Camp Barnabas is a Christian camp designed for people with special needs and Chronic illnesses.

History

              Lauren Hauschild attended Kanakuk camps for several summers. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1992. After going through chemo therapy and the loss of her leg, she still wanted to go to camp. The next year back, she found herself isolated and alone in the camps medical center unable to enjoy her summer. When asked what her ideal summer camp looked like, her response was, “that 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. Cancer wouldn’t isolate you, it would unite you and when you came, you would be loved. Camp Barnabas was established in 1994 by founders Paul and Sydney Teas. Then in 1996, they purchased Camp Soaring Hawk in Purdy, Missouri and opened Camp at Teas Trail. The mission of Camp Barnabas is to change lives through disability ministry. For anyone wondering, the camp has different weeks for disabilities. For example, Soaring Hawk is the week I go. Barnabas also has a week where you can send siblings as well. If you would like more information, feel free to click here.

Activities and Theme Parties

              When you first arrive at camp, your summer truly begins. There is never a time when you are not having fun. Sure, you get a lot of downtime, but I think that is expected at any camp you go to. While I don’t remember all of the activities I have done over the years, here are some just to name a few: archery, Rifles, fishing and karaoke.

              The same goes for party themes. I don’t remember much, but again, here are some: pool party and Hero’s night. The activities are split up throughout the day and the theme parties are at night. Here is a video if you would like to learn more.

Schedule

Having a schedule is great because it allows your mind to focus only on one thing. First, my fellow campers and I had to get up and go to IP (inspiration point.) It was a lot of fun. We sang songs like Gray Squirrel and the Kool-Aid song. After that, the boys would file back to their cabins and do cabin cleanup. We also did devotionals. When the girls got done eating breakfast, we would switch. We had our first activity. After our first activity, we would go to our second. After that, we would have lunch. After this, we would have FOB (flat on bunk. Free time was next and I could choose whatever I want. Most of the time my cabin mates and I would go to the pool and just hang out. Our third activity came after that.

Friendships

              Camp Barnabas is not just about having fun. Expect to make lots of friends there. Volunteers come from all over the world to help. I have met some from Colorado, some from Springfield Missouri and others from Oklahoma. You also get the privilege to become friends with campers just like you.

Dining and Wrap -Up

              Dinner is usually around 5:00 PM. Before that though, you will have the opportunity to take a shower. You can do this if you wish, but it is not required. If you get paired with a girl missionary, they will have to wait outside until all of the boys are dressed and ready to go. Once everyone is assembled, you will walk down to the mess hall. Before every meal, there is a prayer said thanking God for the food. Throughout dinner, fellow campers will get up on stage and do funny things

              Wrap-up is done every night before bed. During this time, we sing songs like: Camp Barnabas bound, For the Lord Your God is With You and many others.

Cross Carry and Say So

Toward the last night of camp, all of the cabins gather at the dome for Cross Carry. This is a tradition to honor those that have died. Many people are sad by this and that's OK.

                           Say So is another camp tradition. This is when all of the campers line up to say something memorable if they wish. After this, fireworks are usually displayed.

              Camp Barnabas is a great organization to be a part of. Whether this is your first time or 10th, you will have a blast. Four people looking for a way to get involved, this is a place you might want to volunteer at. To learn more or sign up    please visit here!