 The Peter Swalm Memorial Fund is a Kansas Not for Profit organization benefiting Camp Barnabas, a
summer camp for seriously ill and disabled children located in Purdy, Missouri. The Fund is in memory
of Peter Andrew Swalm, 18 year-old son of Mike and Jan Swalm, who died in a tragic automobile
accident on his way to Lawrence High School early on the morning of April 23, 2001. Peter had served
as a volunteer at Camp Barnabas for four summers. The Fund gains its revenues from The Peter
Swalm Memorial Cookie Bake Off and donations. 100% of the proceeds are used to support campers
and volunteers to Camp Barnabas, in Peter’s name and to God’s Glory.
Barnabas, Jesus’ least known disciple, was known as the encourager. Camp Barnabas was named for him to symbolize
its mission to encourage children who have terminal or serious, chronic illnesses or disabilities. Sickness robs these
children of normal childhood experiences. The adventures at Camp Barnabas restore childhood joy. As a ministry, Camp
Barnabas transforms these special campers. They gain greater self-confidence, independence, and responsibility for self-care.
Most importantly, they are immersed in the unconditional love of God. They are strengthened, learning all things
are possible through Him.
Camp Barnabas was founded to meet the need of a growing number of chronically ill or disabled children to have the joy
of childhood restored in their lives. At Camp Barnabas, it is normal to be sick. All of the campers have either experienced
the effects of illness firsthand or as a family member. To these children chemotherapy, amputation, or IV infusions
are second nature. At Camp Barnabas, these children rest in the assurance that being different is acceptable. The
Barnabas staff encourages campers to stretch themselves and see what they can do, instead of what they cannot do.
Camp Barnabas grew out of a simple statement made by a young cancer victim, “I just want to be a normal kid at camp,”
to become a place where many lives are changed forever.
Camp Barnabas provides one to one volunteer to camper service. Each volunteer spends 23 hours a
day with his or her camper and learn to serve others. The impact that Camp Barnabas has made on
each volunteer is as profound as the impact it has had on the lives of the campers. Volunteers must pay
their own expenses to, from and while at Camp Barnabas. Volunteers receive no compensation for their
labors of love.
Your donation will help continue the work that Peter loved, caring for those less fortunate than he.
Please make checks payable to: Peter Swalm Memorial Fund
Click here for a donation form
Mail to: Peter Swalm Memorial Fund
3514 Clinton Parkway, A333
Lawrence, KS 66047
Proceeds benefit Camp Barnabas for disabled and seriously ill children.
Camp Barnabas is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.
Children with serious illness and disabilities are accepted regardless of their parents’ ability to pay.
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