Arvest Foundation Makes $30,000 Donation to Camp Barnabas

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Aug. 7, 2025) – The Arvest Foundation recently announced a $30,000 donation to Camp Barnabas to help construct a special music garden at the camp in Purdy, Mo.

Camp Barnabas provides a unique summer camp experience to individuals with special needs,
their siblings and youth from across the U.S. The new music garden will feature sensory friendly
musical instruments for its campers. The interactive, outdoor space is designed to encourage
creativity, sensory exploration and social connection, especially for those who are on the autism spectrum.

Arvest associates from the bank’s Springfield, Joplin and Benton County, Ark., markets presented the check on behalf of the Arvest Foundation to Camp Barnabas staff on Aug. 5. Bank associates also helped unveil an Autism Awareness debit card, which offers Arvest customers a way to show support for autism awareness and acceptance. Members from Arvest’s associate impact group ArBilities, which focuses on creating physically and mentally inclusive spaces for all Arvest associates, were also on site to help to unveil the card and volunteer at the camp.

“On behalf of the Arvest Foundation and Arvest Bank, we’re proud to continue our support of Camp Barnabas and the great work they do to create more inclusive spaces,” said Shane Cowger, Loan Manager for Arvest Bank – Springfield Region and a Camp Barnabas board member. “It was exciting to have so many of our associates get a chance to visit the camp, volunteering and learning more about the organization’s mission. To also officially unveil ournew Autism Awareness debit card was another highlight of our day.”

Founded in 1994, Camp Barnabas has welcomed more than 90,000 campers, including those with various diagnoses such as developmental and physical disabilities. The camp offers a summer full of fishing, canoeing, archery, ziplining, swimming, mini-golf and much more.

“The Arvest Foundation is making a difference in the lives of our campers with disabilities and chronic illnesses,” said Bernadette Losh, Camp Barnabas CEO. “Their investment in the music garden makes Camp Barnabas an even more engaging and accessible place for all. We can’t wait to see our campers explore and create in this interactive garden.”


About the Arvest Foundation
The Arvest Foundation seeks to provide funding to grantees who are actively working to create positive change for others. Major areas of focus include: K-12 education, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Arvest footprint. Learn more at arvest.com/foundation.

About Arvest
With more than $27 billion in assets, Arvest is a full-service bank delivering financial solutions to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Since 1961, Arvest has been committed to providing financial solutions that help communities thrive and grow. Today, the bank has more than 200 locations throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more, visit arvest.com.