Beloved friend, mentor, and former camp director, Gracie Kirkpatrick passed away in her sleep on Monday, November 4, 2024. Gracie began her work at Camp Alkulana in 1966, as a swim instructor, and later, program director. 
In 1978, Gracie became the Camp Director and provided leadership for the camp for the next thirty years. Gracie considered Camp Alkulana “a very definite calling” in her life, and said her purpose was “to help children to know that they are loved—by us, and even more so by God—and that they don’t have to be anything other than who they are to be loved.” She sought to create “a slice of heaven” for children and staff within the camp community, and ended up finding her chosen family there too.
Gracie’s dedication and leadership left a clear mark on Camp Alkulana and on the missions work of the Richmond Baptist Association. She worked closely with local churches, including WMU groups, to cultivate a strong sense of shared purpose in serving families in the Richmond area through the camp and community centers. She brought together churches and camp alums to lovingly tend to the camp’s historic buildings and grounds and raise funds to continue Camp Alkulana’s work. 
During her tenure she also served on staff at the Hillside Baptist Center and the Oregon Hill Baptist Center.
One of Gracie’s life mottos was to “Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.” Her main thing was relationships–genuine, loyal, and affirming relationships. For her, God’s love is something that we live out with one another, and showing kindness is the highest virtue we can practice. Gracie’s contagious smile reminds us that we are never alone and her joy assures us that we can overcome even the most challenging times.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 1:00 PM at Broadus Memorial Baptist Church, 5351 Pole Green Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.
A video of the service is now available below: