CAMP Rehoboth’s Block Party celebration makes big return after 3-year hiatus

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- After 3 years, CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Block Party celebration made its highly anticipated return and brought out residents and visitors of all ages for an afternoon of fun.

“It was hard. We had 4 years under our belts and it was becoming very successful. Then rain so we had to cancel, then COVID, and bad weather again. We’re so thrilled to be able to gather together again,” Block Party Co-Chair Chris Beagle said.

“It truly represents the broadest interpretation of what CAMP Rehoboth means which is room for all.”

The free event included food from local shops, live entertainment, and nearly 100 vendors.

It stands as the non-profit’s biggest outreach effort of the year. “Camp Rehoboth has been an anchor for the LGBTQ+ community but also for the broader community as a resource. We provide counseling services and testing services not only here in Rehoboth but at satellite facilities across the county,” Beagle said.

As CAMP Rehoboth continues to grow their footprint, Health & Wellness Coordinator Amber Lee says they aren’t doing it alone as they work closely with community partners. “We also provide family support and link up with great organizations like PTK which is Parents of Transgender Kids or PFLAG,” Lee said.

“We offer youth support because now our youth are coming out at younger ages and they’re not quite sure where they fit so they need that support.”

CAMP Rehoboth’s goal is to create more spaces that feel safe for all and those we spoke say Sunday’s big turnout proved just that. “Part of our mission is to be the heart of the community. So, it’s why we work so hard to put on events like this so we can keep providing these services to the community,” Beagle said.

CAMP Rehoboth has also expanded its services as they recently hosted monkey pox and flu vaccine clinics.

They also provide free HIV-testing and other services daily.

To find more about CAMP Rehoboth, click here