I first came to Camp Pecometh with Dr. James Hardcastle in 1980 for the annual United Methodist Men’s Retreat. I haven’t missed a UMM Retreat since.
I can remember at that first retreat we were having a sunrise devotion on the pier. Joe Sipos blew the horn to call us all there. As I was walking to the pier, the stars were still out. I could see the constellation Orion clearly. It was amazing. That evening I sat on the pier and took a picture of the sunset.
I had known the area, but had never been to Pecometh before 1980. I grew up in Philadelphia and spent every summer at my grandparents’ farm on the Eastern Shore. Every year, as soon as school ended, I would ride the Red Star bus from Philadelphia down through Chestertown and Church Hill. So I knew the Eastern Shore was a beautiful place, but Pecometh stands out by itself.
The men’s retreat got me involved in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference UMM. I eventually became UMM Secretary and have served in that position ever since. I still handle the registration for the UMM Retreat. This year will be the 56th Annual event. I’ve enjoyed meeting men from around the conference every year – men I’ve looked up to and admired.
I’ve been on the Pecometh Board of Directors for several years now and at every meeting we recite our vision statement, which includes the part about “our unique Eastern Shore setting.”* It is unique. The pier, the outdoor chapel, the beach – there’s nothing like it.
The Pen-Del United Methodist Men’s retreat is still going strong! This year’s event kicks off tomorrow morning.
We know that Camps and Retreats aren’t just one-time experiences – there are so many people for whom one visit was just the beginning of a whole lifetime of memories made at Pecometh! This fall we are featuring a few members of the Pecometh family, who have shared their Pecometh story with us. How many years has it been since your first Pecometh experience? Post a photo and let us hear your story!
*Our Vision is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through Christ-centered peace and play in our unique Eastern Shore setting.