We’re always up to something fun at Camp Barnabas. Keep up the with the latest through photos, videos, and our news stories.
In the News
Stories and Media Mentions
Help us share the Barnabas story! Contact our Marketing Director, Abby Smith, at abby@campbarnabas.org or 417-278-6884.
Dec 2, 2024 | Biz417
Arvest Bank Roots Its Support in Camp Barnabas
Arvest Bank fulfilled a three-year $70,000 commitment, providing funds for an accessible farm at ...
Full ArticleAug 16, 2023 | World Water Park Association
Camp Barnabas Aquatic Complex Is A Dream Come True
By Robert J. Morgan
The grand opening for the new aquatic complex at Camp Barnabas was Jun...
Full ArticleJun 18, 2023 | Words for the Day
Jesus and the $10,000,000 Smile
Discover the heartwarming story of the Morgan family, owners of Sunbelt Pools, who transformed th...
Full ArticleMay 12, 2021 | Springfield News-Leader | MO
'We Want Everyone To Be Outdoors': Camp Barnabas, A Camp for People With Special Needs, Reopens This Summer
Though a few things might look a little different, Camp Barnabas is returning this summer for its...
Full ArticleNov 20, 2020 | KOCO News | OK
Camp Barnabas Camper And Buddy Scale 14,000 FT Mountain Together
Steven Marrs and Connor Petty didn't let other's expectations hold them back! After meeting at Ca...
Full ArticleNov 7, 2020 | KY3 News | MO
Volunteer Ozarks: Camp Barnabas Glamping For Camping
Camp Barnabas is hosting Glamping for Camping, a fundraiser going digital. Director of Marketing ...
Full ArticleApr 13, 2020 | KY3 News | MO
Camp Barnabas to Close This Summer Because of Coronavirus
After 25 years of giving 90,000 campers a great experience, Camp Barnabas won't be open this summ...
Full ArticleApr 4, 2020 | The New York Times
Cozy Campfires. Capture the Flag. Coronavirus Tests?
Across the country, parents, children and counselors are wondering if a treasured summer rite can...
Full ArticleFeb 26, 2020 | KY3 News | MO
Summertime Nears: Here's How to Pick the Perfect Summer Camp for Your Kids
Summer is less than four months away. Krystal Simon, a mother of three, says now is the time to l...
Full ArticleFeb 1, 2020 | OzarksFirst News | MO
Camp Barnabas Campfire 5K Channels Inner Lumberjack
More than 400 people “channeled their flannel” and gathered for the Camp Barnabas Campfire 5K. Full Article
Oct 15, 2019 | Springfield News-Leader | MO
Camp Barnabas hosts special weekend for campers with special needs
Mother Nature delivered perfect weather this past weekend for all things fall: hayrides, bobbing ...
Full ArticleJul 28, 2019 | KY3 News | MO
Camp Barnabas celebrates 25 years of serving children with special needs
Camp Barnabas celebrated 25 years since its start Saturday. It was established to give children w...
Full ArticleMay 11, 2019 | KY3 News | MO
Camp Barnabas Branch Opens B&B in Branson
Nestled away in Branson is a branch of Camp Barnabas that's a Bed and Breakfast soon to be open f...
Full ArticleNov 30, 2018 | KY3 News | MO
Christmas Home Tours Underway this Weekend in Stone County
Tours of some of the nicest homes around Table Rock Lake are happening this weekend in Stone Coun...
Full ArticleJun 26, 2018 | KY3 News | MO
Camp Barnabas Sets Record Number For Campers This Year
A very special summer camp here in the Ozarks that gained global attention because of the TV seri...
Full ArticleJun 1, 2018 | KY3 News | MO
Springfield Little Theatre teams with Camp Barnabas for musical workshop
Camp Barnabas is a Christian-based organization that holds summer camps for young people with spe...
Full ArticleMay 19, 2018 | KY3 News | MO
Camp Barnabas Overnight At Bass Pro
Bass Pro reached out to Camp Barnabas and offered us the opportunity to invite 20 campers to an o...
Full ArticleApr 7, 2018 | KY3 News | MO
Runners Fight the Cold, Snow to Support Camp Barnabas in Springfield
Despite the freezing temperatures hundreds of runners came out to support Camp Barnabas' Big Part...
Full ArticleDec 15, 2017 | KY3 News | MO
Cole and Heidi Hamels Donate Table Rock Lake Home to Camp Barnabas
Camp Barnabas announced Friday Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi are gifting t...
Full ArticleDec 14, 2017 | KY3 News | MO
Camp For Special Needs Kids Gets Donation From Golfer Spieth
A southwest Missouri camp for children with special needs and chronic illnesses has received a do...
Full ArticleJan 6, 2015 | KY3 News | MO
Camp Barnabas to Get $40,000 From Celebrity Apprentice
For the two Springfield-based charities represented on this season of Celebrity Apprentice, Monda...
Full ArticleBlog
Barnabas Foundation Promotes Bernadette Losh as New CEO
Full StoryJul 28, 2020 |
How to Throw a Great Dance Party
At Camp Barnabas, the dance party is always the highlight of every week. Why? Dance parties are a combination of everything we love at camp: music, snacks, activities, and, most importantly, dancing! ...
Full ArticleNov 20, 2019 |
Beyond Barnabas – Life's a Trip!
Christmas and the new year are fast approaching! It’s a good time to stop and consider where God wants to take us in the coming year....
Full ArticleOct 1, 2019 |
Beyond Barnabas – Digital Devotion
When summer draws to a close, it’s easy to slip back into our routine and forget the spiritual highs we experienced at camp. Let’s not let that happen this year!...
Full ArticleJun 2, 2020 |
Camp Barnabas Creates – Summer Fun List
Summer is officially here, and we’re soaking up every minute of it. Whether it’s enjoying a popsicle or having a dance party, we want to pass on the joy to our camp family. Here are 20 ‘must-do’s’ on...
Full ArticleApr 17, 2020 |
Camp Barnabas Creates – Tangram
Looking to create today? Look no further because Camp Barnabas Creates is back with a new activity!...
Full ArticleApr 7, 2020 |
Camp Barnabas Creates: Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Camp Barnabas Creates is back with a recipe everyone can enjoy!...
Full ArticleApr 3, 2020 |
Camp Barnabas Creates: Word Search Printable
Camp Barnabas Creates has a new activity for you today!...
Full ArticleMar 26, 2020 |
Camp Barnabas Creates: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Camp Barnabas Creates is back! Today we have a Camp Song Bingo Scavenger Hunt so get you shoes on and head outside to find these items related to Camp Barnabas songs....
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
Camp Barnabas Creates: Coloring Sheet Printables
Welcome to Camp Barnabas Creates! Through out the next couple of weeks we are hoping to bring a bit of camp into your homes with a variety of fun activities and entertainment....
Full ArticleJun 30, 2020 |
Full-Time Staff Poll: Christian Resources We Love
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up God’s beautiful creation. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend a little extra time with the Lord, whether it be on your own, with fri...
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
6 Fun Things to do at Home
If you spending more time at home you may be looking for some fun ways to pass the time!...
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2020 |
5 Tips for Party Planning for Individuals with Special Needs
Parties play a BIG role in bringing everyone together at Camp Barnabas in the summer; but they don’t have to be limited to June and July!...
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2020 |
2020 Party Themes!
Hear ye, hear ye! For we have a tale, Of fair maidens and knights and dragons as well. From the land of Barnabas in the kingdom of Cahoot There arose such a clamor from things afoot! It was during...
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2020 |
Top 10 Barnabas Dance Party Songs
It’s no secret that the Barnabas dance party is consistently the most popular party year to year. If you’ve ever been to one of our dance parties, you know they are like no other....
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2018 |
Making Summer Camp Accessible + Fun
More often than not, our campers live in a world that tells them no. At Camp Barnabas, we get to say YES to activities like a high ropes course, archery, swimming and more. One of our core initiatives...
Full ArticleMar 18, 2020 |
2020 Camper T-Shirt Design Contest
This year at Camp Barnabas, we want to include our campers as much as possible and that even goes for our Barnabas Outfitters Company merch! We are hosting a contest this year where campers can submit...
Full ArticleMar 21, 2018 |
Special Edition Featured Campers: Clint, Theresa, Laura, & Chris
This year, we’ve chosen four enthusiastic campers to lead our Big Party hype at the Big Party Half Marathon & 5K fundraiser event on April 7, 2018, in Springfield, MO. Each of these individuals has a ...
Full ArticleMar 6, 2018 |
Pro Spotlight: Tips For Running Your First (Or Fiftieth) Half Martathon
In preparation for the Big Party Half Marathon & 5K April 7, we caught up with two pros....
Full ArticleSep 17, 2017 |
What to Wear When Glamping
Fall is around the corner and that means two things: First, it’s leaf crunching weather. Second, it’s the perfect time to glamp!...
Full ArticleJan 24, 2020 |
Living Fearless with a Disability
When Kobe Johnson was born, he was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy....
Full ArticleOct 24, 2019 |
Meet Daniel Matheny
The Matheny Family met Daniel at age three. They were hoping to adopt, and quickly fell in love with his sweet nature and resilient spirit....
Full ArticleSep 28, 2018 |
December Featured Camper: Seth
We can’t wait to introduce you to our December Featured Camper, Seth. He’s a sweet, joyful, 10-year-old who’s been brought up to work hard and play hard....
Full ArticleSep 28, 2018 |
September Featured Camper: Robert
Robert is a hilarious, fun-loving, crazy-about-life 10-year-old who will always put a smile on your face....
Full ArticleAug 28, 2018 |
August Featured Camper: Kiera
Our August featured camper is a vivacious, fun-loving, 20-year-old who loves to laugh and spend time with her friends....
Full ArticleMay 30, 2018 |
May Featured Camper: Rebekah
Rebekah was born in China. At age two, she was found abandoned and wandering in a city park....
Full ArticleMar 28, 2018 |
March Featured Camper: Jacob
Jacob’s family first heard about camp when Sandy, the sister of Barnabas founder Cyndy Teas, mentioned Barnabas to them at a 4th of July parade....
Full ArticleMar 21, 2018 |
Special Edition Featured Campers: Clint, Theresa, Laura, & Chris
This year, we’ve chosen four enthusiastic campers to lead our Big Party hype at the Big Party Half Marathon & 5K fundraiser event on April 7, 2018, in Springfield, MO. Each of these individuals has a ...
Full ArticleDec 16, 2019 |
Share Your Story, First Place: Michaela Satterfield
Michaela Satterfield is the First Place winner of the Share Your Story contest. For this contest we asked past staffers and volunteers to send us their stories about how Camp Barnabas and disability m...
Full ArticleDec 16, 2019 |
Share Your Story, Second Place: Grace Hunter
Grace Hunter is the Second Place winner of the Share Your Story contest....
Full ArticleDec 16, 2019 |
Share Your Story, Third Place: Abigail Stockton
Abigail Stockton is the Third Place winner of the Share Your Story contest....
Full ArticleNov 12, 2019 |
Missionary Stories – Elizabeth Murphy
“The second I got to Camp Barnabas, I knew what I was supposed to be doing with my life.”...
Full ArticleSep 20, 2019 |
Staff Stories – Andrew Park
Meet Andrew: My Barnabas Involvement: 2 years as a missionary with New Life Fellowship in Houston, 2019 Core Team (Summer Staff) Fun Fact: Claims to be a better cook than Gordon Ramsay My Camp Barnab...
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
Meet Our March Featured Friends
This month we want to highlight a few Barnabas friends who are doing amazing and inspirational things!...
Full ArticleJan 24, 2020 |
Living Fearless with a Disability
When Kobe Johnson was born, he was diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy....
Full ArticleMar 21, 2018 |
From Parent To Nurse: One Mom's Experience Serving On The Medical Team
Keara Hayter grew up with Type 1 Diabetes....
Full ArticleNov 14, 2017 |
Thankful for You
Fall is a season for gratitude. To help us get to the heart of it, we interviewed three families who have a sibling with special needs....
Full ArticleJun 13, 2016 |
Barnabas Changed Me
If I am being completely transparent with you, going into our week at Camp Barnabas was one of the scariest times of my life....
Full ArticleApr 27, 2020 |
8 Ways We've Seen the Good this Season
We know this season is hard on so many of our camp families, and we continue to pray for everyone affected. Despite these unprecedented times, we’ve noticed many positive things to be grateful for and...
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
6 Fun Things to do at Home
If you spending more time at home you may be looking for some fun ways to pass the time!...
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
Being Barnabas, The Great Encourager
As we watch this unusual season unfold, we couldn’t help but be grateful for the reminder to show kindness and lift each other up....
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
6 Ways To Encourage Others
Here are a few simple ways to show kindness and lift up others this spring!...
Full ArticleMar 6, 2018 |
Pro Spotlight: Tips For Running Your First (Or Fiftieth) Half Martathon
In preparation for the Big Party Half Marathon & 5K April 7, we caught up with two pros....
Full ArticleSep 17, 2017 |
What to Wear When Glamping
Fall is around the corner and that means two things: First, it’s leaf crunching weather. Second, it’s the perfect time to glamp!...
Full ArticleApr 27, 0202 |
5 Ways To Pray
Prayer is an important part of your spiritual walk with the Lord....
Full ArticleJun 30, 2020 |
Full-Time Staff Poll: Christian Resources We Love
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up God’s beautiful creation. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend a little extra time with the Lord, whether it be on your own, with fri...
Full ArticleMar 20, 2020 |
6 Fun Things to do at Home
If you spending more time at home you may be looking for some fun ways to pass the time!...
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2020 |
5 Tips for Party Planning for Individuals with Special Needs
Parties play a BIG role in bringing everyone together at Camp Barnabas in the summer; but they don’t have to be limited to June and July!...
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2020 |
2020 Party Themes!
Hear ye, hear ye! For we have a tale, Of fair maidens and knights and dragons as well. From the land of Barnabas in the kingdom of Cahoot There arose such a clamor from things afoot! It was during...
Full ArticleFeb 20, 2020 |
Top 10 Barnabas Dance Party Songs
It’s no secret that the Barnabas dance party is consistently the most popular party year to year. If you’ve ever been to one of our dance parties, you know they are like no other....
Full ArticleMar 19, 2018 |
Summer 2018 Theme & Party Theme Videos
Party Theme #1: Decades Party Hey, it’s Doc here, I’m in a jam, I got stuck in the future and I need you fam. Dress for the 80s, 90s, or 2000s just to start, Travel through the decades to find ever...
Full ArticleOct 17, 2017 |
Stories We Love: Down Syndrome Awareness
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month this October, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite inspirational videos....
Full ArticleDec 16, 2016 |
The Joy of Giving
At age 11, Hunter already knew the true meaning of Christmas and giving....
Full ArticleJun 15, 2023 |
Summer Quest 2023 is Underway
Check out our brand new Water Park and Yeti Adventure...
Full ArticleFeb 15, 2023 |
Summer Camp 2023 Theme: Quest
Campers ages 7 and up with disabilities and chronic illnesses are invited to this unforgettable Summer of Quest 2023....
Full ArticleJun 15, 2023 |
Summer Quest 2023 is Underway
Check out our brand new Water Park and Yeti Adventure...
Full ArticleDec 11, 2023 | AbbySmith
December 2023 Christmas Newsletter
December 2023 Camp Barnabas Newsletter...
Full ArticleNov 8, 2023 |
Fall Barnabas Newsletter
As we step into this season of gratitude, we want you to know just how deeply and sincerely thankful we are for your presence within the Barnabas family....
Full ArticleJun 15, 2023 |
Summer Quest 2023 is Underway
Check out our brand new Water Park and Yeti Adventure...
Full ArticleJun 15, 2023 |
Summer Quest 2023 is Underway
Check out our brand new Water Park and Yeti Adventure...
Full Article