Camp Barnabas
Camp Barnabas offers faith-based overnight camps for individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses, providing a supportive and inclusive community exp...
▌ Editor's read Camp Barnabas's website, campbarnabas.org, loads successfully and provides comprehensive information about their programs. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) with an expiration year of 2025, indicating adherence to industry standards. Founded 30 years ago by Paul and Cyndy Teas, Camp Barnabas operates as a nonprofit organization, offering overnight camps specifically designed for individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses. The website mentions that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks. On Google, Camp Barnabas has a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 347 reviews, with reviewers frequently praising the camp's inclusive environment, caring staff, and the positive impact it has on campers and their families. Social media handles found on the site are @campbarnabas for Instagram and CampBarnabas for Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 199630+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 7–21
Camp Barnabas serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in overnight/sleepaway, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1996 (30 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 7–21
- Hours: 24-hour residential
- Address: 901 Teas Trail, Purdy, MO 65734
- Phone: (417) 476-2565
- Cost notes: Contact camp for pricing information
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Barnabas
- What ages does Camp Barnabas accept?
- Camp Barnabas is open to children ages 7–21. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Barnabas cost?
- Camp Barnabas publishes $1,500/week for the standard session. Contact camp for pricing information Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Camp Barnabas's hours?
- Camp Barnabas runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Is Camp Barnabas accredited?
- Yes — Camp Barnabas is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 30 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Camp Barnabas?
- Camp Barnabas is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 30 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Barnabas provide lunch?
- Camp Barnabas does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Barnabas with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Barnabas.
- Camp Barnabas · Ages 7–35 · $1,300/week