A Transitional Year
In reflecting on this past year, I’m struck by the productivity of this organization. In fairness, and while I’m a bit biased, that’s a recurring impression I’ve had for the 10 years I’ve served on the Board of Directors.
From our talented staff to our dedicated volunteers, the sheer volume and quality of programs, events, and services offered by a non-profit of this size is quite remarkable.
And in a year where transition dominated so much of our work, I’m impressed by the successes that occurred this year, those that represent both renewal and transformation for CAMP Rehoboth.
When I reflect on the highlights of 2019, it’s ironic that my personal high and low points occurred in a span of just 13 days.
On October 7, after an extensive nine-month search process that saw the Search Committee spend nearly 100 hours in three rounds of interviews, it was exciting to see CAMP Rehoboth’s new Executive Director, David Mariner, begin his employment here.
Executive leadership transitions are challenging for any non-profit, but when this involves its founders, those challenges are even greater. I’m extremely proud of the collective efforts made by the Board, and by the Search and Transition Committees, in bringing that day to fruition. I extend my sincere thanks to all of you involved.
Then came October 20 and the Block Party. For the last four years, it had been one of my most favorite days of the year. Ironically, I wrote about the risk of rolling the dice with Mother Nature by chairing outdoor CAMP Rehoboth fundraisers in an earlier issue of Letters. This year she won!
The gale force winds of a nor’easter passing just miles offshore proved to be too risky to the many who would have attended or participated, so the unfortunate decision to cancel had to be made. It simply was the right thing to do but as my husband would tell you, I was a very unhappy camper!
Beyond those notables, 2019 also saw the board work with DANA (Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement) to analyze our committee structure; as a result we established a Governance Committee, now chaired by Board Secretary Glen Pruitt.
With a primary focus on compliance, this new committee was tasked with ensuring the organization conforms to its bylaws and that it considers opportunities to strengthen the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors’ processes.
Emerging from the strategic planning initiative undertaken in the second half of 2018, feedback provided by over 400 individuals also led the committee to research and develop a term limits procedure. The procedure has been approved by the Board and will be added to its bylaws, effective in 2020.
At this critical juncture in the history of CAMP Rehoboth, there is important work on the horizon but by working together I am confident the organization will continue to thrive. Our founders taught us well. Thank you, Murray and Steve.
Looking forward to 2020, CAMP Rehoboth will reach its 30th anniversary. Another milestone to celebrate! Stay tuned and Happy Holidays to all. ▼
Chris Beagle is President of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and is a realtor at Berkshire-Hathaway-Gallo Realty in Rehoboth Beach.