By Craig Anderson

HOUSTON — On a property rich in history, catching up to modern times is important, as well.

With financial help from the state, G&R Campground owners Yolanda and Leonard Young seek to do just that.

The husband-and-wife pair with four children just received $50,000 as part of a Delaware Division of Small Business grant program, and their plans are made.

The Youngs will upgrade the ceilings and floors in their site’s 10,000-square-foot activity hall, plus add Wi-Fi and other upgrades.

“It’s a little bit dated, so we’re looking to bring it up to a standard where people can have weddings, banquets, conferences and other events,” Mr. Young said.

The recent financing came via the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion competition. The program debuted in 2019, and 100 First State small businesses have received $6.51 million since.

Mr. Young said he and his wife are “definitely grateful to the Division of Small Business” for the award and lauded the effort of its representative Anastasia Jackson for her guidance through the process.

The Youngs have a high standard to uphold, they said, since G&R Campground is the longest-running Black-owned business of its kind in the nation.

The couple bought the property in March 2023, from Norman Dempster, who had owned it since 1994. Prior to that, the land belonged to the Fountain family for decades and included a Black-owned social club for veterans.

“We heard from a friend that the property was up for sale but weren’t very familiar with campgrounds,” Mr. Young said. “But we came down and took a look at this, and I think our eyes just opened up wide. We saw this was a great opportunity, a great chance to continue a legacy here.”

And what have they learned since taking over?

“It’s not just about managing the property; it’s managing the people,” Mr. Young said. “Everybody here has a different personality — some good and some not so good. But, as owners, we have to treat everyone with respect and provide them with hospitality.”

The Youngs employ seven staffers to manage the campground.

On Saturday, the site will host the 46th annual June Jam music festival, estimated to attract up to 4,000 visitors or so. Annually, the establishment draws about 11,000 individuals, Ms. Young said.

In its announcement of the EDGE grant winners May 23, the Division of Small Business described G&R Campground as “the oldest Black-owned campground and RV park in the United States. The owners have self-funded the campground since its acquisition, making significant improvements to attract a younger demographic of campers and expand their business.”

The release added, “The general store, solar panels, hammocks, park, outdoor games, and garden have all been updated to enhance the overall experience for visitors. G&R will use the EDGE grant funding to renovate the activity hall, aligning with its mission to enhance visitor experiences and promote eco-conscious celebrations that support local businesses.”

G&R is at 4075 Gun and Rod Club Road. For information, visit gandrcampground.com or Facebook, or call 302-398-8108.

Among the other grant winners in Sussex and Kent counties were Willow Counseling Services of Dover, Beachin Bash of Rehoboth Beach and Coastal Key Lime Pie of Seaford.

The next round of applications for the funding begins Aug. 1. Learn more at business.delaware.gov/edge.