Campers

Camp For You

Welcome to Camp Barnabas: an experience designed with you in mind. Campers are reminded that they are wonderfully and perfectly created. Each and every day, our Campers are told YES you can!

What is Camp Barnabas

At Camp Barnabas, we invite people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to experience a Christian summer camp built with them in mind. Our goal is to make sure everyone has the best week of their lives.

Our Campers are individuals ages 7 and up 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.

  • Every program and activity is adapted so each person, regardless of ability, can participate.
  • Each week is geared to a specific age range and a set of diagnoses so that each Camper is in a cabin with others similar to themselves—you're never too old for camp!
  • Campers are matched one-on-one with a volunteer Missionary so they can get the full support they need. The relationships built at camp will last a lifetime.
  • We have a full medical facility with nurses and doctors equipped to accommodate any medical needs our Campers may require.
  • Campers grow in their faith journey with daily devotionals, worship, and prayer.


We invite you to experience the love, joy, and excitement at camp this summer.

Game Room
Basketball Courts
Mini Golf
High Ropes Course
Pool
Fishing
Rock Wall
Zipline
Field Sports
Apple Cannons
Canoes
Pedal Boats
Worship
Rallies
Playground
Archery
Shirt Making
Nightly Parties
Paintball
Water Toys
Riflery
Water Slides
Devotions
The Farm
Karaoke
The Lake
Cafe
Arts and Crafts

2024 Registration

Weeks

Each week is geared to a specific age range and a set of diagnoses. Click through weekly descriptions to see where your Camper will thrive.

Legends

Date: June 2nd – June 7th, 2024

Ages: 18+

Diagnoses Served: Intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism. This week is focused on Campers who do not require one-on-one assistance and have attended camp before.

Heroes

Date: June 9th – June 14th, 2024

Ages: Ages: 16+

Diagnoses Served: Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and/or autism.

Young Friends

Date: June 16th – June 21st, 2024

Ages: Ages: 7 – 18 (Siblings can attend)

Diagnoses Served: Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and/or autism.

Adventurers

Date: June 23rd – June 28th, 2024

Ages: Ages: 16+

Diagnoses Served: Physical Disabilities

Soaring Hawks

Date: July 7th – July 12th, 2024

Ages: Ages: 7+ (Siblings can attend)

Diagnoses Served: Blind, chronic diseases, deaf/hard of hearing. Campers with intellectual/developmental/physical disabilities and/or autism are also welcome.

Bridge Builders

Date: July 14th – July 19th, 2024

Ages: Ages: 7 – 18 (Siblings can attend)

Diagnoses Served: Intellectual/developmental/physical disabilities and/or autism.

Explorers

Date: July 21st – July 26th, 2024

Ages: Ages: 16+

Diagnoses Served: Intellectual/developmental/physical disabilities and/or autism.

Champions

Date: July 28th – August 2nd, 2024

Ages: Ages: 7+ (Siblings can attend)

Diagnoses Served: Intellectual/developmental/physical disabilities and/or autism

Celebration

Date: August 4th – August 9th, 2024

Ages: Ages: 18+

Diagnoses Served: Select Campers ages 18 and up with an intellectual/developmental/physical disability and/or autism are invited to join us this week! This week is invitation-only for Campers who are completely independent. If you believe your Camper would be a good fit and would like to be invited to this week, please reach out to our Camper Registrar.

Activities

There’s no shortage of fun things to do at Camp Barnabas. We offer a ton of exciting activities, including a high and low ropes course, game room, basketball courts, mini golf, fishing, pool (closes after Labor Day), rock wall, zipline, field sports, apple cannons, gel blasters, and canoeing. Every activity is adapted so that every person, regardless of age or ability, can participate.

Cost

Camp registration covers meals, lodging, safety resources, medical supplies, adaptive measures, programming, activities, and more.

Registration includes a non-refundable $100 registration fee. Camper Scholarships are available and are applied for in the registration form.

Early Registration:

$1200

When you register by August 31

General Registration:

$1400

When you register between September 1 - December 31

Late Registration:

$1500

When you register after January 1

Camp counselors walking hand in hand smiling and laughing

Scholarships

We never want cost to be a barrier to attending Camp Barnabas. Camper families may apply for additional financial support when registering for camp. Any family wishing for pre-approval for a scholarship may reach out to our Camp Registrar at [email protected]. Please know that approval for a scholarship does not guarantee a spot in a week at camp, you must also register your Camper for the week of your choice. Scholarship recipients will be determined after the new year. Scholarship assistance is not guaranteed.

In the meantime, we do encourage all families to read and utilize our fundraising guide. Download the fundraising guide here or email [email protected].


Cancellation Refund Policy:  Requests received prior to March 1st will result in a payment refund minus the non-refundable registration fee of $100. Cancellations occurring after March 1st will allow for payment transfer to another week within the summer or toward registration for the following summer less the registration fee of $100. We request that all cancellations are given at least 10 days before the start of the session. Any Camper/Missionary who is a no-call, no-show for their session will not be eligible for a refund or transfer of funds. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent to [email protected].

Make a Payment

Make a payment on your account here. Please follow the steps below once at the payment portal:


  • Log-in with your username and password
  • To view the payment screen, select your Camper’s name or select the payment button to the right of their name


You may also mail payments to PO BOX 609 Branson, MO 65615. Balances can be paid all at once or in installments. To set up a payment plan, contact [email protected] or click here.

Looking for help fundraising for camp? Check out our Fundraising Guide.

Photos

Get a glimpse into all that Barnabas has to offer through the photo gallery! To access photos, you can either download the Camp Barnabas mobile app or visit the online gallery. Both options allow you to access and browse our gallery for free, but will require you to create an account. Once you've created an account, use the access code "TEASTRAIL" to view photos.

Viewing the full online gallery is free. If you'd like to use facial recognition to find photos of your Camper, Missionary, or download high-res images from our gallery, sign up for a paid package by downloading the app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or visiting the online gallery.

The Barnabas Difference

Camp Barnabas has been hard at work preparing our staff and facilities to serve our campers as best as possible. Whether it's implementing brand new programming or hiring an energetic team dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment, we're doing everything we can to make camp the best it can be—that's the Barnabas Difference.

Summer camp counselors with campers in wheelchairs smiling

Role Models

Campers Giving Back

At Camp Barnabas, we believe that each individual is created with purpose and ability. As our campers grow, we want to provide an opportunity for them to choose an alternative camp experience in which they can give back, lead others, and inspire those around them to achieve their goals and live a life of purpose.

Our Role Model Program is designed for returning campers (16+) looking for the next step in their Camp Barnabas experience. It is designed for Campers who desire to mentor others and/or serve in some way. All Role Models must complete an application to be eligible.

Role Models are placed into cabins with Campers and Missionaries. They have support from missionaries and staff in their cabin but may not have an assigned “buddy” for the week. Role Models will follow the same schedule as their assigned cabin during the week, but they will also follow their set goals and work on ways to meet them while also collaborating with their assigned cabin and staff. For more information, contact [email protected].

Role Model interviews will begin in January.

FAQs & Testimonials

Although we do not require proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination, we ask that you not attend if you have been exposed to someone who has recently tested positive for COVID or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We hope you will be able to join us but understand if based on risk, now is not the right time and we look forward to having you attend future Barnabas events.

All Camper families will need to create a new username/password (this can be the same as their old one). If they have already registered for 2023, then they can click the "reset password" button.

Absolutely. Every Camper deserves to have a life-changing week at Barnabas! They also have a right to a safe and healthy week. In order to make sure your Camper is well taken care of we do have a few general extra medical care need protocols we have to follow:
First, contact our Health Services Director at [email protected] to discuss your Camper's needs in detail prior to camp. Second, if your Camper requires overnight medical care, we require Camper families to provide a private nurse during their time at camp. Third, if your Camper has a trach or utilizes a vent, we require Camper families to provide a private nurse as well.
We have a dedicated team of doctors and nurses that stay on camp grounds at all times throughout the summer. Members of this team are in charge of administering daily medications, tube feedings, health checks, etc.

At this time, our registration process is done completely online. If you do need help with registering your Camper please feel free to contact our Camper Registrar.

You can email your request to our Camper Registrar. We cannot guarantee that your request will happen but we will do our very best to honor it.

Requests received prior to March 1st will result in a payment refund minus the non-refundable registration fee of $100. Cancellations occurring after March 1st will allow for payment transfer to another week within the summer or toward registration for the following summer less the registration fee of $100. We request that all cancellations are given at least 10 days before the start of the session. Any Camper/Missionary who is a no-call, no-show for their session will not be eligible for a refund or transfer of funds. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent to our Camp Registrar.

“Barnabas is a place where kids like my daughter can come and feel accepted. We have watched her work really hard to fit into the real world. But when she comes to Barnabas, it’s her world and everyone else gets to step into it.”

—Camper Parent

“It’s like when you throw a rock into a pond and it ripples out; Camp Barnabas is blessing people connected to that Camper. You are giving someone back home a break. You are allowing a sibling back home time with mom and dad that they don’t get when the Camper is at home. I don’t think a lot of people understand that. Thank you.”

—Camper Parent

“Camp Barnabas means freedom to me. I was able to enjoy Camp without limitations or fear for the first time in my life.”

—Camper

“Camp is a safe place to make friends, learn about Jesus, and be around other people just like me.”

—Camper

“Camp Barnabas is a place where you can be free of judgment, of your insecurities... you can just let go and have fun and you’re able to be who you wanna be.”

—Camper

Although we do not require proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination, we ask that you not attend if you have been exposed to someone who has recently tested positive for COVID or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We hope you will be able to join us but understand if based on risk, now is not the right time and we look forward to having you attend future Barnabas events.

Counselors are 15-29 years old. Barnstormers are 13-14 years old. Cabin Parents are 30 years old and up.

Yes, we do. For more information about Missionary scholarships click here.

Click here for the different roles of camp.

Click here

and get ready for a life-changing week at camp!

“I credit Camp Barnabas for my confidence because it is a safe haven for Campers and Missionaries and anyone who is lucky enough to walk through those gates. Because of Camp Barnabas, I am now a certified and licensed interpreter and constant advocate for everything Camp Barnabas is and does.”

—Missionary

“When the camper’s faces light up... there’s nothing quite like that.”

—Missionary

“Camp Barnabas is an amazing place for people with disabilities to feel the love of God, and to see that in action through the Missionaries and the Staff.”

—Cabin Parent

“Camp Barnabas is a great place for joy, and for hope. Joy because of what the Campers get to experience, and hope for what we see happening in these young people’s lives.”

—Cabin Parent

“You need to come. Everyone needs to come and experience what God is doing here. Everyone needs to come and experience something that will change your life.”

—Missionary

Although we do not require proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination, we ask that you not attend if you have been exposed to someone who has recently tested positive for COVID or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We hope you will be able to join us but understand if based on risk, now is not the right time and we look forward to having you attend future Barnabas events.

With the support and guidance of our Director of Health Services, physicians care for the wide range of medical issues that can arise during camp sessions. Physicians are available around the clock to evaluate Campers, Missionaries and Staff, supervise medical procedures, and prescribe medications.

Camp nurses are responsible for the daily dispensing and documenting of Camper medications, providing treatments and procedures (infusions, nebulizers, feeding tube, urinary catheter and central venous catheter care, etc.) and responding to Camper and Staff drop-in visits for everything from splinters, fevers, and stomach aches to other serious accidents or illnesses. Support and supervision are provided by the Well House and Health Services Director and volunteer physicians.

Medical Team members arrive on Saturday between 2:00 and 3:00 pm and leave on Friday at 10:00 am.

Not yet, but we promise that we are looking into it.

We’re located in Purdy, Missouri. Fun fact: Extreme Home Makeover came to visit Teas Trail in 2005. We’ve added even more cool things to our camp since then and we can’t wait for you to come check us out!

“I loved every minute of serving as a volunteer nurse. It has been the most rewarding and fulfilling part of my life. The Campers have touched my heart and made me smile in so many ways. They have taught me more than a nursing textbook ever could.”

—Med Team Member

“Camp Barnabas is the most wonderful place in the world. Volunteers and staff work together to make the Camper’s week the best of the year... It is a life changing experience in a piece of heaven on earth.”

—Med Team Member

“Safe-haven is probably the best word I can use to describe Camp Barnabas, because my son can enjoy the things that I can’t offer and I don’t have to worry about it.”

—Camper Parent

“It just feels like a privilege, to have the trust of parents, who I’m sure have concerns and reservations. Every parent of a kid with complicated, out-of-the-ordinary needs would want us to feel for their child. To be there for them, not just in some sort of sterile clinical capacity, but to be a part of a human encounter with a person that is loved and valued by God.”

—Med Team Member

“It is an opportunity for Christian formation for our whole family, and I see our children having known and loved their brother, bringing the empathy that they’ve been trained up with to camp. I love it, I just feel like Camp Barnabas makes our whole family more holy, more grounded, and more Christ-like.”

—Med Team Member, Camper/Missionary Parent

Although we do not require proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination, we ask that you not attend if you have been exposed to someone who has recently tested positive for COVID or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We hope you will be able to join us but understand if based on risk, now is not the right time and we look forward to having you attend future Barnabas events.

Counselors are ages 15-29 years old. Barnstormers are ages 13-14 years old. Cabin Parents are 30 years old and up.

Yes, we do. For more information about Missionary scholarships click here.

Click here

and get ready for a life-changing week at camp.

First, if you are a first time Missionary watch this registration tutorial or if you are a returning Missionary watch this registration tutorial.
If you could still use some help, contact our Missionary Coordinator, Caleb, at [email protected] or 417-597-3223 for assistance with registration.

“I send my kids to Camp Barnabas because it teaches them something you can’t get in a service, altar call, or Bible study. It is putting the Bible into practice intensely for a week. It is showing the love of Jesus, not just experiencing it or reading about it.”

—Youth Group Leader

“Compared to other summer camps, a week serving at Camp Barnabas is half the cost and twice the experience! Students who serve at Camp Barnabas discover that being a contributor to ministry is far greater than being a consumer of ministry. Together, we learn about the joy of selfless service, the beautiful, God-given value of every human life, and the community-building power of shared experiences. Serving Christ at Camp Barnabas is one of the most impactful things we do as a ministry.”

—Youth Group Leader

“This mission trip is a tangible opportunity to experience the light of Christ. My youth don’t come back and revert to the way they always were. Their ability to love and serve is different because a piece of their life has been changed forever.”

—Youth Group Leader

“There is no life change that I’ve seen in our students like a week at Camp Barnabas.”

—Group Leader

“I think Camp Barnabas has challenged me to not just serve individuals with special needs just one week out of the year but look for opportunities all around me in my context to be the hands and feet of Christ.”

—Group Leader

Although we do not require proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination, we ask that you not attend if you have been exposed to someone who has recently tested positive for COVID or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. We hope you will be able to join us but understand if based on risk, now is not the right time and we look forward to having you attend future Barnabas events.

That is completely okay, and this does not eliminate you from being a potential Barnabas staffer! We have a whole week of training before any Campers arrive to train anyone who has never worked with an individual with special needs before.

Camp Barnabas is located in Southwest Missouri, specifically Purdy.

To be on Summer Staff you need to be at least 18 years old, or have graduated high school. Not quite 18? We have other incredible serving opportunities! Learn more here!

All Summer Staff are paid per session. Email our Staff Director to find out deets.
As an added bonus, we can help you secure internship credit for your hours. See Internship FAQ below.

As long as you can still bust dance moves in it, yes.

“This place is where the different becomes normal, and the impossible is obtained.”

—Summer Staffer

“I think we model servanthood here. It’s gonna push you, it’s gonna make you uncomfortable. Camp is always pushing you past yourself where you are no longer capable of doing it, and that forces you to rely on God and rely on the people He’s put in your life.”

—Summer Staffer

“Our camp couldn’t exist this long if we weren’t all sharing the gospel and pursuing Christ, and I think that is truly what makes us different. It is a glimpse of heaven on earth. Each day, people are leaning on Christ and creating a space that is safe for anybody with a disability or just anybody at all to come to.”

—Summer Staffer

“This summer is going to change you in such incredible ways that you aren’t even expecting, and so you’re going to experience immense growth here. You will grow most in those places of un-comfortability.”

—Summer Staffer

“God’s love is very evident at camp. One of the things I love most about camp is that you get to love on people that don’t get to experience God’s love everyday.”

—Summer Staffer

You can see the way we figure our prices here.

Our Teas Trail location can hold 500 people.

Yes! We are more than happy to cook for you and your group. Our price quotes always include us cooking and serving meals for you.

Absolutely. We want you to be able to keep your family happy, because that makes ministry or event planning ten times easier. See our lodging page for images of some our rooms that can accommodate families. We have a few mini fridges that we can move around to keep baby formula cold.

Yes, we have Wi-Fi access in our camp office. We try to limit the amount of time people spend on the internet because our Wi-Fi is naturally slow and gets slower as more and more people connect to it.

Cell phone service is available yet limited depending on your carrier. Most of the Barnabas staff have AT&T or Verizon and our service is fine. We also have landlines that you can use if needed.

Got questions about Camp?

For further questions about campers, please complete the form. You can also call or email Tracy Sherrow, our Camp Registrar.

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