From my perspective, this issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth marks the real beginning of the summer season; with its publication, we return to our bi-weekly summer schedule (and the hectic pace that goes along with it!). Though long before Memorial Day weekend, there is already a building excitement in town, and a great expectation of another amazing summertime at the beach.

In preparation for the summer season, I once again had the opportunity to conduct a diversity training session for the Rehoboth Beach summer police. I’ve been doing these training sessions for the last 20 years, and it is always a pleasure to meet our city’s seasonal police and to talk with them about the LGBT community. I am once again appreciative of the continuing efforts of Rehoboth Police Chief Keith Banks to see that this is always a part of his officers’ learning experience as they prepare for the influx of visitors for another summer season. This year was different for me because our nephew Drew was visiting us from Alabama and accompanied me to the training. When I asked him what he thought, he said it was great to hear me tell “the story of CAMP…and inspiring to see how much of an effect the program has had.” He went on to say that he “was proud and inspired by his uncles’ work.” That, of course, brought a tear to my eye—something that’s not that hard to do, I admit—and reminded me of the reason we started CAMP Rehoboth in the first place: to make this an inclusive community with room for all.

I’m always amazed at the generosity of our community; from membership to sponsors and volunteers, we have a great support system in place. Then there are the surprises! For example: we needed a large flat screen TV to use for the volunteer orientations and other presentations at the Community Center. Faithful CAMP Rehoboth supporters (Deb Qualey, Karen Gustafson, and Chris Beagle) started to talk, and suddenly last week, through the door walks Lou Fiore with a brand new Sony. Many thanks to Lou and his partner Jim Burke, and to the many people in our community who are always so ready and willing to step up with whatever we need.

Speaking of membership, the CAMP Rehoboth membership team will launch a membership drive over the next few weeks. Membership plays a vital role in the budget of CAMP Rehoboth, and is a great way to show support for our organization. Featured as a part of the membership drive, will be the unveiling of a new CAMP Rehoboth brochure that seeks, not to just list what we do, but to capture the essence of who we are as an organization. It celebrates the work we do each year and the thousands of people we serve through advocacy, recreation, education, and cultural programming. The supporting members of CAMP Rehoboth are one of the major reasons we are able to continue to do this work. If you are not a member, please consider becoming one; if you are already a member, please consider upgrading to a higher level.

Supporting the arts has always been a part of the mission of CAMP Rehoboth, and art plays a starring role in two upcoming events. On May 19, CAMP Rehoboth partners with the Delaware Beast Cancer Coalition for the Paint the Town Pink reception, art show, and dinner raffle. Plus, win a prize for the best pink outfit! On June 3, take off the pink, and dress in black and white for the HeART of the Community Art Auction to be featured at CAMP Rehoboth’s 2012 Black and White Beach Ball at Clear Space Theatre. The May 18 issue of Letters will feature the HeART art and artists for this year’s event. Tickets to the Black and White Beach Ball are limited, so reserve now. Tickets may be purchased online at camprehoboth.com, or by calling CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620.