2007 Most Influential Women Honoree: Cyndy Teas

From Kanakuk Kamps nurse to Camp Barnabas co-founder, Cyndy Teas has influenced thousands of young lives and become an outspoken advocate for the disabled.

Teas and husband Paul started Camp Barnabas – a nonprofit Christian summer camp for disabled children in rural Barry County – 12 years ago. More than 8,000 children with special needs have attended Camp Barnabas since its gates opened in June 1995 in Purdy.

In 2005, the aging camp underwent a major overhaul on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

A registered nurse for nearly three decades, Teas became the director of health services at Branson-based Kanakuk Kamps after moving to the Ozarks in 1991. While at Kanakuk, Teas met a 12-year-old girl with bone cancer whose leg had been amputated. The girl’s desire to be normal inspired the Teases to quit their jobs and start Camp Barnabas.

Teas has performed numerous jobs at Camp Barnabas, from recruiting staff and volunteers to heading up the camp’s health services. Since January, her current post has been as director of development, in which she solicits funding, writes grants and handles public relations.

Teas said her proudest accomplishment is changing perceptions and attitudes about disabled people. Her message: People with disabilities count.

“I feel that I have made a small ripple in the ocean of change that will continue to swell, and I dream of the day when people with disabilities are given the respect and dignity they deserve,” she said.

Teas is one of only three women who have served on the national board for the Christian Camp and Conference Association, an organization with a $1 million annual budget that sets policy and provides guidance for 1,200 member camps. She also was a founding member of the Association of Camp Nurses.

Nursing is Teas’ other love. She has developed a program for nursing students to serve on the medical team at Camp Barnabas.

Peter Herschend, owner of Family Enntertainment Corp., nominated Teas for Most Influential Women recognition.

“Cyndy leads by example, and her influence reaches far beyond the camp, impacting thousands of lives in our community and beyond,” Herschend wrote. “Cyndy Teas is truly using her life to its fullest potential and is the most influential woman I know.”

One-on-one with Cyndy Teas

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the work force?

Look for work doing your life passion, and if you have not figured out what that passion is, volunteer and help others and you will find (it).

Beyond the Golden Rule, what philosophy guides you?

Always look for how you can help others. Your life needs will be taken care of when you care first for your fellow man.

What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

I have some pretty serious learning disabilities and always thought I was “dumb.” I have learned to accept my challenges and not let them be who I am.

Please tell us about your family.

I have a wonderful husband, Paul, who works with me every day. Our daughter Kayman married in May and lives in Texas. She ... is attending grad school in clinical psychology at Houston Baptist University. Our son, Trace, just graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in psychology. He is pursuing of a master’s degree as a physician’s assistant.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.