These Golfers are “FORE!” CAMP Rehoboth
As we continue with our fun exploration of Who's That? That's CAMP, I’m taking a look at those who make up our dynamic community supporters, donors, and participants—here’s a visit with the CAMP Rehoboth Women's Golf League.
A decrease in numbers is usually considered a VERY good thing in golf scores, and of course, in the case of the 2020 global COVID crisis, lowering numbers of those affected is certainly a positive.
This year, however, the pandemic did cause a slight drop in the number of women golfers who were comfortable taking part in the annual CAMP Rehoboth League. But, from what we could tell at the league’s season-ending tournament on Thursday, September 24, it hardly dampened any spirits of those taking to the links at American Classic Golf Course.
In fact, there was a mushy, fun softness afloat, you could say with certainty. Wait, like a marshmallow softness? YES! In fact, giant marshmallows literally peppered one hole, as a group of the league golfers took to the tee box.
Such was one of the many amusing tournament challenges set up by the league’s newest leader, Jo Picone. The first ball off the tee at the eighth hole of the scramble-style tournament had to be using a giant marshmallow instead of a golf ball.
Deb Bievenour, a long-time CAMP Rehoboth supporter and member of the league said “When I got to the challenge tee, I didn’t quite know what to make of the golf bucket full of enormous marshmallows. I thought ‘Are we roasting marshmallows at this hole?’ But it was truly amusing trying to balance a marshmallow on a tee, much less hit it more than a few dozen feet.”
Team leader Jo said, "Running the league in the face of a pandemic posed an unusual challenge for me, along with my co-organizer, Lana Warfield. With the help of CAMP Rehoboth staff, along with Austin from American Classic Golf Course, we were able to find a way for us to keep everyone safe and still enjoy the game we love. Even after a false start to the season, we managed to have 61 members, and most weeks we had a full field of players. It was a different kind of season and a different kind of final tournament, but it all went well and was a smashing success. I look forward to next year and hope COVID takes a back seat instead of being the star of the show."
Due to close physical contact, most sports had to be immediately shut down last March. However, golf is one of the few that COVID didn’t impact for as long a time, because ultimately, keeping at a distance from other golfers is completely possible without interrupting the flow or pace of play.
Also, observing the many women of varying ages in the CAMP Rehoboth Golf League enjoying their final round of play for the season, you could feel a real sisterhood despite the social distancing required. And much to my delight, as a development director, I found almost all of the golfers are also long-time CAMP Rehoboth members, with some even in the CAMP Rehoboth Founders Circle. That alone shows not only a generosity of spirit but a real commitment these women share in the mission and programming of CAMP Rehoboth.
These dedicated (to golf) gals play on Thursday nights, usually throughout late spring and into late summer. The dues they pay each season not only get them a spot in the popular league and a small golf-related gift, but the satisfaction that a portion of their league fees are donated to help support CAMP Rehoboth’s many health, wellness and advocacy Programs.
Long time organizers of CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Golf League, Evie Simmons and Barb Thompson, both said they were excited to have run the league for 12 years, while it was held at Marsh Island Golf Course.
“The first year we played in a league, we only had about 12 golfers, says Barb. “Bringing the league to CAMP Rehoboth and being able to advertise it in Letters made all the difference. That first year when we ran the league for CAMP Rehoboth, we had over 50 golfers at Marsh Island. By the time we retired from running the league we had grown it to over 80 players. It was a great way for people, many who were new to the area, to meet others. The camaraderie, the new and now long-running friendships which formed, combined with outdoor exercise, was and still is a great health benefit for the heart, body, mind, and spirit.”
The season-ending lowest-score tournament winners were: Tama Viola, Lisa Balestrini Faber, Lisa Mosley, and Robin Esham. CAMP Rehoboth member Tama Viola, on a winning foursome, said, “I love playing in the CAMP Rehoboth Golf League because I get to meet new people and play alongside some very wonderful women. The fact that it is with and in support of CAMP Rehoboth is rewarding in itself. I didn’t want the season to end. And OMG, it’s just so much fun!”
Congrats to all the players. See you in the Spring.
CAMP Rehoboth Development Director Anita Broccolino oversees and advances CAMP Rehoboth's development and communications efforts, while helping increase awareness in the community about the programs and activities CAMP Rehoboth offers. If you would like to learn more about CAMP Rehoboth, become a member, or meet with Anita to discuss a Legacy or Planned Giving gift, please call: 302-227-5620 or email: anita@camprehoboth.com