Purdy-based Camp Barnabas officials set aside Aug. 5 as a day of celebration in recognition of the completion of Lauren's Wellhouse - a $1.2 million, 7,000-square-foot medical facility.
Construction on the building began in October 2010 and was completed in May. The camp, which offers services for young people with special needs and chronic diseases, has been using the new center over the summer.
The building was named in honor of the camper who first inspired Paul and Cyndy Teas to start the Christian-based summer camp program in 1994.
"This is an excellent example of a win-win situation," Cyndy Teas said in a news release. "We are now serving over 1,300 campers each summer and had outgrown our current medical center. At the time we were finalizing our project, ACCESS (Family Care of Neosho) was looking to expand their health care services in our area.
"And their mission of reaching the medically underserved aligns well with our work with people with special needs and chronic diseases."
The partnership with ACCESS allows the facility to be used year-round, even when camp is not in session.
"I've known the Teas for many ears and have worked with them in another program," said Don McBride, ACCESS executive director and CEO, in the release. "When they contacted us, knowing their heart and mission and how well it fits in with our heart and mission made for a good fit."
The general contractor for the project was Morelock-Ross Builders Inc., with Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc. serving as architects.
Camp Barnabas draws campers and volunteers from more than 30 states. Each summer, more than 2,400 volunteers and 110 staff stay in the camp's facilities. There are 12 year-round staff members.[[In-content Ad]]
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