After growing up in the state of Illinois, Patrick first connected with Camp Ozark in the fall of 2002 as a college freshman. With the exception of a two-year sabbatical to finish graduate school, Patrick has worked at Camp Ozark every session of every summer since then. During his time as a member of the Summer Staff, Patrick served in several different roles:  youngest guys’ counselor, oldest guys’ counselor, Head Counselor, Top Staff, and (perhaps most importantly) a 3-time Osage Chief.  While spending each of his college summers at Camp Ozark, Patrick triple-majored as an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University. He then studied theology in graduate school for five years, earning masters degrees at Duke University and Harvard University along the way.

In the midst of all this, Patrick joined the Camp Ozark Permanent Staff in 2009. He now serves as the Ministry Resources Director for both Camp Ozark and The Camp Ozark Foundation. In this role, Patrick creates spiritual development curriculum and helps the Torn family lead the ministry initiatives of Camp Ozark, Ozone Ministries, Ozark for All, and the Ozark Leadership Institute. Additionally, as a member of Camp Ozark’s executive leadership team, Patrick also helps oversee such things as personnel, the daily camp program, and the older camper experience.

Patrick met his wife, Katie, at Camp Ozark during the summer of 2007. They were married in 2010 and welcomed their son, Bhrett, in 2012. Patrick and Katie both work full-time for Camp Ozark and love serving the Camp Ozark mission together! Some of Patrick’s favorite things about contributing to the Camp Ozark family include helping teenagers think through important faith questions, training and supporting Summer Staff members as they execute Camp Ozark’s mission, witnessing the life transformation that happens among young people at Camp Ozark, and talking to parents across the country about the Incomparable Camp Ozark experience!

Beyond work, Patrick is a passionate sports fan, particularly regarding Duke basketball and Dallas Cowboys football.  He loves watching sports with his family, coaching Bhrett’s soccer and basketball teams, eating out at his and Katie’s favorite restaurants, and going to the movie theater for big-budget action movies.