CROP’s Call Answered!
The inaugural ME Festival for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies was originally slated for Saturday, August 6, in Dover. (It now will take place Sunday, October 16.) Looking toward the original date, the CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP) and CAMP staff member Amber Lee thought it would be a great idea to purchase backpacks and school supplies to hand out to youth participating in the festival.
To start, a wish list of school backpacks and supplies was posted on Amazon and a call went out for volunteers to purchase the various items—pencils, markers, notebooks, pencil cases, erasers, scissors, and more. A team of five met on July 23 to sort the bounty, filling 18 backpacks (and eight pencil boxes) with supplies.
Thanks to all who purchased, sorted, and stuffed! And special thanks to TCC Verizon for donating many backpacks to the event.
Though the festival was rescheduled, the backpacks will be given to youth involved with I AM ME, Inc., the nonprofit hosting the ME Festival. Both the organization and—most especially!—the children/youth receiving supplies appreciate all who donated. ▼
Block Party Vendor Registration Now Open
Registration for vendor spaces at CAMP Rehoboth’s Block Party is now open. The Block Party will be held on the second block of Baltimore Avenue, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 16. Join for a day of celebration, performances, and vendors including local restaurants, caterers, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations.
A limited number of new vendor spaces are available for reservation on a first-come basis. The Block Party is a tremendous way to reach a broad and diverse group of attendees, while supporting CAMP Rehoboth.
Space and tents are limited. Payment/registration is due by September 30, 2022. Event is rain or shine. Registration fee is non-refundable after September 30. ▼
The Altern New Episode
In this episode, podcast co-host (and CAMP Rehoboth Youth Peer Leader) Julian Harbaugh is interviewed by marketing and outreach strategist Raye Maguire from Frostburg University. They discuss the “Don’t Say Gay” bills, the increase in violence toward the queer community, and the history of the current “groomer” rhetoric. It’s a great conversation, and the podcast is thrilled to be able to share it. Find The Altern on Instagram @thealternde, and listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. ▼
One More Market
CAMP Rehoboth’s Handmade Markets runs from 5:00 till 8:00 p.m. the second Friday of each month during the summer season. It wrapped up its regular season on Friday, August 12, and will offer a special market on Friday, December 9. (The perfect time and place to pick up some great holiday gifts!)
Market vendors: don’t forget to register for CAMP Rehoboth’s Block Party on Sunday, October 16! Interested in learning more or signing up for the markets? Contact matty@camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620 for more information. ▼
CAMPsafe Adds Distribution Points
CAMPsafe has two new condom distribution points: Carvel Gardens and Hollybrook, housing complexes in Laurel, Delaware. CAMPsafe thanks Betty Carmean (Carvel Gardens) and Trina Ruark (Hollybrook) for partnering with CAMPsafe. Interested in getting added to our distribution points? Contact Health & Wellness Specialist Patricia Clear at PatriciaC@camprehoboth.com. ▼