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Over Easter weekend, I heard the news that a beloved Camp Mardela friend and supported passed on - Clyde Nafzinger. I never personally had the honor of knowing him, but I was able to speak with him a little bit through email last year when we were talking about improving the RV sites. He sent me a letter about the history of his involvement in creating the RV camping area, and I was moved to see his deep connection and desire to see camp succeed and be a blessing to others. Here is an excerpt from that letter:
Camp Mardela has been a part of me for many years.... I became interested in the camping/RV sites at camp after I had been RVing for many years. I felt it would something that would help camp financially if the RV sites were brought up to todays needs. The daily charge would benefit camp. I made a proposal to the camp board to upgrade the ten sights to 20 amp service electric, improved rest rooms, and improvements to the individual sites to accommodate larger vehicles. The Board accepted my offer. After many hours of work and a sum of money the sites were ready for use. I designed and gave to the camp administrator a paper showing the sites of the area, printed rules and regulations for use of the sites. Brought the camping club I belonged to help with the sites. We found it was ideal for families to experience Gods world and provide time for meditation. I believed there were Christian families in the churches of the western shore that could benefit this setting, as well as put them closer to the beaches for a day out.
My hope was that the facility would be promoted to the churches as a place to enjoy God’s world, and provide some financial support for camp. My camping club friends always picked Mardela as the preferred campground. They assisted by helping install the electric service, painted the restrooms, built the small pavilion, built the picnic table at the site. I painted and installed the signs pointing to the RV sites, as well as other signs. Camp Mardela provided the campground that did not have a hundred other RVs with [lots of] noise. A perfect location for rest and meditation. - Clyde Nafzinger
He went on to share how he was no longer able to help with the maintenance and repair of the RV sites, but wished camp luck in making any improvements and promoting the use of these sites that he and his camping club worked so hard to make available to people to be able to retreat in the peaceful setting that Camp Mardela provides.
The Nafzinger family has asked that in lieu of flowers, to give donations to Camp Mardela, and in Clyde's honor, we would like to use any funds given in his memory towards keeping his memory and legacy alive by supporting this camp that he spent so much time and effort building for camp, to bring peace and rest for many years to come.
If you are interested in attending Clyde's memorial service, the information is below:
Richardson Park United Methodist Church
11 N Maryland Ave.
Wilmington, DE 19804
Saturday, April 30th
Viewing: 10 AM
Service: 11 AM
Luncheon: Noon
If you would like to send cards, Carolyn's address is:
24 Main Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19804
https://memorials.nicholsgilmore.com/clyde-nafzinger/4910549/index.php