Founders

Paul Teas   

Co-founder and Executive Director, Paul Teas has enjoyed more than 17 years of Christian camping experience, even though he began his career as an underwater archaeologist.  Paul was born in El Paso, Texas and grew up in west Texas on his family’s ranch.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology from the University of Texas at Austin and was a certified master scuba diver. He has worked on a variety of archaeology projects in the United States, Central America and Australia.  Paul is constantly amazed and humbled by the wonderful children who come to Camp Barnabas. “They are truly heroic people who have an appreciation and excitement for life,” says Paul. “They really love others the way God expects us to love Him. I am always challenged and encouraged by the campers that I get to know and their courageous and bold lives.”  Paul, Cyndy and their two children, Kayman and Trace, moved to Missouri in 1991 to begin a career in the camping industry.

Cyndy Teas, R.N.

Co-Founder and Director of Development/Health Services, Cyndy Teas is a Registered Nurse whose passion for serving people with special needs developed during her 25 years as a pediatric nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and has served in pediatric home health, hospital pediatrics and pediatric ICU. She spent several years as a camp nurse and Medical Director at Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri.  Through these experiences, Cyndy realized the challenges and pressures placed on a family with a chronically ill or physically or developmentally challenged child. She is committed to seeing that people with special needs are given human dignity through the unconditional love they receive at Camp Barnabas.  Cyndy finds life’s greatest joys are her family and her career. She is proud of her two adult children, Trace and Kayman. A native of Dallas, Cyndy enjoys spending time with her children, her twin sister and older sister, all living in different parts of Texas.