May 17, 2013

Becky and Tom Craft: Teaming Up!

The Craft’s reside in Slaughter Beach, near Milford, and are parents to two daughters, Christine Crouch (Trent) and Brenda Ensley (Curtis). They are also the grandparents of four (Jessica, Caleb, Morgan and Dylan) and great grandparents to five (Olivia, Abigail, Lillian, John Jr. and Daniel),

Self-professed foodies, Tom is known among friends as quite a cook and baker having created several amazing wedding and birthday cakes in his years. Becky calls herself a “hobbyist photographer” but noted that she hasn’t had much time to pick up her camera since starting her doctoral studies. Even so, “my camera is where I find my happy place.”

When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP and what events/activities have you been involved with since?

Wow, I had to think on this one. I (Becky) met Steve and Murray when we all served on the Board of Directors of the Sussex County AIDS Committee. As a result of that relationship, I starting volunteering primarily at community events like Sundance and other fund and friend-raising events and that involvement grew when CAMP moved into their current space. Although it’s been awhile, I started volunteering in the office on weekends. Tom came along a bit later when he started delivering Letters from CAMP Rehoboth about 10 years ago.

What’s your best memory volunteering here?

There are so many, but overall, the best memory was being in the office as a volunteer, on the day that Governor Markell signed the non-discrimination law four years ago. The sense of pride, enthusiasm, and happiness in that room, on that day, was just overwhelming. It’s that sense of community that makes this organization amazing. 

What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?

Family. Acceptance. Appreciation for the whole of the community. Both of us are more comfortable being in the background, yet regardless of your role here, you’re part of the CAMP Rehoboth family.

First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”

Great restaurants!

What’s your favorite thing to do in the off season?

On one of our first dates (33 years ago), Tom and I drove down to Rehoboth for pizza and then took a walk on the boardwalk. It started to rain but it was such a gentle rain that it felt good. We still do that, but now the off-season isn’t as off as it used to be.

Fast forward or rewind? If you could go ahead in time or back, which would you pick and why?

Both of us agree that we would like to rewind, because times were slower, easier, and less stressed. 

Lost! If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you (other than food and water)?

Tom would want a fishing pole, that’s about it. 

Early bird or night owl? Why?

Tom is an early bird (the dogs really like 5 a.m.) and I am a night owl (quiet time to study and write), somehow it works.

You’ve just won the lottery. What’s the first thing you’d do with your winnings?

We both agree it would be to tear down our existing home and build another on the same spot. We live on the Delaware Bay and the view is to die for. 

Favorite part of a wedding?

The cake! Tom wants me to clarify that it isn’t necessarily making the cake, but Becky wanting to help design and then eat the cake!

Pet peeve(s)?

Slow drivers in the passing lane, especially on Friday nights when people are trying to get to the beach and we are trying to get home.

What was your last New Year’s Resolution and how long did it last?

Tom doesn’t make them and the only one I make is the typical weight loss resolution that everyone knows never lasts.

One favorite food?

How do you pick just one? It isn’t so much one food for us as much as it is eating something out and then trying to make it at home. It is the experience of trying new things and then creating. 

One food you’d never eat?

Mushrooms, allergic!

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

It will sound hokey but the truth is we love where we live. While the name isn’t the most beautiful (Slaughter Beach), the place is wonderful—the wildlife, the view, the proximity to family. We are both from this area and really appreciate it for what it is.

What are you most thankful for?

Each other, our family, the opportunities we’ve been provided and the friends we’ve made. There is nothing better than the love and strength found in family.

Becky and Tom, we are very grateful for all of your contributions here at CAMP Rehoboth. You personify the diversity and breadth of what helps make us such a unique and wonderful organization with “room for all.”

Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.