Barb Gathman Retires After 40 Years
A study done in the 1990s found that the average person might change jobs or even careers 6-8 times in his or her lifetime. Changes might come from wanting more money or seeking a greater challenge. Our Housekeeping Supervisor Barb Gathman apparently didn’t read that study.
Barb has served loyally, through the easy and hard times, taking ownership of her position with a sense of detail and urgency. She's always been on top of her duties, putting loads of thought and effort into planning and doing changeovers and daily cleaning. Every clean room, fresh towel, and neatly made bed is an act of service and respect to each of the thousands of guests that come "home away from home" to build a relationship with Jesus Christ each year.
After 40 years (half of the conference's existence to date!), Barb has retired from her position. Imagine this: 350 or so teenagers arrive for a week of camp. They’re fed spiritually, have a great time in fellowship, and meet new friends. Then they go home. Now there are 350 beds to change, rooms to be cleaned, and common areas to be spruced up and ready for the next group. Imagine you’ve done this for 40 years!
How can we ever thank Barb for her dedication? How can we thank her for training, encouraging, and watching over hundreds of summer staff and year-round helpers? For a luncheon in her honor on December 3, 2021, many former staff members sent Barb notes and messages thanking her for the influence she had on their lives. It wasn’t just about making hospital corners on beds; it was about working as a team and bringing glory to God as they worked. Barb says she wants to come back to Harvey Cedars for towel exchanges during family weeks so she can see the friends she’s made among guests and the alumni she’s worked with for four decades.
Over the years, hundreds of staffers and families have gotten to know and work with Barb. The stories of learning, growth, and fun tell us she's positively impacted them in various ways, having a lot to look up to and shaping attention to detail and work ethic.
We're thankful for the lives that have been changed through the housekeeping department’s work and excited to see the ways God uses these next steps. As a Phillies baseball fan, Barb will now have more time to see them play!
Thank you for a job well-done, Barb. We will miss you!