Adaptive activities — pool, archery, rifles, paintball, and more
We are equipped with water wheelchairs to help give campers the full pool experience. Additionally, our pool includes an extra-wide slide to accommodate campers who might need additional support. For those with less upper mobility, we have a modified crossbow option for archery that includes a button to shoot. We also partner with an organization that brings in technology that allows campers the ability to blow through a straw or push a button to shoot a 12 gauge shotgun. We have a wheelchair friendly paintball course. Each day ends with a themed celebration that includes dress-up parties, dancing, carnival activities, pool parties, and other group games to foster camaraderie and inclusion.
Barnabreak — weekend camp events for first-timers and returning campers
Barnabreak is the perfect opportunity for Campers, Missionaries, Staff, and Med Team to reconnect with camp friends or explore Barnabas for the first time. Spots fill up quickly, so register early. Campers ages 7 and up of all diagnoses are welcome to this incredible camp weekend. If you're a first-time Camper, this is a great way to try out Barnabas!
Missionary story — Thursday night worship, belonging
"There is something so special about each and every camper worshipping in their own way; some hugging their missionaries, some screaming out to Jesus, some dancing their hearts out, some doing sign language. There is something so beautiful about every person at camp standing under the dome, seeking Jesus in their own unique ways," said Elizabeth Murphy, a Missionary volunteer. "The minute I pulled into the gates for the first time, I immediately felt like I was at home."
Setting — 100+ acres in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri
Nestled in Purdy, Missouri, Camp Barnabas at Teas Trail is over 100 acres of pine trees, fields, trails, and a beautiful bluff overlooking the Ozarks of southwest Missouri.
Our Campers are reporting for duty to save our camp from the pesky yetis at our Yeti Adventure ride. With gel blasters and safety goggles in hand, we climb aboard the new Barnabas Command Vehicle into the forests of Purdy, Missouri, to fight off this camp fiend.
Accessible zipline — new 2025, four-person, adaptive chair
"This zipline is more than just a ride—it's a symbol of adventure, confidence, and joy," says Camp Director Brenda Brandt. The three-story zipline was custom-built for the unique needs of Camp Barnabas campers. While it includes traditional stairs, it also has an electric winch that lifts individuals using a specialized adaptive chair. Every part of the system, from the secure straps to the transfer setup, was created to provide a safe, smooth, and comfortable experience for all campers. "Our new zipline accommodates four people on the zipline at once, allowing a camper and their volunteer missionary or cabin mates to soar down together."
Camper independence and confidence — lasting impact beyond camp
"Beyond a fun week, we believe camp provides so many vital experiences, such as friendship, outdoor adventure, physical activity, and new challenges, all of which provide confidence to campers. We know our campers leave with great memories, ones that often serve as catalysts for personal growth and confidence. Those experiences are life-changing," says Camp Director Brenda Brandt.
Faith and spiritual growth — daily devotionals, worship, prayer
Campers grow in their faith journey with daily devotionals, worship, and prayer. Campers and volunteers unite in a journey of faith, growing in their walk with Christ and emerging from this transformative week forever changed.
Term 1 — Ages 18+, intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism; for campers not requiring one-on-one assistance who have attended before
2027-05-30 – 2027-06-04
1 weeks
Overnight camp
Focused on campers who do not require one-on-one assistance and have attended camp before. Diagnoses: Intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism.
We have a full medical facility with nurses and doctors equipped to accommodate any medical needs our Campers may require. 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.
In a world that often says 'No' to people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, Camp Barnabas says 'Yes.' Yes to adventure. Yes to accessibility. Yes to confidence. Yes to belonging. At Camp Barnabas, every Camper can splash, soar, gather, explore, worship, connect, and grow in a place where they are celebrated for exactly who God created them to be.
Cabin structure — specific age ranges and diagnoses grouped together
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. Nine distinct weeks run from late May through early August, serving campers from age 7 through adult with a range of diagnoses including intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, blindness, deafness, and chronic illness.
When you have a child with disabilities, it can be hard not to worry about them. No matter the level of care a Camper needs, our Med Team is ready to care for them in every way possible. We have a full medical facility with doctors, nurses, assistants, and interns who are ready to assist whenever needed. Our Med Team's compassionate and diligent support ensures Campers and volunteers receive loving care, grants parents peace of mind, and allows everyone to wholeheartedly embrace the pure and boundless joy of camp.
Med Team composition — physicians, nurses, mental health professionals
Physicians are on call to evaluate Campers, Missionaries, and Staff, supervise medical procedures, prescribe medication, and perform treatments. Healthcare professionals keep our Campers, Missionaries, and Staff well cared for each week at camp by distributing daily medications, providing necessary procedures, and responding to Camper, Missionary, or Staff drop-in visits. Psychiatrists, PsyD's, LPC's, and LCSW's provide support to everyone at camp using stress management tools.
Nurse parent story — Keara with Type 1 Diabetes, med team 24/7
"It was incredible to see Keara be able to go with her fellow campers and not have one of us with her. I loved seeing her spend the night in a cabin with other girls and just watch her have so much fun," says Lesley, Keara's mom, who served as a nurse on the Med Team. "Seeing the med team work together, the way they do 24/7 to get the campers to the activities. That's amazing. And the campers, I love seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they've done something they've never done before."
