too? How would you help encourage someone to get involved with CAMP?
We all have different talents and CAMP is an organization that really needs and utilizes the different experiences of all its volunteers. Volunteering with CAMP is like being a member of a warm and loving extended family.
SHHHH! Please provide a little known fact about you…until now, that is (something unrelated to CAMP!)
My senior high school newspaper predicted I would be the “future mayor of Detroit.”
If you have any, what is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
I have a collection of records, 8-tracks, tapes, and CDs which I will play while I’m getting caught up on my reading.
One favorite thing about Rehoboth…
I always tell people that for me Rehoboth is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Thank you, Tony, or should I say, the people’s “Mayor” of Rehoboth. The difference you’ve made to our community goes well beyond the thousands of precious photographs. I know I speak for many of your friends by saying that wherever you are, there’s always a pot of gold.
To vote for a volunteer for the Spotlight, send the name to info@camprehoboth.com with “volunteer vote” in the message line.
