CAMP Rehoboth founder Steve Elkins dies

Steve Elkins, co-founder and guiding force behind CAMP Rehoboth in Rehoboth Beach, died March 15.

Elkins had been battling lymphoma since last fall.

In a Facebook post, CAMP Rehoboth acknowledged Elkins’ 25 years as CAMP Rehoboth’s executive director. 

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his husband, Murray Archibald, and their family. Steve’s passing is a tremendous loss to them, to CAMP Rehoboth, and to the entire community,” the organization posted.

Elkins had recently stepped down as executive director, replaced on an interim basis by Archibald. Chris Beagle, a longtime member of the CAMP Rehoboth board, was appointed president. 

In what was his final column for CAMP’s newsletter, Letters From CAMP Rehoboth, Elkins said, “It is no secret that I have been fighting a very aggressive form of lymphoma since last summer. After a devastatingly difficult winter, I have made the decision to take a medical leave of absence from my role as executive director of CAMP Rehoboth and Editor of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth while my treatment continues. Fortunately, Murray and I have worked side-by-side for years, and he knows my job almost as well as I do. He has resigned from his long time role as President of the Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth in order to become Interim Executive Director and Editor in my stead. Vice President Chris Beagle, is now president of the Board of Directors, and Leslie Sinclair has been elected Vice President in his place.”

“For myself, I will continue to find hope in every positive step that could possibly lead to recovery. For CAMP Rehoboth, I fully expect the year ahead to be a successful one and that there will be much to look forward to in it. From the extraordinary undertaking that is the CAMP Rehoboth Women's FEST—and don't underestimate me, I fully intend to be well enough not to miss Janis Ian's headlining performance during that event—to Sundance (returning home to downtown Rehoboth Beach this year), and the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party in October. Concerts, plays, workshops, Tai Chi, Silver Pride, support groups, and  line dancing are just a few of the activities on the CAMP calendar. This is a busy place, and we are grateful to everyone who pitches in to make the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center the ‘heart of the community,’" he said.