We're driven by our passion for helping others, our love of Jesus Christ, and our commitment to making a difference in the lives of our Campers.
Changing lives through disability ministry...
Camp Barnabas is a ministry in Southwest Missouri dedicated to providing a unique Christian summer camp experience to individuals with special needs, their siblings, and youth from across the United States. It’s a summer full of fishing, canoeing, archery, ziplining, swimming, mini-golf, and so much more.
We want our Campers to have a summer just like everyone else because, for most of the year, our Campers are on the outside. They spend their year adapting and making modifications to their lives and routines in order to function in the world around them. At Camp Barnabas, we want our Campers to feel limitless. We want to create a place where they can feel the freedom to be who they were designed to be.
Since 1994, Camp Barnabas has welcomed more than 90,000 Campers with special needs and Missionaries to camp. Our goal at Camp Barnabas is to show others the love of Christ in every aspect of our ministry. We are passionate not only about changing the lives of those with special needs and chronic illnesses, but also about changing the lives of all who come in contact with Barnabas: Campers, siblings, high school Missionaries, parents, collegiate Staff, and donors.
Our Campers are individuals ages 7+ with a variety of diagnoses: developmental and physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, autism spectrum disorder, cancer, hemophilia, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, amputated limbs, atypically formed limbs, visual impairment, hearing impairment, spina bifida, and many other rare and debilitating diseases.
The heart of our camp is our youth Missionary volunteers. These men and women ages 13+ come from all over the U.S. to be challenged and grow in their faith. Before leaving, they gain a radically new perspective about themselves and others around them. Throughout their week, they serve, love, and learn from each other in ways they aren’t able to anywhere else. It’s incredible to witness the growth in compassion and companionship Missionaries gain from just one week.
We inspire people to realize their abilities.
We point people to Christ in everything we do.
We make our surroundings safe, we make people feel secure.
We serve people.
We exceed expectations.
Christ comes first—always.
We know God created everyone with purpose and ability.
We are leaders.
As a child, Lauren Hauschild attended a summer camp for several years. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1992, and after going through chemotherapy and the loss of her leg, she still wanted to attend camp. Unfortunately, she often found herself in the camp’s Medical Center, unable to truly enjoy her summer.
When asked what her ideal summer camp looked like, Lauren said, “Everyone would be in a wheelchair or on crutches. No one would care that your hair was missing from chemo. It would be easy for anyone to do all of the activities of camp. Cancer wouldn’t isolate you—it would unite you—and when you came there, you would be loved.”
From there, an idea was born, and in 1994, Camp Barnabas was established. Then, in 1996, founders Paul and Cyndy Teas purchased Soaring Hawk Camp (Purdy, Missouri) and opened Camp Barnabas at Teas Trail. The organization has grown, but our goal remains the same: provide life-changing experiences.
Equipping young adults with disabilities for a life of self-confidence, societal significance, and spiritual maturity in Christ.
Learn MoreEquipping young adults with disabilities for a life of self-confidence, societal significance, and spiritual maturity in Christ.
Learn MoreThere are currently no open positions, but we're always looking for talented people to join the Barnabas crew. If you're interested in a position email us.
Barnabas Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation, Barnabas Foundation is a faith-based religious organization. As a faith-based religious organization pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. @2000e-1), we hire candidates who agree and attest to our Statement of Faith.
We love sharing all the latest camp happenings. Check out our media and news page to get the inside scoop.
Learn MoreWe love sharing all the latest camp happenings. Check out our media and news page to get the inside scoop.
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