Page 16 - 2024 March Newsletter

Page 16 Southern Pennsylvania District

Chaplain in the Park Program

A Ministry Sponsored by the District’s Nurture Commission, via the PA Council of Churches

The Local Chaplaincy Committee for the Gifford Pinchot State Park is pleased to announce the
hiring of Mr. Harry S. Davis as the Chaplain in the Park to serve at Gifford Pinchot for the 2024 Sum-
mer Camping Season.

Harry earned his B.A. Degree in Psychology from Millersville University and his M. A Counseling
Degree (Christian emphasis) from Liberty University. He ran Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs

for 31 years and retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He is currently em-
ployed as a Substitute Teacher in the Public School System. He has served as a Deacon, Elder, Bible
Study and Sunday School Teacher, Ministry leader of Celebrate Recovery, Board Member of a Chris-
tian School and as a Christian Author. Carla, his wife of 42 years is deceased. His son Benjamin

lives in Buffalo, NY and his daughter Bethany lives in Lewisberry, Pa. Harry moved to Lewisberry in
2022 from Milton, PA. He has enjoyed camping since his youth and currently still travels and camps
in his motor home with his dog, his grandson Sammy, other family members and friends. He has
filled in for his friend who is a “Chaplain in the Park” and he really enjoys ministering in a
campground setting.

The Chaplain in the Park Program started at Cowans Gap State Park in 1960, at the request of

the campers. It has expanded yearly to other state, federal, and private campgrounds, and contin-
ues to expand. Three new parks were added just in 2024! The program began at Gifford Pinchot
in 1969. A Worship Service is held each Sunday morning from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Weekends at 10 AM, in the Amphitheater in Loop B of the Campground.. A Community building
activity is held at 10 AM each Saturday, and campsite visitations are a large part of the chaplain’s

duties at the park. Volunteers to help with music, special programming, teaching children, and oth-
er activities are always MUCH appreciated!

Please contact Rosemary Firestone, Local Committee Chair, 717-307-1822, or firestone-
funfarm@gmail.com if you would like to become involved with this program in any way.