In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 21st 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 your suggestions.
Adam Linder Talks about CAMP and Life in Rehoboth Beach
Adam Linder and his partner, Terry Isner, met in 1997 at the old Wrap Works restaurant in Dupont Circle, DC. “We fell in love right away,” said Adam. Terry had divorced two years earlier and his three daughters were all very young. Today, two of them are in college and the youngest is a senior in high school. With a great deal of pride Adam replied, “It’s been so amazing to grow together as a family.”
Adam is employed by Douron Commercial Interiors as an Account Executive. The company creates beautiful and functional office environments for state, Federal, and commercial clients.
Having first purchased property in Rehoboth in 2001, Adam and Terry have resided here full-time since 2007.
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP?
In the spring of 2008, I was recruited by Ward Ellinger to help break down the decor after the Black & White Beach Ball. I was chatting with Ward at the event and he told me how much Murray would appreciate an extra set of hands to help out the following morning. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
I love stepping away from the swirl of very detailed activity that occurs while setting up the Sundance auction every year to go home and change for the event. Walking back into the convention center a few hours later with a fresh set of eyes and taking in the magnitude of what the volunteers have been able to accomplish always amazes me! Talk about transforming a space!
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
CAMP Rehoboth is the glue that holds our local community together. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in this town—young, old, straight, or gay, that hasn’t been impacted by CAMP in a positive way.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
I would love to spend a day with my paternal grandfather, Detlef Linder, who unfortunately passed away five years before I was born. He was a German, born in India while his parents were on a mission, and I’m sure he would have a very interesting life story to tell me.
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering to just do it! If you don’t know how you can help, don’t worry, CAMP will come up with something for you to fit your talents and schedule.
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”
Home. I’ve been vacationing here with my family since 1976, became a property owner in 2001, and moved here full time in 2007. Rehoboth has always had a very special place in my heart. No matter where life takes me, I’m certain that I will always have a place here.
Assuming you have any, what else do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to cook and entertain. After I graduated from college I took some time off from work to go to culinary school and I worked as a chef for a few years. Even though that career didn’t work out for me, I can still tear it up in the kitchen.
Cher’s not the only one who’d like to turn back time. If you could, what age/ period would you return too? Why?
I always try to look ahead and live life without regret, so I can’t say that I would really want to go back and “change” anything. However, I was born in the San Francisco Bay area and my family moved to DC when I was very young. I often wonder how completely different my life would have been had we stayed in California.
We know you already love Rehoboth, where’s your next favorite get-away? Why?
I love the energy and attitude of South Florida and one of my goals is to eventually purchase a property there and split time between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and Rehoboth.
Someone reading this wants to buy you a “thank you” beverage. What would it be?
A vodka oyster shooter from Henlopen City Oyster House, chased with whatever Belgian wheat beer is on tap that day.
Friends are coming over for a dinner party? What’s your signature dish?
Braised short ribs with parmesan risotto and roasted vegetables, finished off with a slice of rosemary-infused flourless chocolate cake.
We’ve seen many iconic entertainers over the years. Who’s your favorite? Why?
I absolutely love Joan Rivers because we share a similar sense of humor and she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. She’s living proof that no matter how many times you find yourself down and out in life, there’s always another chapter waiting to be opened.
As a teenager, who was your first celebrity crush?
Alec Baldwin and his perfectly manicured chest on Knotts Landing, circa 1984.
Sustenance: Favorite food? Beverage?
I wait with anticipation every spring for the Back Porch Café to re-open so I can have their Seared Day Boat Scallops with Thai Red Curry and Sesame Noodles. Hands down my favorite meal in town!
Special thanks, Adam, for all you do for CAMP Rehoboth. On a personal note, my first Love volunteer experience was in the summer of ’08 and you showed me the ropes, so to speak, or at least how to properly use zip ties and fabric, LOL. My thanks! You’re always great to work with and as dependable as they come. And you’re absolutely right, those are wonderful memories. Here’s to many more!
To volunteer, fill out the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Form at camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620.