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BY MELISSA LAUBER
UMCONNECTION STAFF

If God had a backyard, it would probably resemble Camp Harmison in the mountains of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. That's what Keith Puffenberger, the camp's new caretaker, is discovering.

Puffenberger, who recently began his duties as caretaker, marvels that more United Methodists don't know about the camp. 'It seems to be a well-kept secret,' he said.

He attributes this to the camp's remoteness. It is rustic, he admits. 'That's part of its charm.'

Puffenberger

Puffenberger, who labors as a truck driver three days a week, is a little surprised to find himself in this role as caretaker. But even a year ago, when his neighbor, Lynn Frum of Berkeley-Morgan Charge, held the job, he found himself suggesting ways to improve the facility.

Today, he and his wife, son and nephew work on the property every opportunity they get. The son and nephew are working on clearing trails.

Puffenberger envisions a time when the camp is bursting with activity. He sees the place as a setting where people can connect with God in any number of ways.

'This place is as outdoorsy as you can get,' he said. 'God created the earth, the outdoors. It's beautiful ? well maybe not when it's muggy.' His predecessor, the Rev. Wayne Frum, used to receive the messages for his sermon when he was riding the mower in the meadow. 'If any pastors want a message, they're welcome to come help me mow,' Puffenberger said.

While he jokes, Puffenberger is also eager for volunteers to become involved in ministry at Harmison. He realized 'a one-man band' can't do the property justice. Currently, a picnic table project, in which at least six tables are being constructed, is underway. He is seeking work teams, youth groups, United Methodist Men or anyone else who would like to lend a hand in the upkeep of the facilities and grounds.

In the near future he envisions hosting workdays that draw large groups to labor together in an atmosphere of fun.

Currently, he is gearing up for the summer months, a time when campers float down Sleepy Creek in inner tubes and the Girl Scouts hold three large events.

In July, Camp Joy will draw youth to the camp, which will be used as a headquarters for mission projects that will be done in the region. Those wanting more information can call Hancock UMC at (301) 687-6440.

The Challenge, a weeklong high-adventure camp for youth in grades 6-8 and 9-12, will be held at Harmison. The activities will include canoeing on the Cacapon or Potomac rivers, caving, rappelling, hiking and white water rafting. Information about this experience can be obtained from the Baltimore-Washington Conference Retreat and Camping Office at (800) 922-6795.

On Aug. 27, Harmison hosts the Sleepy Creek Awakening, an old-fashioned camp meeting in the Methodist tradition that includes a day of activities for families and groups, with a potluck dinner at the end of the day and a worship service in the afternoon with lots of music.

It is the retreat and meeting opportunities that Puffenberger wants to build upon. The cost of renting the retreat house for a night is $20 per person. The pavilions range from $10 to $20 per night. Day meetings in the retreat lodge are $50 a day and the pavilions rent out for $30 to $90 a day, based on the size of the group.

Reservations can be made by calling the conference retreat and camping office at (800) 922-6795.

More specific information can be found at the conference Web site at www.bwcumc.org/camping/harmison_retreat.html.