CAMP Rehoboth

CAMP Rehoboth is Delaware's premier LGBTQ+ community center, serving residents, seasonal workers, and visitors across coastal Sussex County. Established in 1991, the center originated with the mission to Create A More Positive environment in Rehoboth Beach by building goodwill between the resort town's thriving gay community and local civic institutions. Today, the organization's central campus on Baltimore Avenue serves as an essential hub for civil rights advocacy, preventive healthcare, creative expression, and community fellowship.

Health and wellness programming provides accessible, compassionate care for community members throughout southern Delaware. In partnership with public health agencies and local medical systems, CAMP Rehoboth offers free rapid HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection screenings, distribution of harm reduction supplies, and seasonal vaccination clinics. Licensed counselors provide individual therapy and mental health support, while volunteer facilitators lead peer support groups for transgender individuals, grieving partners, men living with chronic conditions, and LGBTQ+ military veterans. These health services reduce stigma and ensure that rural and coastal residents have direct access to affirming, culturally competent care.

The Youth Empowerment Program delivers specialized support for LGBTQ+ adolescents and their families. Young people participate in guided workshops, leadership training sessions, and supervised social gatherings that cultivate self-confidence and peer connections. Concurrent family support meetings offer parents practical resources and peer encouragement as they guide their children through identity development and school-based challenges, creating affirming networks for families across Sussex County who might otherwise feel isolated from community support.

Cultural and artistic programming enriches community life throughout the calendar year. The center's community gallery showcases changing exhibitions of paintings, photography, and mixed media by local and regional artists. The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus brings together singers of all backgrounds to perform choral concerts that celebrate inclusivity. The organization also publishes Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, a full-color community publication distributed throughout coastal Delaware featuring local arts coverage, human interest stories, and community news.

Signature gatherings sponsored by CAMP Rehoboth draw thousands of participants to downtown Rehoboth Beach, strengthening local commerce and civic pride. Key celebrations include Women's Fest, one of the nation's largest gatherings of LGBTQ+ women; SunFestival, a multi-day arts and music benefit; and the annual Baltimore Avenue Block Party. Through continuous service delivery, health advocacy, and community leadership, CAMP Rehoboth remains a vital center of belonging for all people across the Delmarva Peninsula.

Beyond its cultural and social offerings, CAMP Rehoboth serves as a regional hub for civic advocacy and coalition work. Staff members and volunteer leaders partner with municipal officials, local business chambers, and statewide equality organizations to uphold nondiscrimination protections and promote welcoming policies across southern Delaware. The center also provides meeting space for local community groups, Twelve Step recovery fellowships, and civic clubs. By combining comprehensive health services, creative expression, and open community dialogue, CAMP Rehoboth fosters an enduring spirit of cooperation and mutual respect for all individuals across coastal Delaware.