• Letters from CAMP Rehoboth
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Advertising Information
    • Where Can I Get Letters?
    • The Write Stuff
  • Events
    • Featured Events
    • SUNFESTIVAL 2022
    • Women's FEST
    • Block Party 2022
  • Programs
    • Arts & Culture
    • Education & Advocacy
    • Health & Wellness
    • Community Building
    • CAMP Facilities
  • About Us
    • Membership
    • Volunteers
    • Board of Directors
    • CAMP Rehoboth Staff
    • Reports and Financials
    • History
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Press
  • Resources
    • Beach Guide Directory
    • LGBTQ Resources
    • LGBTQ Providers
    • LGBTQ Delaware Data
    • Trans & Nonbinary Resources
    • BIPOC LGBTQ Resources
    • LGBTQ Local and National Resources Guide
  • Contact
  • Shop
close× Call Us 302-227-5620
close×

Search form

September 21, 2018 - Volunteer Spotlight - Terry Kistler and Chris Berg

Terry Kistler-Chris BergTerry Kistler and Chris Berg

Terry Kistler and Chris Berg met online 10 years ago, and were married in May 2012. Chris is a native Delawarean and his family has had a house at the beach since 1981. Lucky for him, he spent every summer on the shore while growing up. Chris works for IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) as a Portfolio Revenue Manager.

Terry grew up in Titusville, Pennsylvania and has been a resident of all three Delaware counties at some point in his professional career. Terry is employed as a Vice President at WSFS Bank. They are the loving parents to two Saint Bernards, Stella and Rocky, and one cat, Blackberry.

When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth?

About four years ago.

What events/activities have you been involved with as a volunteer?

The CAMP Chorus and Sundance (so far).

What’s your best volunteer memory?

Chris: It’s hearing the audience’s reaction to the performances by the CAMP Chorus—it’s a fun time for all involved!

Terry: Volunteering for the Sundance Live Auction is very exciting—it’s great to have the support of so many businesses and community members providing items for the auction, and it is fun to see how much money is raised for CAMP Rehoboth.

Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth, which is your favorite?

We are torn between Sundance and the Block Party. We are big fans of events that bring folks from all walks together for a good time and positive purpose!

Favorite season at the beach?

It has to be fall. There are lots of events, and beautiful weather.

If you could go back to the age of 18, what do you know now that you wish you knew then?

Chris: To know it’s ok to fail so long as you are willing to learn from it.

Terry: To know it will be ok, and that there are others out there just like you.

Do you have an LGBTQ hero?

Chris: While there have been many famous names worthy of consideration as LGBTQ heroes, I don’t have to look far to find mine. I met Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald in 1994 while attending Epworth Church in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Sadly, it wasn’t really until Steve’s passing earlier this year that I took the time to reflect on all that these heroes have done for our community. The two literally shaped some of the most important, formative years of my teens and 20s when I was realizing my identity as a gay man. Steve and Murray helped create a more tolerant and accepting community in Rehoboth—one in which I, and other LGBTQ youth, would ultimately become beneficiaries of a safe environment in which to accept ourselves as we were born to be.

Favorite holiday?

Christmas—the family, the music, the sentiment, and the decorations!

The LGBTQ community has made significant progress in the fight for equality over recent years. Did you expect to see this in your lifetime? 

Simply, no. Since we both grew up in small towns where tolerance was negligible at best, neither of us felt equality would be likely in our lifetime. And while there have been gains, a long fight still exists.

Given the new political climate, are you concerned about the possible loss of rights for the LGBTQ Community?

Absolutely. At the rate the current administration has been reversing the past several years—if not decades—of positive policy advancement on many fronts, LGBTQ rights are not immune from arbitrary crosshairs of an intolerant and divisive man-child and his minions. And while we hope this current trend is temporary, we are encouraged about the future generation of leaders. As board members of the Rehoboth Beach Bears organization, we are inspired by the young leaders we have met through our partnership with the Cape Henlopen Gay Straight Alliance. Their passion and energy is amazing and we encourage our community to support their great purpose!

What advice would you give to the younger LGBTQ community?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. It is exhausting to edit your life for the satisfaction of others.

How long have you been coming to Rehoboth?

Chris: All 41 years of my life.

Terry: About 25 years.

Since you began coming to Rehoboth, name the biggest change you’ve seen.

The vast development—both residential and commercial, the burgeoning and sophisticated culinary culture, the extraordinary arts scene, and the improved relations between the gay and straight communities.

What are you most thankful for?

We are thankful for one another, and the fact we can live in an amazing community where we are not embarrassed or afraid to be ourselves!

Chris and Terry, thank you for the time you spend volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth.  We need more of the younger generation like you to continue the mission of CAMP Rehoboth. We hope you will continue to volunteer, and look forward to working with you at our next event. ▼

Email Volunteer Spotlight Suggestion

2018 Volunteer Sponsor - Allen Jarmon

‹ September 21, 2018 - CAMP Stories by Rich Barnett up September 21, 2018 - Volunteer Thank You ›

Past Issues

Issues Index

  • November 16, 2018 - Issue Index
  • October 19, 2018 - Issue Index
  • September 21, 2018 - Issue Index
    • September 21, 2018 - Cover-to-cover with ISSUU
    • September 21, 2018 - The Way I See It by Murray Archibald
    • September 21, 2018 - In Brief
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMPmatters by Murray Archibald
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Out by Fay Jacobs
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP News: CROP - Author Reading - Community Meeting
    • September 21, 2018 - Block Party 2018!
    • September 21, 2018 - Intentionally Inclusive
    • September 21, 2018 - Community - Pet R Us By Michael Gilles
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Critters
    • September 21, 2018 - SUNDANCE 2018: It’s a Wrap! by Sondra N. Arkin
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Health - Quality Programs All Through the Year
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Cheers!
    • September 21, 2018 - It's My Life by Michael Thomas Ford
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Stories by Rich Barnett
    • September 21, 2018 - Volunteer Spotlight - Terry Kistler and Chris Berg
    • September 21, 2018 - Volunteer Thank You
    • September 21, 2018 - Community Health - PrEP by William Chasanov, DO, MBA, Beebe Infectious Diseases
    • September 21, 2018 - Community News
    • September 21, 2018 - Straight Talk by David Garrett
    • September 21, 2018 - View Point by Richard Rosendall
    • September 21, 2018 - Millennial Times by James Adams Smith
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMPshots Gallery 1
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMPshots Gallery 2
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMPshots Gallery 3
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMPshots Gallery 4
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMPshots Gallery 5
    • September 21, 2018 - The Real Dirt by Eric W. Wahl
    • September 21, 2018 - Out & Proud by Stefani Deoul
    • September 21, 2018 - Amazon Trail by Lee Lynch
    • September 21, 2018 - Out & About by Eric C. Peterson
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Arts by Doug Yetter
    • September 21, 2018 - Reb Lisa Levine Joins Seaside Jewish Community
    • September 21, 2018 - Eating Out by Michael Gilles
    • September 21, 2018 - CAMP Dates - September 21 - October 27
  • August 24, 2018 - Issue Index
  • August 10, 2018 - Issue Index
  • July 27, 2018 - Issue Index
  • July 13, 2018 - Issue Index
  • June 29, 2018 - Issue Index
  • June 15, 2018 - Issue Index
  • June 1, 2018 - Issue Index
  • May 18, 2018 - Issue Index
  • May 4, 2018 - Issue Index
  • April 6, 2018 - Issue Index
  • March 9, 2018 - Issue Index
  • January 26, 2018 - Issue Index

Follow Us

Follow us on Social Media!

RECEIVE WEEKLY EMAIL

Information

  • Letters
  • Events
  • About Us
  • CAMP Center

Support CAMP

  • CAMP Membership
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
Copyright © CAMP Rehoboth, 2023
  • p. 302-227-5620
  • info@camprehoboth.com
  • 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971