Max headed out to Camp Barnabus in the
Ozarks this summer for an incredible faith-based camping experience designed
especially for people with special needs, physical or intellectual challenges,
and their siblings. The program strives to create life-changing experiences for
both campers and staff, and to give spiritual growth and lasting friendships
for all who participate. The camp was founded by Cyndy and Paul Teas after
meeting a young girl going through chemotherapy who just wanted a camp
experience that she felt included in, after having attended summer camp at
Kanakuk for so many years prior to her diagnosis. Camp Barnabus is that place,
where all are welcomed, accepted and included.
Max spent a week at
Camp Barnabus this year, his third year attending the camp, and had invaluable
experiences. Being part of a sleep-away camp is almost a rite of passage, and
his family was very excited for Max to be able to have that experience in a
place he could learn and grow. His family talked of how much he loves going
swimming, eating camp food, and getting to leave the cabins for a night to
sleep in tents. The campers even cooked dinner and ate s’mores roasted over a
campfire! The camp has themed parties every night for the campers, and Max
thoroughly enjoyed all the singing and dancing that came along. He made many
friends along the way as well, his parents said, and rekindled old friendships
with campers who had attended with him in years past, including his volunteer
helper from last year.
When we asked Max’s
mother what her favorite thing about Max’s experiences at camp, she had this to
say:
“We love that Max gets an independent,
sleep away camp experience that every child should have available to them and
that we knew confidently that he would be well cared for, loved, and
authentically respected as a person at Camp Barnabus. We love that it is a
chance for him to step away from the world of iPads, Netflix and video games
and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. They request very detailed
information about your camper so they know how to make his experience best.
When we met Max’s new assigned volunteer helper for the week I was very
touched when he told us he had not only studied about Max, but he wanted us to
know that he had been praying daily, for a boy he still had yet to meet, that
their experience together would be wonderful.”
Camp gave Max
opportunities to grow and learn how to be independent, a valuable experience
for all kids, but especially important to those with special needs. Barnabus
gave Max the opportunity to have the same experiences as his typical peers at
school are able to have during the summer, and to build authentic and genuine
friendships through the camp. Camp Barnabus also allowed Max to grown in his
faith, and his parents were excited for him to have the chance to see that God
made him perfect the way he is, and that there is an important plan for his
life. They also mentioned how great this camp has been for them as well, as it
is often difficult for them to part with him because they worry about his care.
However, they have seen how wonderful the staff at Camp Barnabus is with all
the people who attend and how equipped they are to handle any situation, and
they remind themselves that Max is capable, smart and able to rise to any
challenge.
Max is already signed up to attend Camp
Barnabus next year, and may even be attending two one week sessions. He
couldn’t be more excited to go back! He will also be attending another
sleepaway camp with the Jewish Community Center this summer, which he can’t
wait for either. We hope he has a wonderful time!
