I knew something was up when I saw Murray walking through the CAMP Courtyard recently carrying a large mirror ball—not the monster one that hangs over the dance floor at Love and Sundance, but one of a respectable size, none the less. That mirror ball can be seen in the photo on the cover of this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, surrounded by the handsome winners of this year’s Summer CAMP Beach House Challenge. For the second year in a row, the boys of 6 Futcher Drive have walked away with the grand prize: the cover of the mid-August issue of Letters. Thanks to their legendary pool party (this year called Studio 54th of July) and many other efforts, 6 Futcher raised $11,588. I say thank you on behalf of all of us here at CAMP Rehoboth, not only to the winners but to all the participating houses—and to the Summer CAMP chair, Chris Beagle. Your efforts will help us to continue to do our work and to build a stronger community for all of us. For more about the Summer CAMP Challenge see CAMP Life by Chris Beagle in this issue.
The Rehoboth Beach City elections will take place on the day after this issue comes out, (and by the time the Labor Day issue rolls off the press, its results will be old news), so congratulations to the winners. One of the candidates said it well, “I love being able to serve, but hate the campaigning.” I know it can be a difficult and painful process, so “thank you” to all the candidates for being willing to give of your time and skills to serve Rehoboth Beach. As a city election judge, Election Day is a great day for me. I love seeing everyone come out to cast their vote. It reminds me why we all care so much about keeping this a great place to live, work, and vacation.
August for me—and for many of our CAMP Rrehoboth volunteers—is all about Sundance, and in CAMPmatters in this issue there is an article that will explain exactly that—all you need to know about Sundance 2011: The Wonderful, Glorious, Amazing Light of the Watercolor Rainbow. This is the 24th Sundance, and as in every one of the preceding years, it could not happen without huge support from our community. We are grateful to all our sponsors, supporters, hosts, and volunteers, who make the event possible—and to each and every “wonderful, glorious, amazing” person who comes out to celebrate Sundance with us.
Last week Murray was walking our dog Pete on Baltimore Avenue, and he overheard a young boy, pointing to a Sundance 5k poster, exclaiming to his family. “Look!” he said with great enthusiasm. “You can run! You can walk! You can sashay!” That about sums it up, too! In its second year, the Sundance 5k takes place on the Sunday before Labor Day weekend, and is the official start of Sundance week. I know we’ll have runners, I know we’ll have walkers, but what I want to see most are the ones who sashay. I know the race starts early, but it’s never too early to don a festive costume and really add some camp to CAMP. There are prizes too, so come out and surprise us with an outrageous costume. Register online at seashorestriders.com.
This is the next to last summer issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Starting in September we return to our monthly publication schedule, and life settles down into one of my favorite times of the year. If you only know Rehoboth as a summer resort, just try it in the fall. Highlights: on September 17, Delaware Pride returns with their annual Pride Festival at Gordon’s Pond; mid-October is the Rehoboth Autumn Jazz Festival, and in November, the much anticipated Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival celebrates its 14th year. CAMP Rehoboth is proud to support all of these events.