One of the perks of working at Children’s Beach House (besides having the bay in your back yard) is that every day leaves us both humbled and proud: humbled by the incredible moments of growth and transformation we witness in the lives of CBH children and families, and proud to be a part of it. Whether it’s our preschool students finding whelks on the sandbar, a second grader earning her green swim bracelet, or our high school students discovering an affinity for one of the colleges they toured on our Captains’ Voyage to Washington, DC, the reasons to celebrate feel endless. And the summer has just begun.
All of it is achievable because of you, the dedicated staff, volunteers, and financial supporters who commit to being there for our kids in whatever way they need. Your generous gifts of time, talent, and money are what make the stories in this newsletter possible. We are humbled and honored by your partnership with us.
With gratitude and pride,
Rich Garrett
Fresh Talent, Familiar Faces Among Camp Staff
A foundational principle of the Youth Development Program is long-term relationships. No one knows that better than Matthew Smith and Thomas McClain, who were YDP participants from 2013 until they graduated in 2023. They met as kids at CBH and quickly became best friends. This summer, they're back at the Beach House as AmeriCorps service members in a camp counselor capacity. The camper-to-counselor pipeline isn't usually so quick, but Matthew and Thomas are used to taking on responsibilities beyond their years. As campers, they served as role models among their peers. As counselors, they demonstrate a path to leadership for the campers who are just a few years younger, and they give the whole staff better insight into the camper experience.
At the end of their second week of camp, Matthew and Thomas sat down to reflect on their transition to staff and how they see Children's Beach House as a continuing force for good in their lives. (The following interview has been edited and condensed.)
CBH: When you reflect on your time as a camper, what do you remember about what you learned or how you grew here?
Matthew Smith: I learned teamwork and sportsmanship. CBH definitely helped shape me into the person I am. I'd say I learned about responsibility. Everybody was put on this earth to have a certain responsibility.
Thomas McClain: When I was younger, I wasn't really talkative at all. Over the years, CBH shaped me, helped me talk more quickly with people. My mom always told me, "Be a leader, not a follower." But since I wasn't the talkative type, I didn't know if I had the chance to be a leader or have that identity. Now I have that role as a counselor.
CBH: You talked about CBH shaping you. What do you mean by that?
MS: If I hadn't come to the Beach House, I would be a totally different person. In some ways, I don't think I would be happy. I certainly wouldn't be in the position I am now — helping out and giving to the community. I would feel, I think, a little bit alone. I'd be wanting friends and respect but not getting it. Here, I feel respected. I can give back and be myself while I'm at it.
TM: Before I came to the Beach House, I felt very unknown. The greatest thing about coming here was being encouraged to take a risk and talk to new people. And now Matthew and I have been best friends for 11 years!
CBH: What are the qualities that make for a great camp counselor?
MS: First, the ability to "enhappify" any given situation; my personal goal is to make you smile. Second, take responsibility, and be respectful and understanding. Talk to the campers as if they're another version of you — someone they can trust. Third, never give up on them. They need a helping hand. I know for a fact that I needed that, and I got it. And I know they're gonna get it too.
TM: Honesty. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. So do the campers. You've got to care for them individually. I want the campers today to look back and say, "I remember Counselor Tom!"
CBH Captains Conquer the Capital
Transformation often happens suddenly, sometimes out of the blue. Think of a chrysalis hanging still for weeks, seemingly inert, until it bursts in a flurry of color and action. Children and youth can grow in a similar way: One day you look at them and realize you don't recognize the young adult who is asking for, needing, deserving the freedom to stretch and test their wings. While the request might make us nostalgic for who they were or nervous of who they may become, our job as caregivers is to give them opportunities and models to mature safely, responsibly, positively.
The 2024 Captains' Voyage to Washington, DC, grew out of hearing from YDP participants and families that our teens were ready for a new challenge. After spending their childhood summers in Lewes, they wanted new experiences and opportunities. Last week, they traded the CBH low ropes course for the high ropes course at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring in Maryland. They traded the Beach House dorms for those of American University and walked the halls of Howard University, Washington College, and University of Maryland College Park. They traded the sleepy streets of Lewes for the hustle and bustle of the big city. Instead of basking on the beach, they soaked up history in the National Mall and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. These experiences, shared with each other, are the building blocks of new brain synapses and positive friendships — exactly the things that make for good and healthy growth, personally and interpersonally.
CDC Summer Session Starts with a Slash!
After a brief intersession break, the Margaret H. Rollins Child Development Center began its much anticipated summer session. Marked by beautiful long days of sun, sprinklers, and other sundry amusements, these few months are exciting and blissful, but also highly intentional.
The recently refurbished outdoor classroom is full of discovery nooks, reading benches, and even a performance stage. The playground, which sees year-round use, will soon be graced by a garden and a sculpture in memory of Geraldine Taylor Garrett, a long-time volunteer and supporter of Children's Beach House (and mother of Executive Director Rich Garrett).
And the beach is a world unto itself, one that changes by the hour, bringing ecology and biology lessons and a cornucopia of smells, textures, and furtive creatures to our young explorers!
On their weekly bike days, children have the opportunity to practice balance and face the fear of falling. Riding a bike, like swimming, is a life skill with big payoffs, and it's one of those skills that gets harder if its acquisition is delayed. Under the watchful eyes of their teachers, CDC kids learn to take healthy risks and cheer each other on. And the smiles when they finally find their balance speak for themselves!
Thank you to our FABULOUS sponsors!!
Gold Sponsors
- David White and Kathleen Jennings
Silver Sponsors
- County Bank
- Ellison M. Carey
- Fred and Marian Cottrell
- Leo and Kathy Oberto
- Karen D. Poore, ChFC
- Glenn and Darlene Regan
- Emilee Reynolds
- Jeffrey and Ida Rowe
Bronze Sponsors
- Big Fish Charitable Foundation
- Glenn and Jean Hitchens
- Wawa Foundation