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.
Camp Barnabas Tour
Our Mission
What We’re All About
Camp Barnabas is a unique Christian summer camp in southwest Missouri for individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. It’s a summer full of waterslides, fishing, canoeing, archery, ziplining, swimming, and so much more. Every program and activity is adapted, ensuring that every Camper, regardless of ability or age, can fully participate.
Since 1994, Camp Barnabas has welcomed more than 104,000 Campers and Missionary volunteers through our gates. 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 disabilities and chronic illnesses, but also about changing the lives of Camper families and siblings, Missionary volunteers, Med Team Members, Summer 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.
Campers are paired with trained student volunteers (Counselors) from across the country so they can get the care and support they need. Campers and volunteers unite in a journey of faith, growing in their walk with Christ and emerging from this transformative week forever changed. We provide an on-site medical facility staffed with compassionate nurses and dedicated doctors, ready to offer not just medical care but a nurturing and supportive environment.
Join us for a summer of adventure, inclusion, and joy!
Our Values
Christ-centered
We keep Christ as the foundation of everything we do.
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." - Colossians 3:17
Dignity
We believe everyone is created by God with inherent worth, dignity, and value.
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10
Safety
We care for the needs and safety of everyone
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" - Galatians 6:2
Encouragement
We encourage people through intentional relationships and community.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25
Encountering God
We create opportunities for people to encounter God through service, worship, and Biblical teaching
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16
