Camp Barnabas Christian summer camp sessions canceled

(The following Facebook post was made Thursday by Camp Barnabas officials. The Camp Barnabas summer camp session are held each year in Purdy.)

Dear Camp Family,

Camp Barnabas is made up of some incredible people, who love others in the name of Jesus. Thank you so much for coming alongside us. Thank you for allowing us to share the gospel and for your continued support, year after year.

You provide joy, fun, excitement, and hope to so many.

Hope fuels all of us. It keeps us going in the most difficult and challenging times.

And it’s what we need now more than ever.

We have watched our world and prayed for a swift and quick solution to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, and there’s not an easy answer.

That’s why it’s with a heavy heart that we let you know we are canceling all sessions of camp this summer.

Please know that we did not make this decision lightly. We sought the counsel of many including our board physician and Director of Health Services to ensure the health and safety of the entire Camp Barnabas family as well as the long term mission of Camp Barnabas.

As we move forward, we ask all of you to join us as we pray for our campers who will now miss out on their joy-filled week of camp.

It’s a week that they look forward to more than anything else the entire year. We know life-changing relationships are formed here. Our campers recharge here. And they are going to be missing this opportunity.

We ask that you pray for our camper families, too. Those who desperately need respite, and those who will have to wait longer for a break. We know our families need it and are praying for you. Know that we see you and you are not forgotten.

We ask that you pray for our summer staff and missionaries who were ready to build a summer for our campers and pour into our ministry. They will now miss out on the incredible opportunity to grow in their faith, build relationships, and have a transformative experience.

We ask that you pray for our full-time staff who have spent countless hours prepping for the summer.

This summer, our camp just won’t feel the same. Camp isn’t about the swimming pool, cabins, dining hall, or the dome. What makes camp is each one of YOU.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Please know our staff is working hard to respond to all questions as quickly as possible. Thank you for your continued love, prayers, and support.

We know God is in control and we find hope in Him.

For more information, visit: campbarnabas.org/covid