Get ready for the best summer of your life. We’re not your average job or average summer camp. Help us create an unforgettable world for our Campers.
Summer Staff at Camp Barnabas
Answer the Call
Our Summer Staff is passionate about loving others while setting an example of their strong relationship with Christ for Campers and Missionaries alike.
Our Summer Staff brings the hype and energy to our Campers and Missionaries. Whether it's wearing crazy costumes at our nightly parties, cruising down the waterslides with Campers, or discipling a cabin through daily devotions, our Staff has a heart for loving and serving others.
Paid positions are available and will fulfill internship credit at most universities. Summer Staff positions last either four or eight weeks. Apply now to join the fun!
Staff
Positions
Cabin Staff
Age: 19+
Our Cabin Staffers have the opportunity to serve and love not only every Camper in their cabin but also every Missionary as well. No day is typical, but as a Cabin Staffer, you should expect to do various activities, lead a devotional time with your cabin, and have a blast at our themed parties. All Cabin Staff are trained on the various activities at camp, including rifles, archery, fishing, canoeing, and more! As the spiritual leaders of the cabin, Cabin Staff put aside their personal wants and needs to be the hands and feet of Jesus and guide their Missionaries in how to love their Campers well. A Barnabas Staffer is prepared to love and celebrate all Campers as children of God and ensure the Campers’ relationship with their Missionary is both safe and meaningful.
Core Team
Age: 17 – 18 (Must have completed senior year of high school)
The Core Team is made up of individuals who have just graduated from high school. These members not only get to SEE the many wonderful jobs of camp, but get to experience working in them as well! Core Team is a vital role at camp that requires flexibility and the willingness to serve wherever is needed. We value the Core Team greatly, and it is our hope that this position provides opportunities to grow and learn what it could look like to be a part of Summer Staff at Barnabas in the future.
Extreme Team
Age: 19+
This position is for individuals who love to stay active and be in the outdoors. Extreme Team has the opportunity to lead exciting activities such as the ropes course, lifeguarding at the pool, and guiding cabins through camping excursions. Members of this team also have the opportunity to lead activities and games at all of our themed parties! If selected to be a part of the Extreme Team, you will be required to attend extra Staff training at the beginning of the summer, followed by certification tests. Extreme Team members will live in cabins with Campers and Missionaries, and must be willing to help out with the daily functioning of the cabin as needed.
Media Team
Age: 19+
Members of the Media Team ensure that those special moments at camp, both big and small, are not missed or forgotten. These captured memories allow family to witness the joy and fun taking place all week long. Roles within the Media Team include Media Team Lead, Photographer, and Videographer. Media Team Lead is responsible for managing the Media Team, ensuring that all output is complete and timely, and managing all special projects as needed. Photographers will capture all of the camp activities and parties throughout the weeks along with cabin photos. Videographers will create both a mid-week and end of week video. All members of the Media Team will live in a cabin with Campers and Missionaries, and must be willing to help out with daily functioning of the cabin.
Office Assistant
Age: 19+
The role of the office assistant is primarily an administrative job. You will be responsible for handling all phone calls that come into the camp office, sorting and distributing mail, and answering emails. You will also assist the office staff in mail outs and other typical daily office duties. The office assistant will have plenty of opportunities to interact with the Campers during evening activities and meal times.
Resident Assistant
Age: 19+
Many of our Full-Time Staff move their entire families out to camp each summer! In order to fulfill their duties at camp, they need Resident Assistants to care for their children each day. This is a special opportunity to serve the camp, build relationships with Staff and their families, and see camp from a unique perspective. Resident Assistants will live in a cabin with Campers, assist with the daily functioning of the cabin as needed, and be able to attend camp events with the children. Resident Assistants play a vital role in allowing camp to run efficiently, and is a unique opportunity to show the love of Jesus to incredible families as well as their children.
Kitchen Crew
Age: 19+
Camp could not function without our Kitchen Crew! All food preparation, food ordering and distribution, and meal times involve the Kitchen Staff. These individuals are responsible for ensuring that enough food is prepared and distributed for every meal and for creating a positive environment within the Dining Hall and the Kitchen. Every day will look different, but the Staff should expect to have a hands-on experience with each meal in some capacity! The Kitchen Crew will also get the opportunity to work closely with our Adult Volunteers, Barnstormers, and the Barnstorm Staff!
Several of our Campers come to camp with specific dietary needs (ex. Gluten free, diabetic, lactose intolerant). It is the Special Diets Cook’s job to make sure every Camper’s nutritional needs are met. In this position, you will work alongside our Kitchen Manager, Barnstormer Leaders, and adult volunteers to provide Campers with safe, nutritious meals each day. This is a unique opportunity to serve and provide for the Campers that need additional needs met in order to attend camp. Special Diets cooks will be living in a cabin with Campers and Missionaries, and must be willing to help out with daily functioning of cabin as needed.
Barnstorm Staff
Barnstorm Staff oversee all roles and responsibilities of the Barnstorm Program. These individuals are spiritual leaders for Barnstormers while ensuring a clean camp environment. Barnstorm Staff get to pour into and love on the Barnstormers, volunteers ages 13-14, who serve camp in a unique way! The Barnstormers are getting to have a blast serving while learning more about Christ in the process!
Production Staff
Ready to put on a show? If there is a microphone, stage, skit, or party, our Production Team members are involved. Spend your summer bringing entertaining and engaging programming to our Campers. Daily responsibilities include meal time entertainment, rally, nightly parties, and wrap-up. Come be a part of the fun!
Staff Instagram
Check out all the fun our Staff is having and follow us to stay up-to-date on the latest Staff news and announcements! Follow @barnabas_staff
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.
At Camp Barnabas, we strive to create a joy-filled week of fun for all of our Campers. To see that in action, visit our YouTube channel, where you'll find weekly videos from previous years along with other camp-related content.
Each week that we have is geared to a specific age range and a set of diagnoses. The youngest we can serve is 7 years old, and some weeks you can not age out. If you have any questions about the ages served each week feel free to consult our summer schedule page on our website. If you have questions after going over that information feel free to contact our Camper Registrar.
Yes, Camp Barnabas is completely wheelchair accessible.
Every Camper will have a volunteer that stays with them throughout the entire week and is there to help meet all of their needs. In addition to our one-on-one ratio we have a policy that states that no Camper will ever be alone with just one Volunteer or one Staffer. One number one priority is the safety of everyone who enters through our gates.
We strive to provide everyone at camp with the safest, most current medical practices. If able, Campers should bring medication in pre-packaged (multi-dose strip packaging or multi-dose blister packs) by a pharmacy. Doing so will minimize potential medication errors, and follow the best-practice standards set by the American Nurse Association (ANA). However, we understand that not all insurances and pharmacies are able to assist with this process. In this case, please send your child's medication in the original pharmacy container with the pharmacy label intact, and no written edits on the instructions. Thank you for your support in making your child's stay at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible.
As a reminder, liquid medications must also be in the original pharmacy container.
Pre-Packaging Definitions:
- Multi-Dose Strip Packaging – Each strip consists of individually sealed compartments containing all medications in pill form that are to be taken at a medicine pass delivery time (listed above).
- Multi-Dose Blister Packs – Each blister pocket contains all the medication, in pill form, that is to be taken at a medicine delivery time (listed above). These can often be ordered online.
Thank you for your support in making your time at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible. If you have questions, please contact our Health Services Director at [email protected].
We strive to glorify Jesus Christ in everything we do. We especially want Campers to see our Staff and Missionaries as living examples of Christ. We have specific policies designed to allow you to understand what we believe is right and true in the eyes of our Lord. These policies are also designed for your safety and wellness during camp. If you have questions about these, please contact contact our office..
If you are an individual or family (siblings) flying and need transportation from the Springfield, MO airport, please input your flight information into our registration system or email [email protected] at least 20 days prior to your flight. Pickup will be between 2-4:00 pm on Sunday (Camper Arrival Day) and drop off will be between 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday (Closing Day). The fee is $50 for pickup and $50 for drop-off ($100 round-trip fee). The fee must be paid prior to camp and the individuals being picked up must be at least 18 years old or have written consent from a 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 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.
and get ready for a life-changing week at camp!
Contact our Missionary Coordinator.
If you are an individual or family (siblings) flying and need transportation from the Springfield, MO airport, please upload your flight information into our registration system at least 20 days prior to your flight. Pickup will be between 3-5:00pm on Saturday (Missionary Arrival Day) and drop- off will be between 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday (Closing Day). If your flight falls outside of these times, you will have to wait at the airport. The fee is $50 for pickup and $50 for drop-off ($100 round-trip fee). The fee must be paid prior to camp and the individuals being picked up must be at least 18 years old, or have written consent from a parent.
That’s okay! Before you even get to camp, you’ll receive required Online Training to prepare you for your time at Barnabas. Once you’re at camp, you’ll complete a full training in addition to the Online Training you already completed to get you ready to serve the Campers well.
YES, you are welcome and invited to serve more than one term!
*If you stay in between terms you must be 18 or over and have approval from our Missionary Coordinator prior to staying at camp. You will be responsible for your own personal food, transportation, and entertainment as our staff will be on break. You will be expected to follow the camp rules even during the break. We will have a place for you to sleep and people will be around for emergencies.
A core policy at camp, for the safety of our Campers, Missionaries, and Staff is that you can never be alone with your Camper. There will be a third person with you—always! The majority of the time, you will be with your whole cabin.
Yes! We strive to provide everyone at camp with the safest, most current medical practices. If able, Missionaries should bring medication in pre-packaged (multi-dose strip packaging or multi-dose blister packs) by a pharmacy. Doing so will minimize potential medication errors, and follow the best-practice standards set by the American Nurse Association (ANA). However, we understand that not all insurances and pharmacies are able to assist with this process. In this case, please send your child’s medication in the original pharmacy container with the pharmacy label intact, and no written edits on the instructions. Please refer to the Medical Form included in the Barnabas Bound Packet for further instructions on medication packaging. Thank you for your support in making your child’s stay at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible.
As a reminder, liquid medications must also be in the original pharmacy container. Please refer to the Barnabas Medical Form in your Barnabas Bound Packet for our policy on topical creams, eye drops, ear drops, or anything that is not a pill.
Pre-Packaging Definitions:
- Multi-Dose Strip Packaging – Each strip consists of individually sealed compartments containing all medications in pill form that are to be taken at a medicine pass delivery time (listed above).
- Multi-Dose Blister Packs – Each blister pocket contains all the medication, in pill form, that is to be taken at a medicine delivery time (listed above). These can often be ordered online.
Thank you for your support in making your time at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible. If you have questions, please contact our Health Services Director, Bernadette Losh, at [email protected].
We strive to glorify Jesus Christ in everything we do. We especially want Campers to see our staff and missionaries as living examples of Christ. We have specific policies designed to allow you to understand what we believe is right and true in the eyes of our Lord. These policies are also designed for your safety and wellness during camp. If you have questions about these, please contact our camp office.
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].
Each Missionary will receive 75 service hours for a week at Camp. These hours can be verified by the Missionary Coordinator upon request.
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!
Med Team accommodations are shared, air-conditioned bedrooms and suites with attached bathrooms. The Well House has laundry available.
By law, all medications must be stored in the Camp Barnabas Well House. Immunization status will need to be confirmed prior to attendance at camp. While Camp Barnabas is a fun environment, all Medical Team volunteers should be aware of the intense and demanding nature of a camp session to ensure that personal health limitations will not interfere with camp responsibilities.
Physicians may bring spouses and family. However, due to the high level of medical care required for our Campers, we are not able to accommodate space for additional family members for nurses at this time. Thank you for understanding! Nurses are encouraged to enroll children ages 7+ years as sibling, Campers or Missionaries. These will require separate registration.
Please contact our Health Services Director at [email protected] for more information.
Nurses must have a Missouri license or an NLC (nurse licensure compact) license. Physicians must be licensed to practice in their state.
Yes, as long as they fit within our roles. To learn more about our Medical Team roles, visit here. We also have other serving opportunities for adults.
You can register here!!
We welcome paramedics, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals to join us in the health center too. If you have lots of extra letters after your name, let’s talk. Camper check-in day is always a time that we can use help. If you can only give a couple hours of your time, this might be a great way to get involved.
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.
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.
If you are an individual or family with siblings flying and need transportation from the Springfield, MO airport, please email your flight itinerary to [email protected] at least 20 days prior to your flight. Pickup will be between 3-5:00 pm on Saturday (Missionary Arrival Day) and drop off will be between 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday (Closing Day). The fee is $50 for pickup and $50 for drop-off ($100 round-trip fee). The fee must be paid prior to camp and the individuals being picked up must be at least 18 years old, or have written consent from a parent. NOTICE: We are unable to accommodate group transportation pick-ups and drop-offs at this time.
That’s okay! Before you even get to camp, you’ll receive required e-learning materials to prepare you for your time at Barnabas. Once you’re at camp, you’ll complete a full training in addition to the online training you already completed to get you ready to serve the campers well.
YES! You are welcome and invited to serve more than one term.
*If you stay in between terms you must be 18 or over and have approval from our Missionary Coordinator prior to staying at camp. You will be responsible for your own personal food, transportation, and entertainment as our staff will be on break. You will be expected to follow the camp rules even during the break. We will have a place for you to sleep and people will be around for emergencies.
A core policy at camp, for the safety of our Campers, Missionaries, and Staff is that you can never be alone with your Camper. There will be a third person with you—always! The majority of the time, you will be with your whole cabin.
Yes! We strive to provide everyone at camp with the safest, most current medical practices. If able, Missionaries should bring medication in pre-packaged (multi-dose strip packaging or multi-dose blister packs) by a pharmacy. Doing so will minimize potential medication errors, and follow the best-practice standards set by the American Nurse Association (ANA). However, we understand that not all insurances and pharmacies are able to assist with this process. In this case, please send your child’s medication in the original pharmacy container with the pharmacy label intact, and no written edits on the instructions. Please refer to the Medical Form included in the Barnabas Bound Packet for further instructions on medication packaging. Thank you for your support in making your child’s stay at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible.
As a reminder, liquid medications must also be in the original pharmacy container. Please refer to the Barnabas Medical Form in your Barnabas Bound Packet for our policy on topical creams, eye drops, ear drops, or anything that is not a pill.
Pre-Packaging Definitions:
- Multi-Dose Strip Packaging – Each strip consists of individually sealed compartments containing all medications in pill form that are to be taken at a medicine pass delivery time (listed above).
- Multi-Dose Blister Packs – Each blister pocket contains all the medication, in pill form, that is to be taken at a medicine delivery time (listed above). These can often be ordered online.
Thank you for your support in making your time at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible. If you have questions, please contact our Health Services Director, Bernadette Losh, at [email protected]..
We strive to glorify Jesus Christ in everything we do. We especially want campers to see our staff and missionaries as living examples of Christ. We have specific policies designed to allow you to understand what we believe is right and true in the eyes of our Lord. These policies are also designed for your safety and wellness during camp. If you have questions about these, please contact our camp office.
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.
Absolutely. All staff are required to attend a paid Staff Training Week.
Yes! We strive to provide everyone at camp with the safest, most current medical practices. If able, bring medication in pre-packaged (multi-dose strip packaging or multi-dose blister packs) by a pharmacy. Doing so will minimize potential medication errors, and follow the best-practice standards set by the American Nurse Association (ANA). However, we understand that not all insurances and pharmacies are able to assist with this process. In this case, bring medication in the original pharmacy container with the pharmacy label intact, and no written edits on the instructions. Please refer to the Medical Form included in the Barnabas Bound Packet for further instructions on medication packaging.
As a reminder, liquid medications must also be in the original pharmacy container. Please refer to the Barnabas Medical Form in your Barnabas Bound Packet for our policy on topical creams, eye drops, ear drops, or anything that is not a pill.
Pre-Packaging Definitions:
- Multi-Dose Strip Packaging – Each strip consists of individually sealed compartments containing all medications in pill form that are to be taken at a medicine pass delivery time (listed above).
- Multi-Dose Blister Packs – Each blister pocket contains all the medication, in pill form, that is to be taken at a medicine delivery time (listed above). These can often be ordered online.
Thank you for your support in making your time at Camp Barnabas as safe as possible. If you have questions, please contact our Health Services Director, Bernadette Losh, at [email protected]..
There will be a dance test. Please come prepared. JUST KIDDING! But do bring all the moves you’ve got.
We’ve got you covered here. Our camp Chef’s whip up delicious eats during the summer and you get to stay in our air-conditioned cabins all summer long.
During your weekly time off, many of our staff enjoy venturing into town to enjoy local restaurants, snacks, and other summer treats.
Of course! Rest is needed. You get roughly 24 hours off at the end of each week for R&R. If you work All Summer, you get an additional 6 days off to use as you choose.
You did! We are able to provide internship credit accepted by most college departments. Want more information on this? Email our Staff Director.
We are super pumped to hear that you are interested. You can find our position list here! Once you have submitted your application, our Staff Director or Staff Intern will contact you to set up an interview!
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.
Our Teas Trail Camp is located 15 minutes from Monett Missouri, which has basic conveniences.
We are a non-denominational Christian Summer Camp. We host, work with, and serve alongside many different denominations.