It’s summer 2016, and this is the Memorial Day issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and with it we celebrate the official start of the summer season here in Rehoboth Beach. After all the rain in early May, I know we are looking forward to some blue skies, sunshine, and hot summer days.
For first-time and returning summer visitors, please have a safe and happy time while you are enjoying our beautiful beach community. As a word of gentle warning (and as I do every year at this time), a few simple words of caution: Don’t forget that there are no nude beaches in Delaware, and starting your own is frowned upon by the local police. Please don’t drink too much, and then try to drive home. Don’t have sex in public places—and when in a private one, please keep it safe and use a condom. Please don’t ride bikes on the sidewalk (or park them in the CAMP Courtyard). Please be kind to one another, and most of all have a fantastic time. CAMP Rehoboth is open seven days a week throughout the season, so don’t hesitate to call or email us if you have a problem of any kind, and we will do our best to help you solve it, or at least point you in the direction of someone who can help. For information about HIV testing, support groups, and other health related matters, please contact our Health Services Director Sal Seeley at 302-227-5620.
In a previous column, I mentioned our Rehoboth Beach Police diversity training that was held in May. On June 17, I will conduct a similar session for the Delaware Park Police at the Biden Center at CAMP Henlopen State Park. As he did for the one in Rehoboth, Marc Messner—the leader of our CAMP Rehoboth transgender group will join me for the training. Park police come to the training who will be serving in parks all over Delaware, including Gordon’s Pond—popular with members of both our men’s and women’s community here in Rehoboth. In addition to my previous words of caution, don’t forget that dogs are allowed on the beach at Gordon’s Pond—but they must be on a leash.
Though it is hard for me to believe that it is already time to be talking about a September event, Sundance will be here before we know it. By late May, Sponsorships and Host level tickets will be available to CAMP Rehoboth members, and public sales will begin in early June. Of course, with the Rehoboth Convention Center closed all year due to construction, the big question for months now has been about the Sundance Benefit location. I’m happy to say, that issue has been resolved, and as we announced at our recent Volunteer Appreciation Party, Sundance 2016—Rainbow XXIX: Sol Groove will take place in the main atrium and hall of the Rehoboth Mall. Plans are already underway to make it a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime event, so sign up early to be a Sundance Host or Sponsor. We are very grateful to The Cordish Company for making the Rehoboth Mall available to us, and for becoming a sponsor of the event.
The other exciting event news for us is that last year’s amazing 25th Anniversary Block Party will not be a one-time event. On October 16, the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party 2 will offer an exciting twist to Jazz Festival weekend in Rehoboth Beach. We’re all praying, of course, that the weather is as gorgeous as it was last year. Though we are planning on even more vendors than last year, space is still limited, so sign up for a space early. Vendor forms will be available by the end of May.
From now through Labor Day, Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is published every two weeks. For information about advertising with us, contact Tricia Massella. Please email letters, travel photos, and press releases to me. Have a safe and fun summer season!