Staff Profile: Jace “Papa” Hardy

Ever wondered, “Self, who takes care of the boats at Pine Cove when camp’s not in session?” Meet Jace “Papa” Hardy! From sailing on a banana boat to fixing broken parts, Jace handles everything in (and out!) of the water for our Southeast region. Cruise through his interview to learn how he got his camp name, how he balances work and faith, and why being present in the moment matters so much to him. Plus, hear how he’s always ready to dive in (literally) when camp calls!

What is your job, and how did you get to Pine Cove?

I am the Waterfront Manager for our Southeast camps. During the summer, I oversee all things boat-related—both the boats themselves and the staff who drive them. In the off-season, my role shifts more toward maintenance tech, though I do a bit of both year-round. I first heard about Pine Cove while living in Texas. My sister had worked here, and some friends encouraged me to apply. At first, I wasn’t too interested. I was working full time and didn’t want to leave my job for three months to go work at a summer camp. But the Lord kind of nudged me, like, “Hey, you know what? Go for it.” It was honestly a crazy situation that led me here, but I’m so glad it happened. I ended up working summer staff in 2023 as both a counselor and a boat driver. After that, they asked me to stay on as a maintenance tech for the Southeast region, and later I stepped into the role of Waterfront Manager.

How did you get your camp name?

My full camp name is “Purple Papa Plumber.” They asked my favorite color, which I told them was purple. They then asked me who I look up to, and I said my grandfather, who I call Papa. They also mentioned I kind of act like a grandpa, so “Papa” fits even more. And “Plumber” comes from the fact that that’s what I’ve been doing since I was 16. So, “Purple Papa Plumber” just made sense.

What does a day in the life of a waterfront manager look like?

Man, it’s a little bit of everything. I’m all over the place. No day is ever the same, and that’s what I love about it. During the summer, I’m constantly running to the docks, making sure the boats are running smoothly. Outside of that, I’m handling work orders, tackling projects, taking care of the pools, really just whatever needs to get done. It’s always a bunch of random stuff, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is definitely getting to hang out with the boat drivers. Specifically, I love once a week during the summer when we do their Bible study time for the week. Getting to talk with them and getting to know them is often one of the highlights of my week. That is definitely my favorite part of the job for sure.

Do you have a favorite waterfront activity or camper moment?

There are a lot of moments that come to mind, but one that really stands out is from when I was a counselor a couple summers ago. I was lifeguarding at the lake, usually running the paddleboards and kayaks. One day I was out there with a group of girls, and it started lightly raining on us. Luckily it was not a storm, just a calm, steady rain. So we stayed out.

I ended up leading a yoga class on the paddleboards, and we were all just having fun. People were falling in, trying to do headstands, laughing—it was a blast. Everyone was so bought in, just fully present and loving it. The rain coming down, floating on paddleboards, campers smiling. It was such a simple but special moment. One of those times where you think, “Yeah, this is why I love doing this.”

Do you have any hilarious or unexpected stories from the dock?

There was one morning where it was a little chilly, and I told myself, “I’m not getting in the water today.” I was going to be driving boats all day, so I threw on some long pants and figured I’d stay dry. Well, I’m helping a group of campers get on the banana boat. I walk over to help push them out, and as I give it a shove… I just fell straight into the water. Full-on splash. Pants soaked. I definitely wasn’t planning on getting wet, but there I was, completely in the lake. The campers were just staring at me, trying to figure out if I did it on purpose. Once they realized I didn’t, they thought it was hilarious. Honestly, it was kind of perfect—I probably needed a little refresh anyway. Just not how I planned it!

Jace (third from right) with his family

How has working at Pine Cove shaped the ways you approach your faith?

Working at camp has shaped my faith in so many ways. One of the biggest lessons for me has been learning to let go of control. I’ve always been pretty independent: wanting to do things my own way, work full time, make money, and figure everything out myself. I spent a lot of time worrying about jobs and things I didn’t need to stress over. Deciding to come to Pine Cove was the first step in challenging that mindset. And through the process, the Lord kept showing me, “Hey Jace, I’ve got this. You don’t need to worry.” Going full time here was part of that journey. Over and over, God has reminded me that I’m not in control, and that’s a good thing. He’s provided in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and it’s grown my trust in Him deeply.

Who is someone at Pine Cove that’s had a big impact on your life, and what did they teach you?

There are a lot of people who come to mind, but I’d say Dennis Bentley. He’s my boss now and the Director of Facilities out here in the Southeast. He’s really shown me what it looks like to slow down and focus on what matters. Yes, the work needs to get done, but it’s more important to do it for the right reasons and to care about people along the way. Dennis is incredibly caring. He’s cared for me and for everyone around him so well. He’s been a really Christ-like example of how to lead, love others, and still work with excellence. One of the biggest things he’s taught me is how to slow down, stay focused on what’s important, and not lose sight of people in the process.

Do you have any unique hobbies or interests?

I like buying and selling dirt bikes, motorcycles, and four-wheelers. I usually buy them broken, fix them up, and sell them. Right now, I’m working on a dirt bike, and I actually just got some parts in the mail and am planning on putting it together soon. Tinkering with random projects like that is a lot of fun for me. That’s probably one of the more unique things I do, though I could probably think of more!

What is something most people don’t know about you that you think will help people to know you better? 

I really enjoy a good nature documentary. I really do. It calms you down, you learn a little bit of something. The more British the better. I really do love nature documentaries.

If you were to make a playlist full of music you’re listening to on repeat right now, what are three songs you’d have to include?

That’s actually a funny question. I listen to a lot of music, but whenever people ask me about specific songs or artists, I always forget. If you play a song, I can sing along, but if you ask me who it is, I’ll probably say, “I don’t know.” Off the top of my head right now, the artist I find myself listening to a lot is Chris Renzema. I know he’s popular, but his music is really good. I also love ’90s country. Honestly, that’s probably my go-to genre.

What is one thing the Lord has been teaching you? 

A big lesson for me lately has been learning to be where my feet are instead of trying to be in a bunch of different places at once. I’ve really tried to focus on being present in the moment. For example, with this summer coming up, I want to be fully here and not worry about what’s next in the fall. Whether it’s this interview or hanging out with friends at dinner, I want to be fully engaged in whatever situation I’m in, enjoying the people I’m with. It’s something God has really shown me, and I’m working on being better at it every day.

What are you praying for regarding this upcoming summer of ministry?

Honestly, it’s the same thing, just continuing to focus on being present. Whether I’m having a cool conversation with a camper or spending time with my boat drivers, I want to be fully there. I also try to invite the Lord into every conversation, just staying engaged in the moment. It’s all about being present.