Rehoboth loses a positive spirit

The greater Rehoboth Beach community lost a powerful voice recently with the passing of Steve Elkins. The co-founder and longtime officer of CAMP (Create A More Positive) Rehoboth presented a determined, gentle, persistent, pioneering and articulate persona. With it, along with the help of thousands of supporters and volunteers, he added a 21st century dimension to the lofty "room for all" biblical translation of his adopted hometown's name.

After vacationing in the resort for years, Elkins and his partner, Murray Archibald, moved to Rehoboth Beach in the late 1980s. The AIDs epidemic was raging. Elkins struggled with the deaths of friends who fell victim to the disease. There was overt antagonism in the town toward an influx of gay and lesbian people, and several arsons at gay-friendly restaurant/bars were thought to be perpetrated both against and within the gay community. Elkins could not ignore the urge he felt to get involved in some positive way to improve the situation.

Motivated by a message of inclusivity, Elkins waded in to harness the strength of the growing gay and lesbian community to create a positive force to help those who were suffering, and to advocate for greater social and legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Police sensitivity training for which he advocated also improved the city's atmosphere.

Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, edited by Elkins from its inception, provided a public voice and face for the area's gay and lesbian culture, and the issues it confronted and addressed.

CAMP Rehoboth's offices added to the vibrancy of Baltimore Avenue.

The eventual construction of its community center provided a welcoming and inclusive venue for receptions, forums, exhibits and concerts. When Delaware's General Assembly legalized same-sex civil unions in 2011, Gov. Jack Markell signed the legislation at the center.

Elkins' bright and effective spirit made the greater Rehoboth Beach area a better place.