The next time you are at Warm Beach Camp you will likely notice some changes. We’ve been busy this summer. Amongst the numerous projects is one that quietly wrapped up on a sunny afternoon in September. Staff members convened on the north side of Cedar Lodge to plant a garden in honor of a dearly loved and missed staff member, Jeannie Patterson.

Pat and Jeannie Patterson came to work at Warm Beach Camp in 1987. Jeannie served the Lord in many roles at the Camp for over 25 years; amongst them was the founding Director of The Lights of Christmas, now a regionally acclaimed holiday event attended by thousands each year. In 2022, Jeannie went home to be with the Lord after a cancer diagnosis just a year prior. There were many things Jeannie loved. Among them were her love for the Lord, gardening, and doing things “with” others.

In true Jeannie fashion, if a little bit was good, more was much better, and gardening was no exception. Over the years, the Patterson’s yard transformed into a serene sanctuary of colorful flowers and shrubs, each lovingly placed and tended to by Jeannie. She also volunteered to help with landscaping and beautification projects at Warm Beach Camp.

Jeannie loved working with people to accomplish big things. She was a “spark plug” who brought energy and positivity to every setting she was in. Jeannie was a natural leader who led by going first and bringing others with her. She excelled at creating opportunities for others to get involved so that they could do great things together. So, it only seemed fitting that those who loved Jeannie came together to honor her memory and create a beautiful place for everyone who comes to Warm Beach Camp to meet with God.

Emblazoned across the back of one of the benches that now occupies Jeannie’s memorial garden is the verse, “The Lord will take delight in you, and in his love, he will give you new life.” Zephaniah 3:17. Jeannie’s garden is a reminder to all that we are loved now and forever by an almighty God.