This is issue four in the 28th volume of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and with its release we return to our biweekly, summer publishing schedule. Look for a new edition every other Friday from now through Labor Day weekend. Our previous issue was devoted to saying farewell to our CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director, Co-Founder—and my husband—Steve Elkins, but I suspect that due to the tremendous influence he has had on all of us, we will continue to remember him in these pages for a long time to come. On a personal note: thank you for the outpouring of love, support, donations, flowers, cards, and messages that have come to me and to CAMP Rehoboth.▽
For now, I have taken on the role of Interim Executive Director and Editor in Chief of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. After more than a quarter of a century of working side by side with Steve and serving as President of the Board, I know that I am in a unique position to guide us through this transition as smoothly as possible. Though I may hate the loss that has precipitated change, I am not afraid to embrace change, as I can truthfully say that the single thing that frightened me the most in life has already happened. I will talk frequently in the coming months about collaboration and innovation at all levels of CAMP Rehoboth. The most important goal for me—as I outlined for the Board of Directors—is to make sure that CAMP Rehoboth is on rock solid ground in all areas of operation, and has a clear and updated vision for the future. We are already developing the process for a new and comprehensive strategic plan that includes: a staffing needs analysis, a Succession Plan update, a technology timeline, and a database analysis and update. I am encouraged in everything I do by the level of talent and support given by our Board, our staff, our volunteers, and our community. Most importantly, we will continue to do the one simple thing that best illustrates who we are as an organization: create a more positive world with room for all. Perhaps that, in the end, is Steve’s most important legacy. ▽
In the eighteen years of its existence, the CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST has become a major player for women’s events on the East Coast. Events like this simply do not happen without strong leaders and a deep commitment from a passionate team of volunteers and supporters. Throughout the many months of this very difficult winter, our Women’s FEST team—led by Dottie Cirelli, Nancy Hewish, and Fay Jacobs—forged ahead, and created what many are calling “the best Women’s FEST ever.” Please take a look at the Women’s FEST Thank You page in this issue, and note the individuals who gave of their time and talents to make Women’s FEST 2018 a reality. I am honored and humbled by them all. ▽
With this issue, we kick off our 2018 CAMP Rehoboth Membership Drive, and ask the question: “What makes CAMP Rehoboth good?” We find it easy to answer that question, and a quick glance at the Membership Dollars at Work brochure that accompanies this year’s campaign lets last year’s numbers speak for themselves—486 volunteers, $43,220 worth of Community Center space donated to area non-profits, and 800 HIV tests, to name a few. Check out our 2017 outcomes to see how CAMP Rehoboth Membership makes a difference throughout our community.▽
We’ve got all kinds of events planned for the coming months. Read about them in this and every issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, or visit our website for details and ticket information. Upcoming events include the first ever CAMP Rehoboth Prom Remix on Friday, May 11 (8-11 p.m.); two encore performances of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington Cabaret show It Takes Two on July 14; the first ever Rehoboth Beach appearance of The Skivvies on June 30, at 8 p.m. at the Rehoboth Convention Center, and the HeART on a String Art Show and Auction at CAMP Rehoboth throughout May.▽