Inside Kanakuk

Friends are Friends Forever

2011-08-12T14:04:00.003-05:00

In the words of Michael W. Smith "friends are friends forever." As the theme song of so many closing days or "goodbyes" this is the first song that comes to mind as we close Kamp for the summer. Today Kampers are packing. They are exchanging contact information and promising to become friends on Facebook as soon as they get home. They are soaking in every last event from the blob to the zipline as they get excited about getting to see their families when the gates open at 4pm.

Today is my last day of work here at Kanakuk and I can't help but think about all the blessings this place has given me. I began as a Kamper here when I was 8 years old in teepee 2 at K-Seven. I attended Kamp for 8 years then I went on staff in college and worked at K-Seven. The Institute and K-Life have shared a huge part of my life over the past 4 years and now I have worked in the marketing department for the past 2 summers. Needless to say, this place holds a big piece of my heart.

I know I am not alone in feeling this way. Whether you're 8 and this was your first summer, or your 70 and came to Kanakuk as a child yourself, you know how this place really is different. This place has molded how so many of us follow Christ. It has influenced how we interact with others in an "I'm Third" mindset. It's led us to our best friends, taught us about accountability and built us into mentors for those younger than us. As so many of us leave here tomorrow we will have heavy hearts to leave family, but we will also be grateful, for a summer that stretched us, challenged us and molded us to be a little more like Christ.

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A Summer for the Whole Family

2011-08-10T11:32:00.005-05:00

It has been another Incredible summer at Kanakuk Family Kamp K-Kauai! "Protect this Hut" is a theme that will remain in the back of the minds of many families as they go about their lives back home. An incredible speaker lineup, a fantastic staff and a phenomenal collection of families are all the ingredients that went into a fantastic summer at Kauai!

We are looking forward to next summer which is already nearly full! As of today we have three spots open for next summer and we know those will go very quickly. Registration will open for summer 2013 on June 1, 2012 so stay tuned. Thank you so much for such a great summer. Looking forward to seeing you next year!

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Equipping the Future

2011-08-09T08:38:00.004-05:00

Walking up the K-2 hill towards the upper fields the other day, I found myself surrounded by guys and girls all heading in the same direction with lime green books in their hands. There must have been at least a hundred and fifty of them piling into the chapel at K-2 for a class with no bats, no balls, no ropes or tennis shoes required. They laugh and exchange stories from the day as they find their seats in the chapel. A few minutes later Debbie Jo take the stage and discussion begins.

Discussions and lecture carries on for the next hour in this small chapel in the Ozarks. This class, called K-Equip, has been offered at K-2 for many summers. Lead by Joe & Debbie Jo White and Adam Donyes, the class is targeted to equip Kampers with a deeper Bible knowledge. When it first began it was a small group of students who wanted to learn more about the Bible. Over the past few years, this class has exploded into one of the most popular classes at K-2.

As I sat in the back pew of the chapel and listened to scripture being read by a Kamper it was incredible to see how attentive all the Kampers were. They were taking notes and asking questions with significantly more insight than I ever would've had at their age... or lets be honest, even more insight than I have now.

To see these high school students choose to be studying their Bible over spending time on the lake or at the pool was awesome. Seeing their hunger for the Word, their passion for learning and their desire to be leaders back in their community was humbling. We should be so thankful for the blessings the Lord has given us in these amazing future leaders!

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Lunch with a Beat...

2011-08-08T15:12:00.006-05:00

Today the marketing department at Kanakuk was invited to join K-Kountry for a little lunch "Kamp Style." We were all so excited to get to experience lunch at the Kountryside before the end of the summer, especially on such a cool day! So seven of us headed out of our A/C offices towards Kamp where we were greeted by a tremendous amount of energy and excitement. As soon as we walked through the gates we found a group of the guy Kampers who were sitting in "bumblebee," a time when Kampers are recognized for their outstanding efforts that day. Costumes, cheers and laughter were all around us and our Kamp experience was just beginning.

After "bumblebee" we headed down the road where the girls had recently finished a masterpiece of artwork with chalk. A few of us did hopscotch and truly relived our childhood. We waited in line-up with all the other Komo (girl) barns as we could smell the delicious food awaiting us inside!

Dinning at Kamp is a whole different experience. Food is served family style, teaching kids how to serve each other before themselves. Beyond that, there are few manners required. And if you ask nearly any K-Kountry Kamper what their favorite part of lunch is, I would be willing to bet they would say dancing. From the moment they set foot through the door the music was pumped up and the Kampers were going crazy with all their dances. Whether they were getting food, standing on their benches or cleaning up at the end of the meal, they were dancing and loving every minute of it! There was even a brief interlude to one song where all the Kampers knew to grab a utensil and dishes and bang on them as loudly as possible. It was a hilarious moment as all of us "adults" at our table looked at each other wondering if it would be inappropriate if we joined in too. We left K-Kountry with full stomachs and smiling faces. It was a delightful time-out from our day.

Meals at Kamp are a blast and we are so thankful we got an opportunity to experience one first hand. Parents, we will say in advance we're sorry if when your Kampers get home they feel like every meal there should be dancing... try it, it's bound to put a smile on your face the same way it did ours!

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K-Seven Kamper win's BIG!

2011-08-02T11:09:00.004-05:00

One of our Kampers, David Mullings (second from right), had a big win with his baseball team this summer. His team, El Paso Heat won the State of Texas - USSSA Little League - West Texas Division Tournament. The team had an unbelievable season as they went 22-7. We are so proud of you and your team David!

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Kanakuk-isms Monday "UnReal/Super Deal"

2011-08-01T15:08:00.004-05:00

Anticipation and excitement race through your mind as you arrive back at Kamp, check in, and find out where you will be living while you're here. For the younger Kampers its the anticipation of who their counselors are and if they will be able to survive without their parents. For the older Kampers, however, the excitement is for one thing and one thing only... "will I be in UnReal/Super Deal?"

So what is all the hype about you might ask? Well being in UnReal/Super deal you are identified as the oldest in the entire Kamp. You're the leaders, the chiefs/princesses, you set the bar and the example for all the other Kampers to follow. Along with the responsibility of being the Kamp role models comes a few perks to being the oldest.

Throughout their time here the Kampers in these cabins may get to go on an extra trip, get an extra party or even get elected to lead their tribes the next summer as the chiefs/princesses. You have your own cheer, the biggest cabin and often you have been to Kamp with the same group of people for multiple years.

UnReal/Super Deal truly is a good deal. And a great way for kids to learn what its like to have so many people looking up to them.

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Future Leaders

2011-07-29T15:52:00.003-05:00

Today things are winding down at all of the Kamps as we prepare to say "goodbye" to Kampers tomorrow and "hello" to new faces! There are many things that have to be done before we can let our current Kampers leave though! Addresses must be exchanged, pictures must be taken and trunks must at least be attempted to be packed before parents arrive. Its a busy day as everyone soaks in their list of lasts until next summer.

As I was passing by the basketball court at K-West this morning I came across another important part of the end of a term; selecting next year's chief and princesses to lead the tribes! The boys from the Choctaw tribe had gathered on the court to nominate their cabin mates to be chiefs.

Becoming a chief or a princess is a really big deal because you are the leader of the tribe. Not only are you a chief, but you are someone everyone looks up to. You have additional responsibilities and duties. Being a chief or princess is an awesome opportunity because you get to learn how to be a leader in such an encouraging environment.

We are so proud of our chiefs and princesses as well as all of our Kampers and their ability to be great leaders here at Kamp and back home!

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Merry Christmas in July!!

2011-07-28T11:04:00.004-05:00

"Have a holly jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year..." Wait, its not Christmas? Well we sure are celebrating Christmas in July here at Kanakuk! Over the past week as I have traveled around the Kamps I have heard Christmas music, seen Santa hats and smelled chocolate chip cookies being baked... its been a delight!

Every summer around this time different Kamps like to change things up a bit by surprising Kampers with Christmas in July! It's such a fun time for Kampers to wear green and red all day while listening to Christmas music across Kamp. There's nothing like blobbing, swimming or hanging out on treetops when it feels a little bit like Christmas! You might even see a snowball or two hand-crafted from the snow cone machines... we go all out around here!

Can you imagine if we had Kamp year-round? Now that would be a Christmas present of gigantic proportion!

Merry Christmas in July!

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Kanakuk-isms Monday "FOB"

2011-07-25T08:58:00.003-05:00

Kamp has been around for over 85 years. In that time a ton of traditions have been built. A majority of those traditions are still around today for Kampers to enjoy the same way their parents and grandparents may have.

One tradition was set into place to help Kampers rest during their day, but it has changed a little bit over the years. "FOB" stands for flat on bunk and is a time right after lunch when Kampers go back to their bunks to rest. Although it was originally designed for Kampers to do exactly what it says; be flat on bunks to rest, this rarely happens.

As a Kamper, my counselors were a little more lenient on the rules of "FOB." It became a great time to write letters, play games, make bracelets or just talk to the other girls in your cabin. Many in the cabin would still take naps because lets be honest, Kamp is exhausting. FOB was always a highlight of the day for me because we got to slow down as a group from the business of the day and just enjoy each other.

Have you had an FOB today? If not, you should take a moment to slow down and enjoy the day God has given you!

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A day to be who God made you to be!

2011-07-22T09:47:00.001-05:00

Many of our Kamps have at least one day during each term designated as "Man/Girl" day. This day may have different activities, but at the heart of the day is the opportunity for boys to just be boys and girls to just be girls. From painting their faces for war and going through an entire day of competition for the boys to painting their nails and putting on pageants for the girls these days are a blast to be at Kamp for because kids love them!

Typically, these days are more relaxed too. Kids get to sleep in a little, they get extra freetime, and the day is often ended with a message from a men's or women's director about the importance of being a man/woman of God. Yesterday was man/girl day at K-Seven and K-West and I had so much fun getting to be a part of it all. The days events consisted of teepee competitions and eating with your hands for the boys and tons of fun stuff for the girls including a counselor pageant where the girls were in charge of hair, makeup, wardrobe and talent.

It's good to be a man and a girl here at Kanakuk!

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POD day @KanakukK2

2011-07-21T11:46:00.005-05:00

A new favorite at K-2 this summer is POD day. Every Wednesday Kampers get the opportunity to spend their morning and afternoon in a class they wouldn't otherwise get to do. These classes can be sports like basketball or tennis, or extreme sports like BMX or wake-boarding. Some Kampers even choose to take field trips to Dogwood Canyon where they get to go hiking and caving.

PODs are quickly becoming a favorite day at Kamp and it's clear why. Kampers get to experience things that push them. Events they would never be able to do back home are offered to them in an environment where they are set up to succeed. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

If you are coming to the last term at K-2 this summer then get excited for PODs!

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Overcoming BIG Challenges

2011-07-20T15:01:00.002-05:00

At Kanakuk we love giving Kampers an opportunity to push themselves beyond what they normally believe they could do. Whether it is conquering a fear of heights on the climbing wall/treetops or learning how to work as a team at the challenge course; it is our desire for them to grow through being stretched.

Not only is it a place to learn and grow, it is a place to learn to encourage others when they are going through challenges in their life. There's a reason so many people come back here year after year and I believe it has something to do with they things the Lord teaches and they way you are constantly encouraged.

We are studying James at Kamp this summer. A great book to study for anyone going through challenges in life. Join us in our study knowing that the challenges in life only makes you stronger in Christ!

- Living the dream at the happiest place on earth! - Ashley

Staying Cool while things are Heating up

2011-07-19T13:31:00.004-05:00

For those of you not from the Southwest Missouri area we are in the midst of a terrific heat-wave. It only makes sense because we are over half-way through the summer, but this year it seems steamier than normal. Now if you’re from Texas I’m sure 100-degree temperatures are just another day in the park for you, but here in Missouri it is HOT.

Heat is not something we fear here at Kamp though. With slip-in-slides, blobs, jet skis and pools at each Kamp it’s never too difficult to find a place to cool down.

How are you staying cool this summer?

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Kanakuk Family Worship Service

2011-07-18T10:08:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a fantastic day of family and fellowship here in Branson! Many families stayed here for the weekend, after picking up their kids at Kamp, so they could attend our Kanakuk Family Worship Service at the Hilton. With over 250 people in attendance it felt like one big family reunion.

Emcees for the morning Kyler and Diana Wright had us laughing from the beginning. Brady Toops, Renee Crane and Nasa brought amazing music and Joe brought the Word. The message was on honoring each other in the family and it was a powerful way to end the time many of the kids in the audience have spent here over the past 1-4 weeks.

We are so thankful for our family and for the opportunity to get together with them in the summertime. If you are going to be in the Branson area on July 31 please come join us for the service! We would love to have you!

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Say "goodbye" to say "hello!"

2011-07-15T13:33:00.005-05:00

It's Friday, which means tonight is parents night at Kanakuk. Parents are on their way as we speak to come pick up their kiddos who have been away from them for 7-28 days. In Kamp world we call this "changeover" as it marks a huge change in the Kamp environment when so many Kampers go home and many new Kampers arrive!

This weekend we refer to it as a BIG changeover. Today every Kamp saying "goodbye" to the Kampers they have had and "hello" to new Kampers tomorrow. On top of that, many Kamps are also getting new staff to finish off the summer with.

All this to say, there will be a lot of smiles, laughter and tears over the next 24 hours as reunions and departures are happening all around us.

So thankful to call this place home.

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Kanakuk Favorites: Danna's BBQ

2011-07-14T14:52:00.003-05:00

On our way back from Lampe Kamps today the media team and I stopped at a Kamp hotspot. So of course I thought y'all needed to know about it too!

When it comes to Barbeque in Branson, Kanakuk staff love to stop by Danna's! With three locations from Branson West to Kirbyville our staff will drive any great distance to get this BBQ. It also serves as a great escape during 2-4's (24 hour periods our staff get off from Kamp).

When you go all you need to know is that EVERYTHING on the menu is good! If we had a pick though, our staff would probably recommend a loaded baked potato, the quesadillas or the nachos! You literally cannot go wrong with any of these options.

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Family, Fun and Fireworks

2011-07-05T11:38:00.003-05:00

Family, fun, and fireworks. All of these are key ingredients to a successful 4th of July. As I spent the greater part of the day at K-Seven it was evident just how important each of these factors are at Kamp. Walking down the road towards the Chancey’s house I ran into many former leadership people in town for a special “family reunion” at K-Seven. Every year on the 4th you can find a group of friends or really family collected on the porch of the Chancey’s reminiscing on all the powerful things God has done at this Kamp over the past few decades.

Not only do we have reunions on the 4th, but we have parades too! Check out the pictures of our annual Lampe parade!

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Honoring Heros in our Family

2011-07-01T16:45:00.008-05:00

On the day we are celebrating freedom and the birth of our nation you can’t help but take a moment to think about all the people who have fought and are fighting for us overseas. Our very own Patty McDonnell got to recognize military personnel in a very special way when she accompanied her father, Leon Briggs, on the Missouri Honor Flight on June 14.

The trip was less than 24 hours and took Patty, her father and others to Washington D.C. to see the new WWII Memorial and then back to Springfield. What made this day even more special was that it took place on the 236th anniversary of the army (the branch her father was in) and 2 days after Patty’s father's 89th birthday.

Patty said the entire day was about celebrating her father as a hero. The day was completed with a band greeting them when they landed back in Springfield. While walking to their car at the end of the day Patty’s father turned to her and said “… but I was just a foot soldier, nothing special,” to which Patty responded telling him he was a hero and that day hundreds of people confirmed that!

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Kanakuk - Newest BMX Track in Missouri

2011-07-01T16:34:00.005-05:00

The beginning of the summer brought another new extreme sport to K-2. A BMX (bicycle motorcross) track has been put in. Now Kampers are given the opportunity to ride just like the original BMXer’s in California.

Putting in a BMX track at Kamp was no small task, our chief resident builder and creator of all things fun and exciting, Richard Parton has done an incredible job!

Kanakuk - Newest BMX Track in Missouri from Joe White on Vimeo.

Richard has been building and creating the exciting events at Kamp since the late 80’s. He’s the man who digs the holes, moves the dirt, builds the slip-n-slides and keeps Kamp running and beautiful all year round.

When I stopped by the BMX track at K-2 the other day I had so much fun watching Kampers. Guys were tearing up the track (I think that’s proper BMX lingo). Thanks Richard for creating another fun and exciting event for our Kampers!

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Let the 4th of July Celebrations begin!

2011-06-29T14:43:00.003-05:00

It’s 4th of July week and Kamp is celebrating in style. As I write this I can hear firecrackers being set off across the street at K-Kountry during one of their morning skits. Kampers are cheering loudly and you can tell the energy level is rising as we quickly approach this weekend’s festivities.

During the 4th of the July all schedules are changed and we spend the whole day celebrating. The Kampers often have longer “free-time,“ dress in stars and stripes and generally spend the entire day in celebration!

A highlight of the day at K-Seven and K-Kountry is a counselor-constructed parade that goes through the middle of Kamp. Kampers line the streets like NYC on Thanksgiving and counselors hand out icy-juicies while dressed in crazy costumes and riding on floats. This is typically followed by all you can eat watermelon and an old fashion rootbeer for each Kamper.

The day is finished off with all the Kamps coming together in Lampe and in Branson to enjoy a traditional fireworks show under the stars.

Our nations birthday is a big deal at Kanakuk. We love a good reason to celebrate all week long! How are you celebrating this year?

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"I'm a F-A-N-A-T-I-C fanatic,

2011-06-27T17:04:00.009-05:00

I rep Christ til I D-I-E, fanatic"

On Friday night one of Kamp’s favorite rappers, Lecrae, performed for our Kampers out at Kanakuk K-2 and you could feel the energy from miles around.

From this year’s theme song “Game On” to “Fanatic,” Lecrae sang with tons of his fans singing along with him.

We are so thankful for Lecrae taking the time to come perform for us!

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Life Applications

2011-06-27T12:07:00.003-05:00

Every day our Kampers are kept busy as they move from one class to the next. Smiles abound as they learn how to sail, blob and canoe for the first time. At the end of every class we circle up and talk about “Life applications.” Life Apps. are an explanation of how we can apply the event we just did to what God wants us to remember in life about Him. During life apps. counselors are often reminded why Scripture says we are to have faith like a child.

A few summers ago I spent a lot of time down at the dock and it was there that I heard my favorite Life App. When driving a group of younger girls on boats one day a little girl shared with me that she already had her Life App. prepared for the end of class. This little girl explained that the boat was God, the tube was her walk with God and the rope in between was prayer and reading the Bible (the things that connect her to God). She said that some days it’s really hard to stay on her walk because the waves (devil) are constantly trying to knock her off. She then said that she trusts the boat and knows it will not leave her alone in the middle of the lake, but that it will always turn around and pick her back up when she falls off. So simple. So true.

There are many many more stories just like this that have been shared by Kampers over the years. Often it seems that we as staff can learn more from kids than we think simply because of their innocent faith.

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Kanakuk Health Centers

2011-06-21T16:25:00.002-05:00

K-Kountry Health Center

K-1 Health Center

Collectively, Kanakuk staff and Kampers spend more than 123,000 "days" at Kamp during the summer! Those days are packed with dozens of activities and fun adventures indoors and out. Tremendous importance is placed on safety and healthy spiritual and physical habits. But, with all the excitement comes regular health needs of Kampers, the normal scrapes and bruises, and the occasional activity related injury. Each Kanakuk Kamp maintains and staffs a health center with compensated RN's, volunteer nurse helper moms, and volunteer physicians. These health centers, their equipment, policies and staff are managed year-round by a Kanakuk employed Health Services Director. Kanakuk families help us keep their Kampers healthy and our Health Centers running efficiently by completing health information during the enrollment process and updating us on any changes. Our health center staff understand their care provides everyone a chance to enjoy Kamp to the fullest! We are all very thankful for their service and dedication.

- Living the dream at the happiest place on earth! - Ashley

Kanakuk-isms Monday

2011-06-20T12:07:00.008-05:00

Tribals is a term we use quite a bit at Kanakuk. When a Kamper comes for a term 2 weeks or longer, they are put into a tribe that they will compete with during the course of their time here.

There are two girls tribes and two guys tribes and let me tell you competition can get pretty crazy between these 4 groups. But before competition can begin, they must be put into tribes.

Typically the second or third night of Kamp all of the Kampers gather around a campfire where they watch an authentic tribal dance paired with a ceremony where it is announced who will be in what tribe. This is a very special time with Kampers because it’s a tradition but also because it is often unlike anything these kids have ever seen!

During the ceremony, Kampers are placed in the Cherokee or Choctaw tribes if they are guys and the Kickapoo or Kiowa tribes if they are girls.

Then the competition begins. Over the course of their term they will have tons of competitions between the tribes to see who is the stronger team. They learn teamwork, unity, and discipline as they are led by their respective Princesses or Chiefs.

Tribals. just another thing that makes Kanakuk so unique.

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Friendly Rocks

2011-06-15T12:56:00.003-05:00

Kanakuk is covered in pea gravel. You know, the kind of rocks that get stuck in your shoes and drive you nuts for days. It does however provide a resource for a Kamp tradition that has been around as long as I can remember. “Friendship Rocks” are rocks with holes all the way through them and they are a hot commodity this time of year. When a Kamper finds a rock with a hole in it they give it to a friend to wear. Believe me, it is a big deal to find a friendship rock. Walking through Kamp it isn’t considered strange to see a few kids sitting down and searching for friendship rocks.

Since there are millions of rocks all over Kamp, finding these rarities is both challenging and fun! As a former Kamper, every time I see a rock with a hole in it a flood of memories fill my mind of Kanakuk friends. It’s the little things that make this Kamp so magical. A place that sticks with you throughout your life...

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Kanakuk-isms Monday - Bumblebee Award

2011-06-13T12:44:00.004-05:00

It's come to my attention that we here at Kanakuk say some pretty strange words and expect people to know what we are talking about. So it has been my executive decision to take a little time out of each Monday to define a few of these terms for you! Some times they might even have pictures!

Today's word is "Bumblebee." Some time during your Kamper's term someone will be given the bumblebee award. This award is given to the Kamper who overcomes a challenge they are faced with.

You see, bumblebees are said to overcome impossible odds whenever they fly. Their wings are so small that it would seem they would never be able to get off the ground. They do, however. They refuse to let anyone say they are incapable of doing something just because it may be challenging.

There are many big challenges at Kamp. Whether its a high element like the zipline or slide or something brand new like canoe or kayak. We love to be there to encourage Kampers when they aren't sure if they can do it. We want them to know that God created us each uniquely and just as he helps the bumblebee overcome incredible odds He will be with us and help us through anything we are faced with!

Bumblebees can fly! Just believe in yourself!

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Serving with a Smile

2011-06-10T11:10:00.000-05:00

Giving up a week of your summer to go serve in a kitchen seems like a very unlikely request. Especially if you are asking a group of 9 highschool boys. But when the opportunity to come serve at Kanakuk's Family Kamp, K-Kauai, for a week came up for these boys they jumped at the chance!

These 9 boys traveled with their K-Life staff from Conway, Arkansas to Branson so they could volunteer. They have spent the past 4 days serving behind the scenes so the families at K-Kauai can enjoy their vacation. They serve food during the meals, they mop the dinning hall, they wash the dishes and they do the dirty work in the kitchen. On top of that, they do all of this with smiles on their faces because they know they are doing it to ultimately serve God.

For the rest of the summer each week there will be a different group of high school students who come in to serve and if they are anything like this group, I know the guest at K-Kauai are going to receive service with a smile!

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Service with a Smile

2011-06-10T10:32:00.006-05:00

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Service with a Smile

2011-06-10T10:32:00.002-05:00

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Service with a Smile!

2011-06-09T16:09:00.002-05:00

Giving up a week of your summer to go serve in a kitchen seems like a very unlikely request. Especially if you are asking a group of 9 highschool boys. But when the opportunity to come serve at Kanakuk's Family Kamp, K-Kauai, these boys they jumped at the chance!

These 9 boys traveled from Conway, Arkansas with their K-Life staff to Branson to serve. They have spent the past 4 days serving behind the scenes so the families at K-Kauai can enjoy their vacation. They serve tables during the meals, wash dishes, mop the dinning hall, and do the dirty work. But they do it all with a smile on their faces!

Next week another group of high school kids will be here to serve and the next week and the next. Throughout the whole summer there will be kids here serving and giving up a week of their summer so that they can help add to the kingdom one heart at a time.

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Game On Beats

2011-06-07T09:56:00.010-05:00

A staple of summertime fun at Kanakuk is the summer theme - and no summer theme is complete without a theme song. The theme song provides the background music to every Kamper’s experience and without it… well Kamp would be much quieter. For the past few years Kanakuk has had the privilege of partnering with Christian Hip Hop artist Lecrae and other members of the hip hop collective 116 Clique to produce our summer theme song. 116-Clique a Christian hip hop collective is named after Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel…” This year’s song Game On, is another awesome track to add to your summer playlist.

(116 Clique pictured above. Tedashii, Pro, Sho Baraka, Trip Lee, and Lecrae)

Accompanying Lecrae on this year’s theme song are artists Tedashii, Pro, and Jai.
Tedashii is an accomplished performer who often works with Lecrae and whose albums have climbed the Billboard Christian and Gospel charts over the past few years.

Co-Founder of Reach Records, Lecrae has established himself at the forefront of Christian Rap. His influence extends into mainstream media and culture, and his albums continue to climb the ranks on iTunes and hit #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian and Billboard Gospel albums charts. It is an honor that he chooses to work with Kanakuk each summer.

Pro, the opener for the “Unashamed Tour” in 2010, has collaborated on several noteworthy projects and has watched his album Redemption find itself ranking on the Billboard charts as well.

For Jai, recently labeled a trailblazer for the underground Urban Gospel movement, this isn’t her first collaboration with the men of the 116 Clique. Recently participating in Lecrae’s 3rd album “Rebel” and Trip Lee’s single “The Invasion,” Jai has made a name for herself as a worship leader and speaker.

Download the song and jam with us all summer long.

Check out ReachRecords.com for more on Lecrae, Tedashii
and Pro and JustJai.com for more on Jai

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Anticipation and Excitement!!

2011-06-06T17:38:00.008-05:00

Arriving at Kamp is like being shot out of a human cannon. From the moment you pull on the road leading to Kamp anticipation begins to rise. You know as soon as the car stops you will be bombarded by counselors dressed in crazy costumes who are super excited you are there! A couple of them will unload all your stuff and take it to your cabin while the others will show you how to find out what cabin you will be spending the next 7,14, or 28 nights in! You get introduced to the entire Kamp and your counselors energetically hug you and quickly whisk you away to your cabin where you can meet all your new cabin mates. And all of this happens in about a 10 minute time period. Talk about excitement!!

Our first batch of Kampers have made it through all of this and are now on their 2nd day of Kamp! The excitement never stops around here! Game On!

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Hope from Heartache

2011-05-31T17:32:00.008-05:00

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well: keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17 NIV

When tornadoes came through Joplin a little over a week ago many Kanakuk families were affected. With Kamp in the midst of “work-week,” it just made sense to pack up some staff and head to Joplin to help. So yesterday, we loaded 150 K-Kountry staff into 4 buses, 3 vans, and a truck with everything we would need to try to bring the love of Christ to a place that had lost a lot of hope.

Nothing could’ve prepared us for the day ahead. Volunteering with Samaritans Purse we were quickly put to work with families in need. The sight of the destruction at these homes was unimaginable. Walking down the streets, everywhere you turn you find Legos mixed with tree limbs, house siding intertwined with stuffed animals and cars filled with mud from the whipping winds.

Despite all the destruction, the Lord’s hand was obvious in the smiles on the victim’s faces, in the encouragement they gave the staff and in the love they showed each of us. It was our desire to be Christ’s hands and feet to show His love to individuals One Heart at a Time and our staff did an exceptional job.

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Social Media has hit Kanakuk

2011-05-27T14:28:00.007-05:00

In a matter of a week Kamp has gone from a handful of "uncles" (guys who come to Kamp early to help set up) to our nearly 1,200 staff being trained and fixing up Kamp for kiddos to arrive a week from tomorrow. Excitement is building, energy is increasing all because the love of God is truly alive in this place!

This year we want to give you an insiders glimpse to Kanakuk through social media. That's right, each Kamp is officially equipped with an iPad, Twitter and Blog so you can stay up to date with all the excitement all summer long. Follow your favorite... follow them all! And if that isn't enough for you tech-savvy people out there, we are on Facebook too!

It is our desire to keep you updated and it is also our desire to assist you on change-over days when you aren't sure where to go, what the schedule is, or where the bathrooms are. Tweet us (@Kanakuk) and we can help you out.

Spread the word! Kanakuk is having so much fun with social media and we hope you will participate with us!

Twitter:
@Kanakuk
@KanakukK1
@KanakukK2
@KanakukKWest
@KanakukKKountry
@KanakukKSeven
@KankaukKKauai

Blogs:
K1.Kanakuk.com
K2.Kanakuk.com
KWest.Kanakuk.com
KKountry.Kanakuk.com
KSeven.Kanakuk.com

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Kanakuk Favorites: Vaskin's Famous Gyros

2011-05-24T10:45:00.001-05:00

Kamp staff, and families often ask where we like to eat, play, and stay so here is the first installment of "Kanakuk Favorites."

Vaskin's Famous Gyros is located at 1015 Highway 248 in Branson. Some of the best Greek deli food you will find. It is just 15 minutes from our offices across from K1 and K-Kountry and is a favorite place to meet and see friends. This is a locals only kind of place that is bit hard to find, but worth it!

favorites: Hot Ham and Cheese with pasta salad, The Firehouse Gyro, The Lamb and Beef Gyro.

Yum! See you there!

2011 Kanakuk Summer Theme Announcement

2011-03-15T11:55:00.003-05:00

Key Theme Verse: James 1:22 - “prove yourselves doers of the word”

Kanakuk Kamps Mission: Developing dynamic Christian leaders through life-changing experiences, Godly relationships, and spiritual training.

The goal of the 2011 summer theme: That all Kampers would take home spiritual principles from James and apply them to their spiritual walk.

Check out the Theme announcement video HERE.

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Kanakuk Ministries - Graphic Designer Job Opening

2011-03-11T17:27:00.003-06:00

UPDATE: This position has been filled! Thank you very much for your interest in Kanakuk Kamps. If you are interested in creative positions at Kanakuk it is appropriate for you to submit a portfolio anytime. There are summer photographer and videographer positions available and hiring occurs for those in the Fall and Spring. For more information go to: http://kanakuk.com/staff/Prospective.aspx

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Looking for a fun, fast-paced, family oriented place to help visually communicate for multiple brands and non-profits? Kanakuk Ministries is now hiring a full-time, year-round graphic designer to work in their Marketing/Communications Department. This is open to newly graduated, recently graduated graphic design students or applicants with at least 2-3 years of experience. For more information please submit a resume and digital portfolio to jay@kanakuk.com. Please include your availability and a brief description of why you would want to work for Kanakuk Ministries. (www.kanakuk.com).

Kanakuk Ministries - Graphic Designer I Job Description

The Graphic Designer will perform all tasks designated by the Marketing Director including but not limited to:

produce new logos
website design
4-color brochures
Posters
Postcards
other printed materials
Work according to the specifications on job tickets and tastes of clients
Maintain and revise existing documents
Work with other departments to concept and create new graphic content
Back-up and archive data from completed jobs
Record time and materials used in projects.
And other misc. tasks not yet determined

The Graphic Designer is a salaried position and is expected to perform all of his or her duties under the direction of the Marketing Director. Work schedules vary but are typically 8:00am to 5:00pm.

This job description is meant only as a guide and in no way should be considered an all inclusive list of duties.

Applicants should have a thorough knowledge of the entire Adobe Design Standard Creative Suite, industry standard color theory, general knowledge of HTML/XHTML and CSS, and work comfortably in Mac OS X and a network environment.

Please submit a brief electronic portfolio and resume including references to: jay@kanakuk.com.

Qualified applicants will be contacted by email regarding their continuation in the application process.
This opening will close as soon as April 1st.

Kamper Ryan Alexander Signs with ARMY

2011-02-18T13:54:00.004-06:00

It's always fun when we see former Kanakuk Kampers excel in their athletic endeavors, but even more fun when they excel as leaders. I received the following email from a former Kanakuk summer staff guy and cousin of Kamper Ryan Alexander.

My name is Justin Rader (OSU and worked at Kanakuk Klassic 4 summers. ROLL IT BACK!)...my cousin, Ryan Alexander is 18 and a senior at Canadian High School. He attended Kanakuk Klassic, K2, and possibly another camp (can't remember), but Kamp has had a huge impact on him, just like it did on me, and he has become a super leader on his team, in school, and in our town.

I know he's my cousin and all, but I seriously respect the discipline to work out, read the Word, and live an I'm 3rd life that Ryan has shown. Kamp has been a major factor in his life and is what got a lot of that kicked off for him.

After an amazing highschool football career and chasing a lot of leads with lots and lots of disappointing news in the college football category, Ryan's faith has been put to the test time after time. God has proven Himself to be good and tomorrow morning (Tuesday, the 7th) Ryan is officially signing to play for Army. It's a huge answered prayer for us as his family, but it's a huge praise to the Lord for his faithfulness too.

Congratulations Ryan and thanks Justin for encouraging us all to lift one another up!

Well Ryan did sign with ARMY and you can read about it here or see Ryan sack a "baaazillion" quarterbacks here or an interview after the break.

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Top Christmas gift for Kanakuk Kampers

2010-12-14T08:14:00.002-06:00

To say that Kanakuk is important to Jennifer Farley would be an understatement.

Jennifer Farley, a.k.a. “Reno”, is the Assistant Women’s Director at K-1. Her Kamp experience began in 1989 at K-Kountry where she accepted Christ as a Kamper in Barn 5. She went on to spend two years there, three years at K-West and two years at K-2. She began her Kamp staff career in 1997 as a counselor and has worked a variety of jobs including the Osage Mama, the scheduler and Assistant Women’s Director.

Needless to say, Reno loves Kamp.

Recently she shared with us that summers at Kanakuk were her birthday and Christmas present for the seven years she attended as a Kamper. In fact, she wanted to share a special video from “Christmas Past.” She get's a little excited about it to say the least :-)

That’s Reno being surprised with the gift of Kamp. Like every year, Kamp remains a popular Christmas gift for Kanakuk Kampers. And it’s easy to give the gift of Kamp.

Simply go to KANAKUK.com and click on the graphic that says “Give Kamp for Christmas”. After you’ve purchased your gift, download and print this Stocking Stuffer to give on Christmas day (or whenever you open presents).

And make sure you have the camera rolling as your Kamper opens the gift. Capture the moment on film, send it to us and we’ll post as many videos on here as we can.

Merry Christmas!

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Kamp Life Video Behind the scenes

2010-09-08T08:19:00.002-05:00

They say that imitation is the purest form of flattery, so it was not completely unintentional that the new KampLife video resembles the famous "Swagger Wagon" video from Toyota. But more importantly this video is built to connect with the kinds of college students I personally want working with my kids at Kanakuk Kamps. Each year Kanakuk Kamps, K-Kauai - Kanakuk Family Kamp and Kids Across America travel to 300 colleges and universities across the country searching for summer staff that first have a heart for Christ and second a desire to reach children by serving at summer camp. Many of the staff we hire are involved in campus ministries, collegiate sports, and/or have been a camper at one of our camps. Personal interviews are done and applicants provide references that are checked. For more on Kanakuk Kamps hiring practices go here.

Behind the scenes: The KampLife video was scripted and produced by the full-time and summer video staff (April, Bailey, Kenzie) at Kanakuk Kamps during the 2010 camping season. Footage was shot and rough edited over a 8 week period and final editing done by our very own Tim Oliphant. Couple items of note: Joe White is the coolest boss ever and a real sport for filming his part. Only one family was used in the shooting of the K-Kauai section. At the end of the video the final line is "Rock 'em wisdom son."

We hope that people enjoy the KampLife video and share it with their friends. If you know a great college aged person that would be a great fit for a summer serving at Kids Across America or Kanakuk Kamps then forward them this link and have them slide on over to our Staff page for more information about a summer job that can really make a difference.

Follow Kanakuk on Twitter for more timely updates and insights into KampLife!

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Out of Kamp and back to the office

2010-08-19T16:19:00.002-05:00

When Kamp is in session, the main offices are incredibly quiet. With half of the staff serving at their respective Kamps, there are many vacated offices. After Kamp is over many of the directors go on vacation. The break in Kanakuk world doesn't last long and quickly begins buzzing once again. As of Monday next week, preparation for next summer will be in full swing.

You see; while Kampers are only here for 70+ days out of the year, full-time staff works year-round to prepare. This year, it is our desire here at Inside Kanakuk to give you a sneak-peek into Kanakuk 365. There is much to be done to get ready for the over 10,000 Kampers and families coming to share summer 2011 with us.

From directors travel plans to exciting new programs we want to keep you in the loop and informed. Don't forget to stay in touch with us, you are part of the Kanakuk Family!

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How Kanakuk Summer Camp Lasts All Year

2010-08-17T09:52:00.003-05:00

A proud Kanakuk Kamper who served others in sacrificial ways this summer.
He received special recognition while at Kamp.

Arguably the most intense 75 days of summer camping just came to a close at Kanakuk Kamps. The surface of every pool may be glassy smooth, but summer 2010 will never be over. Summer camp moments experienced at Kanakuk will continue in the hearts of our Kampers and staff forever. How do I know this?

I know because Kanakuk Kampers and staff have taken something special from this place and they are spreading it all over the World! The final day of Kamp I talked to Terek a Kamper from Cairo Egypt who was headed home to tell his brother about Kanakuk. The word about Kanakuk is spreading even to Cairo. But more importantly the impact and message of Jesus Christ is being shared. And, that will last forever.

That same closing day, those seated near Kamper Cameron on a flight out of Springfield, Missouri heard a testimony they won’t soon forget. I received an e-mail from a man who was on that same flight. As the plane pulled skyward he heard a young boy behind him talking about Kanakuk Kamps. The boy happened to be seated next to a pastor who had never heard of Kanakuk and the young boy was eagerly sharing about his experience at Kamp and how he had never felt so close to Christ, or realized the importance of Jesus.

Cameron had no idea his excitement over his Kanakuk experience and new found passion for his relationship with Christ would be so contagious. By telling his story, he impacted the lives of those on the plane One Heart at a Time.

Stories like this are why we continue the work here at Kanakuk Ministries. Kanakuk is passionate about encouraging kids in their walk with the Lord, and shaping lives.

Throughout the coming months more stories from our Kampers and staff will be posted here. We have a great Kamp family, thousands who are impacting the lives of those around them One Heart at a Time.

Do you have a One Heart at a Time story to tell?

Between posts check out a few other One Heart at a Time stories at: www.kanakukoneheart.org.

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Tearing down and packing up…

2010-08-06T16:11:00.002-05:00

August 12 will mark the end of Kanakuk summer 2010. On that day Kanakuk-land will go from having roughly 1500 Kampers and 600 staff at breakfast to what could be considered a ghost-town by evening.

During the last 2-weeks of the summer the leadership, maintenance, and staff work very hard to begin taking down Kamp one piece at a time. Over a period of a few days basketball goals no longer have nets, trampolines just become large open holes in the ground, boats are scrubbed from bow to stern and even the blob is deflated. All of these things are then securely put away where they will be safe until Kampers come again next summer.

Amazingly, it is rare for a Kamper to notice all of these changes as they are being made. Directors are strategic in how they take apart Kamp so it does not affect the Kamper experience. As soon as a class is taught for the last time this summer the maintenance men come in and begin putting things away.

No one ever thinks about all the work that must go into putting together or taking apart Kanakuk in the summer, but this staff is trained from years of experience on how to do it as efficiently as possible. By the end of the day on Thursday Kanakuk will be wrapped up for a summer. Another fantastic summer where lives were changed and Christ was glorified.

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I'm Third

2010-07-28T15:58:00.004-05:00

An “I’m Third” Story

After spending five summers at Kanakuk, brother and sister twins departed for college for their freshman year. They carried along with them their Christian character and the many spiritual treasures they received at Kamp. Even before unpacking their bags, each of them placed their I’m Third card on their bulletin board in their dorm room and sought to be true to that motto in every decision they made.

Often, friends would drop by their room and ask them about the I’m Third card on their wall. Each would respond the same way. “I’ll tell you the ‘why’ of the I’m Third the week I graduate from college.”

Throughout college they kept their morals pure and always sought to keep God first, others second and themselves third.

At the end of their senior year, their friends poured into each of their rooms to hear the story of the I’m Third card. They both gave their many friends a similar answer, saying, “at Kamp I received this card that reminded me to always keep God first by loving Him with all my heart. Likewise it reminds me to try to put my friends needs above my own and this card simply means, ‘I’m third’.”

A reverent hush now fell upon their friends as each understood why he had been elected President of the student body and she the Captain of her track and cross country team. In the four years that had passed, no one was ever turned away who came to these two in need of prayer or just a shoulder to lean on. To be with this brother or sister was to be with a follower of Christ and many had come to know Him because these two were faithful to keep God first, others second, and “I’m third.”

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A Mom's story

2010-07-27T15:15:00.009-05:00

It’s always fun to hear stories from past Kampers. I recently received an email from a mom who was a past Kamper. This is her story.

July 19, 2010
“I first attended Kanakuk-Kanakomo in 1978 - just before my tenth birthday. I wasn't even told I was going to kamp until the night before and I was told I was going for 28 days. When we arrived at the bus the next morning, I wouldn't even get on the K1 bus, but insisted on riding the K2 bus with my sister. I cried the whole way. The second I stepped off the bus, I didn't shed another tear. It was a BLAST! I remember closing ceremonies and the skits and awards that were given. I never really understood what was going on it was such a whirlwind. I just went from activity to activity the whole time. I had never been so busy in all my life. I never felt such encouragement and acceptance than at Kanakuk. I returned to Kanakuk K2 in 1981. Again, my life was so touched.
In 1997, I placed my 9-year-old daughter on the bus of K-Kountry. I'll never forget when we arrived at closing ceremonies how different they all looked in only 14 days (my 2 nieces went as well). The bubbly spirit, maturity, dark tans, etc. That night when we returned after dark, they were all coming down the hill to meet up with us and all you could see were their glowing crosses around their necks. The chants, the awards and the wonderful spiritual influence they received was REMARKABLE and MEMORABLE and forever impacted my child.

Thirteen years later, today, I placed my second daughter, now 17 on the bus... possibly for the last time as a kamper. She is talking about being an OSAGE next year... She was bursting and beaming with excitement. The excitement of the sports and all around fun, but the excitement of knowing she will be challenged like no other time of year to WALK her talk with God. She is excited to see what God has in store for her this year. She's had some difficult twists and turns in her life these past 12 months.... the teen years are HARD.

Kanakuk is such a "refuge in the rock" from the hard lives our teens face each and every day. God has truly blessed Kanakuk! Let's not ever forget that these staff love the Lord and want to see our lives changed for the better, fill our children with zest for life, love for the lord and that having fun can be GOOD, CLEAN FUN! Let us never forget God's forgiveness and grace is ALWAYS abundant. We never fall too far to be forgiven. He is ALWAYS by our side. I thank Joe and the others for instilling that in my kamper. I can't talk about Kanakuk, read the posts, look at the pictures or read mail from my kiddo without tears. Tears of joy, gladness, thankfulness, and gratitude KNOWING how the lives of so many are being shaped by WONDERFUL kounselors and staff who love our kids and love the Lord. THANK YOU!!! FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!”

2010-07-15T11:28:00.005-05:00

If there is one thing Kanakuk is not lacking this time of year it is kids playing in the water! Whether it's playing in the lake or blobbing in the pool as I traveled around the Kamps this past week it was clear the only way to stay cool on these hot summer days is to Just add Water!

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Faith in the trees

2010-06-28T12:06:00.012-05:00

Over the years as a Kanakuk Kamper and staff person there were many things that challenged & strenthened my faith. As an 8-year-old at K-7 I put my faith in Christ as I accepted Him as my Savior. When I was 10, I learned about faith as I built up the courage to go off of the K-7 trapeze into the pool for the first time. When I was 13, my faith was strengthened as I was went to K-West for 2 weeks instead of my regular 1 week term. As a staff my faith was strengthened in learning how to find energy from the Lord morning after morning.

Kamp’s structure increases confidence, maturity and most of all strengthens faith. High-ropes elements are a key part to all of this. The first time I can remember having to put faith in something other than myself was when I was faced with the treetops course at K-7.

I was in teepee 9, and I had waited for such a long time to be old enough to do treetops. With confidence I put on my harness, grabbed my partner, said my commands and began my assent into the trees. Having never been scared of heights before I began the first challenge and encouraged my hesitant partner out onto the swinging log. We made it through and were off to the polls that were shaped like a diamond. This was said to be the hardest element in treetops and it didn’t take my partner and I long to realize we needed each other to make it through this one. As we got to the hardest part, bothwith tears in our eyes and fear covering our faces we froze. The view to the ground was terrifying and the fact that we were harnessed in completely left us. We were scared, and we didn’t know what to do.

It was at that point that a kind familiar voice from below called out to us. “Girls, you can do this, I have faith in you,” our counselor was below cheering us on. As we began to take another step, my partner Sarah’s foot slipped and we both went tumbling. Our harnesses caught us and we both began to laugh. We had forgotten the most important part was that no matter what we did we weren’t going to fall too far because we were harnessed.

It was that day that faith became real for Sarah and I. It was the first time either of us had experienced an illustration of faith. After we were off of treetops our counselor came and talked to us about it. She helped us process how our faith is similar to treetops. There will be times when we are terrified and don’t know what to do and that is when we remember God is in control.

It is moments and memories like this that impact kids every day at Kanakuk. And for these moments I am eternally grateful.

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Closing out the first few terms at Kamp

2010-06-23T15:19:00.007-05:00

Well it is that time of the summer. The time when a third of the way through we have a huge exchange of people at Kamp. One week, two week and month long terms all will be drawing to a close this Friday.

During the few days leading up to the close of a term it always seems to be jam-packed with everything Kampers and counselors want to make sure and do before they head back to their homes. During the past week I have spent a large amount of my time out at Kamp capturing these last few memories and moments that make Kanakuk the indescribable place that it is! Praise the Lord for an awesome first few terms! So excited to see what He has planned for the rest of the summer!

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More than a summer camp

2010-06-17T08:29:00.012-05:00

Well Kanakuk has officially been in session for 17 days! It’s amazing to think about all that has already occurred in the first two and a half weeks. By the sounds of the laughter around Kamp, I would say there is a lot of fun going on around here!

As a former Kamper myself, I remember the anticipation of counting down the days, packing up my trunk, driving in the Kamp gates as excitement grew and anxiously awaiting Kounselors dressed in crazy clothes to grab me out of my parents car and take me to my new home for the next two weeks. Kamp was a thrill disguised as one of the many things that shaped me into who I am today and I am so thankful for the memories.

Over the past few weeks I have been contacted by a few people who had amazing memories of Kamp and the impact it has had on their lives. In celebration of Kamp’s 85^th anniversary they wanted to share and thank Kamp for all it has done in them.

I would love to hear from you too! If you are a past Kamper, staff or even a parent of a current Kamper who has a fun story to tell about the impact Kamp has had please email it to us at Stocker@KLife.com or message Kanakuk Kamps on Facebook.

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Kanakuk Kamp K-Kountry arrival of Term 2 (7day)

2010-06-08T14:39:00.003-05:00

Kanakuk has already welcomed their second term of Kampers this summer!! Here is their arrival at K-Kountry yesterday!

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Humility through Serving

2010-06-07T14:39:00.009-05:00

When it comes to summer break, most high school students think about sleeping in late, laying by the pool and just being lazy. This summer is different for many small groups of students who are coming to volunteer a week of their vacation to serve others.

Kanakuk’s family Kamp K-Kauai, offers a program where students who are juniors or seniors in high school can come and see what Kamp is like.

First term this summer, a group of 11 high schoolers from Highland Park, Texas accepted the challenge of serving others for their summer break and came to K-Kauai. They were assigned to the kitchen where they set up for meals, served families and cleaned. Spending 2-3 hours each meal in the kitchen everyday these kids were given an amazing opportunity to learn humility through serving.

Led by their K-Life directors from Highland Park, Ryan Nixon and McKenzie Griffin, these kids learned some big lessons while they were here. “For me, the best part was learning to humble myself while serving others,” Hailey Moore age 16 explained to me. “We need Christ to be able to serve and love others well, and learning that was great.”

This was the third summer Jackson Morgan age 17 spent serving at K-Kauai. “I keep coming back because I really enjoy getting to serve,” he said about his many years as a volunteer.

It’s not just hard work. When the kids do get time off in the afternoons they are able to spend time at the pool or in Bible study with their leaders. “My favorite part of the week was getting up early and spending time with the Lord daily,” Taylor Adams age 16 said.

All of the kids appeared to have a good time and as I talked to them on their last day it seemed unanimous that if they were given the opportunity, they would be back again next year.

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Kanakuk Summer Camp Memories

2010-06-02T17:27:00.004-05:00

Some of the best summer camp memories are made blobbing your friends. This is the blob at K-1.

Share Your Kanakuk Memories With Us!

Kamp is underway and it's our 85th birthday! Each summer our Video Director Tim Oliphant creates a movie to share throughout the winter months. This summer the movie's working title is "Memories and Moments." I don't want to spoil it for you, but God is doing some amazing things to bring people to us from as far back as 1948 to share their Kanakuk memories. And, just two days into the summer the heart touching moments of this summer are already spilling over!

As we celebrate on this our 85th summer we would love to hear about your favorite memories from summers past. Comment here on this blog or send me an email at jay@kanakuk.com.

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5 Things about Summer Camp Photos

2010-05-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

1. You can watch your kid having fun at camp!

When you chose Kanakuk for your child’s summer Kamp experience you knew they would be taken care of. But did you know each Kamp has their own photographer? We want you to be able to experience Kamp with your child as much as possible. We work hard to capture the fun, the adventure, and the fellowship your child experiences so that you can log on and be a part of it.

2. Photographers cover all areas of camp.

We know you want to see more than the evening activities your child is attending and that is why all of our photographers spend their days at Kamp going from one event to the next capturing as much as they can. Kanakuk has a ton of activities so this keeps them very busy but whether it is soccer on the upper-fields, lunch in the dinning hall, free time on the slides or Bible study in the outdoor chapel our photographers will be there ready to capture those “moments of wonder” we so frequently see at Kamp.

3. Finding photos online is easy.

Viewing these photos is simple. When you go to myKanakuk.com, simply sign in using your username and password. Choose your child and their current Kamp and term and you will find a place where you can look up your child’s pictures. This summer our goal is to provide more pictures to you than ever.

4. Photos are secure and not available to everyone.

We understand that the security of pictures of your children is not something to be taken lightly. That is why we have worked hard to make sure Kamp pictures are only available on the Kanakuk website. This is a secure location providing only the photos of your child’s Kamp and term. We understand the importance of security and that is why these pictures are only accessible with a username and password.

5.Photos available online the day after they are taken

We go through thousands of photos a day to make sure the photos you see are top quality. Please be patient with us. Photos taken on one day will be on the website by noon the following day. These pictures will be available for viewing and purchase all year @Kanakuk.com, but will be taken off our server May 1, 2011.

We are so excited your child is coming to spend a piece of their summer with us. We can’t guarantee they will write you every day, but we can promise we will do our best to capture them in all the fun they are having at Kanakuk.

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Kanakuk Packing Essentials

2010-05-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

Kamp Essentials

Whether it is your first or your 5^th time sending your child to Kanakuk, the question on every mom’s mind is “what do I need to pack for my child?” Making sure they have everything they need, but not everything they own can be tough, but coming from an 8 year Kamper I can honestly say the less they take the less you will lose.

While Kamp does have a strict policy of making sure everything a Kamper brings into Kamp is labeled with their name, it is still a regular occurrence for things to be forgotten, left behind or mixed up in another Kamper’s trunk.

Kanakuk provides an extensive list of items a Kamper must bring with them for their stay. There are, however, a few things you absolutely do not want to forget when sending your kid to Kamp for 7,13, or 25 days. I recently conducted a survey on Facebook to see what our past Kanakuk Kampers see as “must haves” when it comes to packing for Kamp. This is what I they told me.

Crazy Creek (camping chair)

Water bottle

Swimsuit (modest one-piece for girls)

Tribal colored clothes

A fan (battery operated)

Party Clothes (for themed nights and for fun during the day)

Bible

Flashlight

Coloring book

Underwear / lots of socks

Duck tape for sheets (to keep them from slipping off of the small beds)

Bug Spray

Stationary to write your parents

Tennis Shoes

Water Shoes

Shower shoes

Now I’m not saying a Kamper has to have any of this. This is purely coming from Kampers who have been before, have lived in a barn or a teepee and know what it takes to make it an awesome 7,13, or 25 day experience!

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Kanakuk K-7 Party

2010-05-29T08:15:00.001-05:00

A little confusion about the K-Seven party this year is the inspiration for this post. If an explanation is what you're looking for K-Seven is here to help you out!

All across Kanakuk-land there are a few magical nights a term where Kamp is transformed to another place and time. It’s party night and it’s time to get dressed up in your favorite costume and boogie! In the past, K-Seven only had one or two “dress-up” nights because of their shorter terms. This year, however, they are shakin’ things up in a big way and having a party all week long!

That’s right you crazy Kampers get excited because this year K-Seven is going to time-travel to a different decade every day and you get to dress up almost every night!

So what do you need to bring?

Well it’s really up to you, go raid your parents closets, ask your grandparents what they wore and find the most Rad-Tad Bodaciously Awesome Dancing through the decades wardrobe you can come up with!

Theme days

Sock-Hoppin through the 50’s – grab your poodle skirt and leather jackets, slick back your hear with gel and let’s twist and shout our way through a night of fun 50’s music!

Beach Boys Beach Party (60’s) – Back when Hawaiian shirts were what everyone wore and ruffles were on every girl’s bathing suit! Find your best beachwear and join us for a 60’s beach party K-style.

K-Life night is going Retro! 70’s - bellbottoms, afros, silk scarves, big sunglasses and tie-dye are a must for this groovy night as we disco dance the night away at K-Life!

Finishing out the week, K-Seven wouldn’t be complete without a talent show. This year we are filling it with 80’s excitement and the phrase “if it isn’t neon it shouldn’t be on.” So find anything and everything you can from the 80’s. Parachute pants, BIG hair and aviators; this is going to be a talent show you won’t want to miss!

So there you have it, K-Seven is changing it up this year and giving you more opportunities to dress up than ever before! Can’t wait to see you dancing through the decades.

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Kanakuk Staff Gives Back

2010-05-29T08:00:00.003-05:00

Walking into the K-Kauai dinning hall one day during workweek you notice there is something different. A massive transformation has taken place for the day and a clinic for a Kamp-wide blood drive has been set-up.

In the midst of hot days and late nights, the staff at Kanakuk is able to find time to give above and beyond what they are asked.

This will be the third year for Kamp to host a blood drive at K-Kauai during workweek. After taking a year off from the drive last year, Kamp is back at it and hoping to help give back to the community of Branson by donating blood.

The previous two blood drives have seen significant increase each year in participants. During the first year’s blood drive there were 51 participants and two summers ago there were 118. This year, the director of the blood drive said his goal would be 65 participants and he didn’t see any problem being able to fulfill it.

When talking to the director he had nothing but great things to say about the college-aged staff he sees throughout the day during this blood drive. Of the many blood drives they operate throughout the area, he said working with our Kamp staff is very enjoyable because of how kind and encouraging they are to all of the workers.

What an awesome testament to Kamp and all they are doing to give back during workweek!

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New additions at Kanakuk for 2010

2010-05-27T14:17:00.031-05:00

Things are really beginning to take shape around Kanakuk as we prepare for the first term of Kampers beginning June 1! Our staff has only been here for a few days and already you can see Kamp coming to life.

In traditional Kamp style, we are shaking things up a bit this year by adding a couple of fun new activities at a few of our Kamps.

Heading up the list, K-1 has received a new, super cool whirly slide! It goes round and round and pours you into the pool down below. Don’t worry though; you won’t be too dizzy to do it over and over again!

Just down the street from K-1, K-Kountry has been working up a storm too! Re-doing their entire pool deck including adding a few fun new additions has really transformed the first thing you see when you walk in the gates!

Keep traveling down the road and K-Kountry’s neighbor, the Kanakuk Family Kamp, K-Kauai has accumulated quite a few new attractions to their Kamp facility as well.

With so many ziplines coming to the Ozarks, K-Kauai had to be competitive by putting in some new high-ropes elements themselves. New at K-Kauai is a 40 ft. free-fall as well as a giant swing. K-Kauai didn’t stop there though, they have also added many new small amenities they are sure will make their guests’ stay even more enjoyable.

Head on out to the other side of the lake where we find K-7 and K-2 have also added new adventures to their line-up.

Entering K-7 will look a little different for returning Kampers. A new zip-line has been built parallel to the road taking you into Kamp. New staff has been working hard on making sure it is up and running by the time the first term Kampers arrive!

Just up the hill from K-7, there are a few new changes at K-2 ready to make any Kamper’s summer adventure complete! The volleyball court has been redone, there is a new K-Life gym and most importantly there is a new slip-n-slide going down Cardiac Hill that is just dying to be tested for the first time! You don’t want to miss all these new additions to K-2 this summer!!

Adventure is the name of the game at Kanakuk and this summer you have to try one of these new additions here at Kamp! See you there!

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All Staff Day 2010

2010-05-26T15:13:00.016-05:00

Despite a bit of a monsoon mid-day, "All Staff Day" went excellently once again this year! It’s the one-day when we gather our entire summer staff together at K-2 for a day of fun, training and fellowship. Boarding their buses mid-morning headed to Lampe, the staff for KAA and the Branson Kamps met up at K-2 with the Lampe staff for a busy day. Picnics, prayer, fellowship and worship were just a few of the things on the agenda as they prepare for the Kampers to arrive in just a few days.

This year, the staff had the opportunity to listen to Greg Love, of MinistrySafe, speak on “Awareness.” Equipping staff with more knowledge on how to relate to and deal with Kampers well. Other training events covered topics ranging from healthy relationships at camp to the importance of ministering to families. This training day is a wonderful day of getting excited about and praying for the opportunity to shape the lives of Kampers this summer.

This “All Staff Day” it rained buckets, and buckets of "liquid sunshine"! The rain gear came out, the band played an extra set and then staff chants and cheers brought the sun back out just in time for the big staff picture.

1,500 staff ran up to the field and posed for the camera. They were still a little soggy, but the energy was contagious!

Sitting on the sidelines looking out over this group of college students it was a sea of multi-colored t-shirts each representing different universities. These students are all from different back grounds, many from different states, different ages and different races, but they are here, and they are dedicated for the next 25-78 days to change the lives of this summer’s Kampers one heart at a time. They are unified under the Lord’s purpose of serving others and showing others the love of Christ.

After the picture, they got together with their university and prayed for safety in Kamp, unity as a team, as well as for the Kampers who are coming in just a few short days! They then wrapped up the evening with a picnic, and evening speaker/pastor Ted Cunningham who illustrated the importance of showing the love of Christ to the kids and their families. Exhausted, but not quite ready for the day to end, they boarded their buses and headed home.

We truly are blessed with a great staff this year. If you know staff working for Kanakuk this summer, please be sure to tell them how much you appreciate their work for the Kingdom.

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Kanakuk Summer Staff Make a Difference at K-State

2010-02-10T11:11:00.002-06:00

Kanakuk Kamps summer staff, specifically Anna Zieger from K-West is heading up an organization at K-State called K-State Proud. Anna is the first girl in this video wearing a purple shirt. Anna is a great example of the kind of staff that Kanakuk Kamps hires each summer to serve. We are so proud of Anna and her group's work to share the Kanakuk spirit and the love of Christ on the Kansas State campus.

Kanakuk Kamps counselor Anna Zieger and K-State Proud

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New Summer Camp Web Features

2009-12-04T16:29:00.004-06:00

Two Great Ways to Learn What Summer Camp is Like

If you are looking for a way to learn more about summer camping for your child there are two new resources at www.kanakuk.com.

The first resource is a "Video Wall". In 18 minutes you can see a typical day at summer camp, see the counselors in action, see the positive impact summer camping can have on a child, see the touching story of one counselor and a camper, and here from one mother what camp was like for her child. In the next several days this video wall will also have links to comments about Kanakuk from Chuck Swindoll and Gary Smalley.

The second resource is a video from Joe White regarding the importance of making memories with your children. This is the first video edition of the popular "You and Your Child" series. There are three steps to making memories with your kids and stories from Joe's time growing up at Kanakuk. You can see the K-1 counsel ring teepee and fire in this video.

We hope you enjoy these new resources and can share them with a friend.

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Walking Your Family Through Pain

2009-09-19T00:19:00.004-05:00

The following email was sent from Joe White to all Kanakuk families that we have valid emails for. Not all of you can receive emails so he wanted me to share this with you.

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Dear Kanakuk Families,

Last night I was in the home of a truly amazing mom. To her husband, her three kids and to me she is every bit of that and more. Double-mastectomy, months of chemotherapy and then the tragic loss of her close friend. I learned a lot last night in that home. Her family, and quite honestly my family, and much of our greater Kamp family tonight are wanting help when life becomes exceedingly difficult. How do I help my kids understand? How do I help my kids walk through sadness and difficult circumstances that are beyond my control?

Over the past three days, I have penned my best thoughts and some things that I have learned over the years from my long time friends Dr. Gary Smalley, Dr. James Dobson, and mainly from 36 years of priceless conversations with our Kamp families who also have asked, “Where is God when life doesn’t make sense?”

Click here to read: Walking Your Family Through Pain

In His strength,

Joe White

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The Lord Lives!

2009-09-18T22:50:00.004-05:00

Do you ever read Proverbs and the Psalms by what day of the month it is? I do, and today the 18th Psalm verse 46 reminded me of an old church camp song from when I was a kid. The chorus was straight from scripture...

"The Lord livith and blessed be the Rock and let the God of my salvation be exalted."

The version I'm reading tonight is slightly different, but in my heart the words above are forever burned. Those memories from summers at camp reminded why it's so important for me to be here today making sure that I do my small part in helping Kanakuk connect with you.

Before Christ came to earth God was my salvation, my Rock and He's alive! That's exciting to me. I hope it is for you too. Does any one have memories of that song from your childhood? If I could carry a tune I'd post audio :-)

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Official Kanakuk Statement

2009-09-16T19:51:00.001-05:00

The following statement was released by Kanakuk Kamps COO Doug Goodwin on 9/15/09.

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Statement from Kanakuk Kamps
by Doug Goodwin

Our camp family was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the allegations involving a former employee. The alleged behavior is counter to everything we believe in, everything we stand for and everything we work to instill in the young people who come to us seeking to grow personally and in their relationship with Christ.

Our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been affected, and we have worked closely with authorities investigating this matter.
Most importantly, we have offered our assistance to the alleged victims and their families. We are committed to protecting their privacy, and we cannot say anything further about the allegations at this time.

For years, we have had very clear policies and extensive training in place for all staff regarding appropriate behavior. Our staff members go through background checks. In light of this situation, we’ve reviewed and, where appropriate, updated our policies to reinforce our commitment to the families we serve.

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E-Mail to All Kamp Families RE: Former Employee

2009-09-15T21:38:00.002-05:00

The following email was sent to all the valid family emails that Kanakuk Kamps had on Monday at 4:30 pm. We know not all of you received it for one reason or another and wanted to make it available here. Thank you for your many emails of support.

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Dear (Kamp Families),

For the last 34 years, Debbie Jo and I have poured our hearts and prayers into this beloved place. Therefore it is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you today regarding a difficult situation.

Because you are an important part of the Kanakuk family, we wanted to make you aware that earlier today, the Taney County Missouri prosecutor filed a four-count criminal complaint against our former employee, Pete Newman. As you may know, Pete Newman was employed at K-Kountry. The prosecutor’s criminal charges allege that Pete engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with adolescent boys, including some who had been Kanakuk Kampers.

When we became aware of this situation we took immediate action, terminating Pete Newman’s employment. Since that time, we have been working closely with the affected families and appropriate authorities. We reported what we knew to investigators and stayed in contact throughout the process, providing whatever assistance we could. We have also offered our assistance to the impacted families. Our fervent prayers are with those who have been impacted. We look forward to the completion of the legal process to ensure that justice is served.

As you know, Pete Newman’s alleged behavior is counter to everything we believe in, everything we stand for and everything we work to instill in the young people who come to us seeking to grow personally and in their relationship with Christ. In fact, for years, we have had very clear policies and extensive training in place for all staff regarding appropriate behavior. Our staff members go through background checks, personal interviews and extensive training on our policies.

We understand the difficulty that this situation causes you and your children. We pledge to work with you to help you address questions your children may have. Kanakuk is a family, and families often face challenging times. We also pledge that Kanakuk will continue to do all we can to champion efforts to prevent inappropriate behavior from occurring at any camp.

If you have questions or concerns about this situation, please e-mail me at joe@kanakuk.com.

Thank you for being part of the Kanakuk family.

In Christ,

Joe White

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How old should your child be when they go to camp?

2009-08-03T11:30:00.003-05:00

I recently had the following email exchange with a Kamp family. I thought many of our Kamp families might relate and be able to share their own stories of younger syblings yearning for Kamp!
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Dear Kanakuk,

Our children are at K-7 right now (max and libby) and we are just so grateful to Kanakuk for providing THE BEST summers of their lives. Our 6 year old Maddy is counting down until she gets to go next year. Thanks so much for your commitment to Christ and kids. Thanks too for all the updates on the flu issue. We never had any doubt that Kamp would be the safest place to be for our kids due to all of you. We sure appreciate all of you.

Thanks so much,
Ryan and Rochelle

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Dear Ryan and Rochelle,

When our Kamp families take the time to write us an encouraging email, our hearts melt! As a fellow Kamp parent I would like to take a few minutes to share a story with you about my daughter Hannah. She’s 8 and has now attended Kamp for two summers. Her two older brothers have attended for many years. When Hannah was 4 years old getting ready to turn 5, people would ask her how old she was going to be and she would answer “7”. One day I was able to convince her that “No sweetie, you are going to be 5.” She finally agreed and said “OK, but next year I’ll be 7!” All because 7 is that magic age when our kids get to go to Kamp! What a special opportunity that we can send our kids to be with people like Keith Chancey and these incredible college staffers. We give God all the praise! Thanks for pulling along side us. We want to do the same for your family. Have a great rest of the summer and school year!

Jay Holden
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Jay,

Thanks for writing us back. Great story and feel free to share our comment. Kanakuk is the greatest place on Earth--I just wish I was still a Kamper!! Of course, they had another great time as we picked up yesterday.

God bless you all,
Rochelle and Ryan

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Leave a comment below. We'd love to hear your story too!

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In Response to a Kanakuk Health Update

2009-07-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

The following message was received from one of our Kanakuk Kamp families this afternoon in response to our latest Health Update email:

Our family has appreciated hearing from Kamp since the spring regarding "everything swine flu." We have only faith and confidence in "everything Kamp." Our son was there term 7, our 33rd Kamp week as a family. July 18, 1997 was our first week at Kamp, our girls 8 and 7 (in fact, this was her 7th birthday), and we have been coming to K-Seven, term 7, ever since. Sarah, our oldest, was a ten year Kamper, Alice was a 12 year Kamper and Mark an 11 year Kamper. Once we started attending, they came every possible year until they became too old, or a college student. Sarah worked as a K-Seven kitchie the summer after her last year as a Kamper. The past two summers she has been a part of a Student Mobilization ministry called Kaleo, which has taken her to Breckenridge for most of the summer. She did interview for a Kamp position this summer and had an offer, but felt she needed to return to the Kaleo project. Alice worked as a K-Seven kitchie for the first half of the summer and truly loved it!!! Of course, she now has many new friends from the kitchie and cook cabin, as well as those who she trained with. She knew many at Kamp, both Kampers and staff, and had a wonderful experience. She was home only a few days before returning to volunteer for the weekend. We live under an hour and a half away, so Alice usually spent her 2-4s at home and brought friends, even laundry of other friends. We loved it! Our son also returned to volunteer and had to come home early after he became ill. I received a phone call from the nurse; after our conversation she handed the phone to the doctor; she then handed the phone to the director. Though we have never doubted that our children, even as employees, are given the very best of care, I have used this as an example for other families who have been concerned about the flu. I assured them that we had no reservations with our two children there, one for half the summer and another as a Kamper, then let them know about our experience in the health center. I should add that I did return to Kamp to pick Mark up. He was feeling better, but was going home soon anyway, so no need to hang out at Kamp sick. He did not have the flu, but since we were leaving for vacation, our local doctor treated him and he is fine. When I arrived at 9:30 pm or so, the nurse's office was abuzz. There were several nurses and helpers there, along with Chancey, attending to Mark and others who were under the weather. It just underscored that our children are in good and capable hands at Kamp. I am hopeful that our kids will return to Kamp as employees next summer. We love Kanakuk Kamps!!!

Special thanks to you and all the Kamp staff for all you do.

K-Seven Kamp Family, Bentonville, AR

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Kanakuk Kamps Health Update

2009-07-30T16:37:00.002-05:00

The following email was sent to valid email addresses of all 2009 Kanakuk Kamps families on 7-30-09 approximately 11:00am CST.
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The summer is flying by, and we continue to be blessed beyond measure! This last week has been unseasonably cool at night, warm and mostly sunny during the days. Perfect summer Kamp weather!

This summer has been 99% amazing in countless ways. Our focus has remained strong to see changed lives and reinforced morals and values and kids walking away with big smiles, great memories and a solid vibrant relationship with Christ. We’ve never had a better summer regarding that mission! The summer flu has been a challenge at times but not ever insurmountable. This term has been our best all summer. All of our Kamps except for one have had zero, one or two cases. One Kamp, on the boys’ side only, has continued to struggle. With the changeover, that should be alleviated. The boys germ-x and wash their hands at least six times per day and the cabins are sanitized at least two times per day. That Kamp is as vigilant as it gets. While this flu has modest symptoms, it is very contagious.

Reflecting back over the summer, we are most thankful for the support of our Kamp families. Despite the challenges with the flu you have been patient with us as we sought to provide the safest camping environment possible. We continue to be vigilant in the sanitizing of our facilities and monitoring each Kamper’s health. We will continue the pre-Kamp screening process for Kampers riding our buses and arriving via car or plane. We continue to see positive improvement from the efforts of all of us working together.

As we have communicated with you this summer, many of our families have taken the opportunity to reply with kind words and stories of the impact that Kanakuk continues to have on your children. Several families have voiced concerns about the flu, and we have enjoyed getting to know you better as we worked through the uncertainties. This really has been a time when the whole Kanakuk family has come together.

From my post here at K-Kauai, Kanakuk’s Family Kamp, I have witnessed myself and heard the reports of nurses, helpers and volunteer physicians in our health centers performing with great sacrifice, always seeking to serve first and rest only when their best had been done - an inspiring example of the “I’m Third” life being lived out as an example of Christ. It has been a tremendous blessing to share this summer with you and your children.

We will continue to keep you posted during these last few weeks of the summer. Thank you again for your grace and understanding.

Blessings,

Doug Goodwin
Chief Operating Officer
Kanakuk Ministries

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Kids Across America Shortens Session due to H1N1

2009-07-17T12:49:00.002-05:00

Today, Kids Across America closed it's three camps early due to a number of campers that had the symptoms associated with H1N1. Some of their campers had tested positive for the influenza A strain named H1N1.

All the KAA camps will reopen, as scheduled on Monday, July 20th. This will give them time to thoroughly sanitize their facility. They needed to close all three facilities because, Kids Across America campers typically arrive on church buses that carry campers for all three of their camps. This created a scenario in which they would need to release all the camps so that they could travel back the way they came.

KAA is working closely with the health department and are following very similar protocols to what Kanakuk Kamps does.

Kids Across America is a donor supported camping experience for urban youth. It's camps are located in the Golden, Missouri area on Table Rock Lake.
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20 Things On My Desk

2009-07-16T08:22:00.003-05:00

Click to enlarge

My friend Sam Hoover did the 25 things on his desk and challenged everyone to do the same so we could get to know each other. While my desk is more messy and has technically more items on it than Sam's I was only able to label 20 of them. So as scary as it is for you to see my desk here goes:

"One (1) Gallon" of Clear Gel Hand Sanitizer With Aloe [sticky]
Partially working Fuji S3 Camera (body only)
Lemon CLIF Builder's "The entirely Natural Protein Bar" [thanks Deb]
Kanakuk's Twitter Page: sometimes I update it. Design by Heidi Sonnenschein
Invitation to Join SGT and Mrs. Jason Arellano at the premiere of Perfect Valor
Left over cup from the K-1 Dining Hall. Ate lunch at my desk.[Thanks Mollye and Jeremy]
The proof for the #1 disk of the Barnabas DVD Series
Vinyl sign and lettering squeegee from SignsNow
Post-it note with the email address of my favorite Infectious Disease Specialist
One of the three pens I lifted from various offices the day we got the H1N1 test results back
Drafts of letters to Kanakuk Colorado parents
Sunglasses that used to say on them "Italy Made"
Motorola Q, the version where the big barnacle battery lasts more than 3 hours
Box knife and tea spoon
3 legged cow mascot
iPod: newest song "Chasing the Daylight" by Phillip LaRue
two post-it notes (L)"Cynthia Knock 2 times then come in" (R) "whatever."
Some of the big mess on Mollye's floor
My keys, but only half of them because the van is in the shop.
A post-it note that has written on it "8 10 9/6 8/7" in my hand writing and I have no idea what it is or what it means.

So there you have it. It's not pretty. If I clean it I will post a picture.

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Kanakuk Colorado Health Update

2009-07-14T15:37:00.003-05:00

The following press release will be sent in conjunction with the San Juan Basin Health Department this afternoon. They are appreciative of our communication efforts and we continue to work with them closely.

Press Contact:
Jay Holden
Marketing Director
Kanakuk Kamps
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 266-3284
jay@kanakuk.com
http://insidekanakuk.com

For Immediate Release

Statement for Attribution to Andy Braner
President
Kanakuk Colorado, Bayfield CO

Bayfield, CO – July 14, 2009 – Kanakuk Colorado today released the following update regarding a recent outbreak of campers contracting a flu-like illness.

“Yesterday, Kanakuk Colorado reported to the San Juan Basin (LaPlata County) Health Department that at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon 2 campers presented to the Health Center at the camp with mild fever, and scratchy throats. Within 30 minutes these campers had been isolated from the camp population and evaluated by the on-site Health Care staff. Per our protocol, we immediately began the process of sending those campers home. As of Tuesday afternoon, the total number of ill at camp was 68, which included 19 staff.

“By Sunday night at 11:00 p.m. approximately 45 additional campers had presented to the camp Health Center displaying similar symptoms. Because the health and safety of our campers is of top priority to us, we isolated the ill campers and contacted their guardians to arrange for their return home. Additionally, we contacted the San Juan Basin Health Department first thing Monday morning to apprise them of the situation.

“We will continue to work with local and state officials to ensure that we are doing everything we can to isolate the illness and protect the health of our campers who will be joining us throughout the summer.

“The officials at the San Juan Basin Health Department have been extremely helpful in confirming our protocols and sharing in our decision to remain open. We are looking forward to working with them throughout the rest of the summer. And, are assisting them with additional viral identification tests.

“All new incoming campers attending our current session were screened prior to arrival. All parents were required to fill out an additional health questionnaire and campers were tested for fever. Campers with flu-like symptoms, fever or known exposure to others with influenza have not and will not be allowed into the camp.

“The current term is scheduled to end on July 19th. In between groups of campers additional precautionary measures will be taken to thoroughly sanitize our facilities and to assure the health of our incoming campers and camp staff. Kanakuk Colorado will start Term 5 as regularly scheduled on July 19th.

“In addition, we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to detect and isolate any campers with flu-like systems. Our influenza protocol at Kanakuk Colorado includes: immediate isolation of campers with flu-like symptoms, personal care and screening by physicians and nurses, and parental contact. Campers with a fever of 100.5 or greater will be sent home.

“We believe that the swift and aggressive actions we have taken will help ensure that the Kampers who will be joining us for the rest of the season will be able to enjoy our summer tradition of providing an ‘Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.”

Kanakuk Colorado has been located in Bayfield since 2000 and each year many families make this premiere camp a summer tradition. Kanakuk Ministries is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) that provides children from all over the world with an “Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.” There are 8 Kanakuk Kamps facilities in Missouri and Colorado that serve over 13,000 kids each summer. Extensive information about the Kamps is available at www.kanakuk.com. For the 2010 camping season this camp will be named KIVU and be its own 501 (c) 3. For more information go to www.campkivu.com.

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Web Error You May Be Getting

2009-07-13T17:17:00.003-05:00

Hit continue if you see this temporary error at Kanakuk.com.

FYI – When individuals try to login to Kanakuk or visit a secure page they may receive an error. It’s not a very fun error, either.

[edited]We have asked our Network Engineer here at Kanakuk if he would be willing to help us with our problem, and hopefully with his expertise on the job we can get it fixed soon.

It will affect Internet Explorer 8.0; Mozilla Firefox 3.5, and Safari 4 users. Which is a lot of you, so hang in there. It's OK to hit continue on this screen and everything should work fine from there.

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Kanakuk Kamps Health Update

2009-07-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

The following email was sent to Kanakuk Families today. Kanakuk Colorado families in Terms 4, 5 and 6 will be getting separate more detailed information. Just keeping you informed.

Dear Kanakuk Family,

What an amazing summer! An army of journalists couldn’t begin to tell the stories of God’s blessing here this summer! Thank you for sharing this summer experience with us.

As you know we have had our first bout ever of “summer flu” at Kanakuk as have most other camps across the country. This continues to be the case for Kanakuk, but our Missouri Kamps have shown improvement. Some Kanakuk Kamps continue to have little or no illness. Other Kamps are still experiencing Kampers with flu-like symptoms in relatively small numbers. However, this two-week term, our Kamp in Colorado is having significant issues with influenza. Jamie Jo and Andy Braner, the Directors, are working with the LaPlata County Health Department to manage their situation.

Here in Missouri, we continue to work hand-in-hand with Stone County, Taney County, and the State Health Departments. They have encouraged us to continue the process and procedures we have implemented this year to deal with this unique situation. We have over 2000 Kamper’s in our Missouri Kamps that are enjoying a life-changing summer. Because of our new sanitization protocol only thirty of our Missouri Kampers (about 1.5%) have had to go home this term because of flu-like symptoms.

On July 19th, all our Kampers at all Kamps will go home and a new group of pre-screened Kampers will arrive! We will again have every new Kamper participate in the pre-Kamp screening program. Please make sure you have the Health Check Questionnaire completed and sent along with your Kamper. If your Kamper has a fever, is otherwise ill, or has been exposed to the flu or any other contagious disease in recent days please keep them home. We will work with you to arrange a late arrival or enroll in a later term.

Your response to this situation has been very encouraging. Many families have called in or emailed to express support and love for this place, and are continuing to pray for us. The support has been overwhelming. Some families have contacted us with questions and or concerns. We encourage you to continue to communicate. We are here to help assist you any way we can. We are so grateful to have parents like you!

As always your child’s health and safety is our number one priority and we are doing everything that we can to help your child have an “Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics”.

Blessings,

Doug Goodwin
Chief Operating Officer
Kanakuk Ministries

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Sunday Health Update

2009-07-05T15:30:00.002-05:00

The following email was sent to our Kamp families on Sunday afternoon.

Dear Kamp Family,

God is big and despite the fact that the seasonal influenza is all over the country, Kanakuk is doing well. This past two-week term we continued to experience Kampers in small numbers who come to some of our health centers with temperatures and, as per our new protocol, we are separating them and sending them home with their parents. Those departures are difficult moments for us, as it’s a chance slipping away to minister to your family.

To put it in perspective, we have had over 2250 kids and 800 staff at our Kamps this past two weeks and to date we have sent 48 kids home. Some of our Kamps have had no issues and less than 2% of Kampers overall have had to go home.”

Unfortunately, we are finding out that some of the Kampers that have been sent home do not have the flu. However, we are still being advised that the best way to handle the influenza this year is to be on the safe side and send anyone who has flu-like symptoms home. Again, we are blessed that this influenza is relatively mild and the kids are recovering well from its symptoms.

Most of our Kamps will change over tomorrow and we will continue to be vigilant with our pre-screening program. Our new pre-screening program Kamp-wide is working well and we will continue to do this all summer long. Please help us by keeping your child at home if they have fever or are sick. If they have been sick we need to know that as well. This will help our program run smoothly and allow us to do what we do best…minister to and encourage your kids.

Dr. Mike Johnson, Chief of Medicine, Infectious Disease Specialist at Carolinas Medical Center-Pineville in Charlotte, NC, who was a guest with his family at Family Kamp this week commented during his stay, “You have done more than most health systems. I’m here with my family and I am impressed with how you are handling things.”

Dr. Stacy Furlow, Chief of Pediatrics for Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, AR, and volunteer Kamp physician stated, “This is the summer influenza going around this year. Fortunately, it is a mild version, but it’s the flu this season. Kanakuk is handling this situation very well.”

Their sentiment and technical advice, and the continuing support of the state and local health officials have given us great confidence in our ongoing efforts to provide a safe environment for Kampers. There are six weeks of summer left! Those of you preparing to arrive may have received or will receive an email before your term that gives you more information about the pre-Kamp screening process. Thanks for your support in helping us keep Kamp healthy.

Please be encouraged that the health and safety of your children is and always will be a top priority at Kanakuk Kamps, and we hope we have proved this once more by the manner in which we have handled this situation. The positive response and feedback we have received from so many parents is a great blessing to us.

For ongoing information please visit: www.insidekanakuk.com.

Blessings,
Doug Goodwin
Chief Operating Officer
Kanakuk Ministries

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The Marketing Department Celebrates the Fourth of July

2009-07-03T10:44:00.004-05:00

A typically loquacious group was eerily quite moments after our graphic designer Heidi brought in the desserts depicted above. The plate of cream cheese filled strawberries covered with almonds and the flag cake were quickly disturbed after these photos were taken. I will admit I had three of the strawberries and am thinking about a 4th and 5th. Thank you Heidi!

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An Overwhelming Response regarding H1N1 News

2009-06-30T16:45:00.003-05:00

Off the subject: A sneak peak at some artwork for a new online game.

I'm having to pick through my inbox carefully to find the emails from parents with questions and concerns about the H1N1 situation we had during the second two weeks of the summer. There are so many of the responses to our emails that go like:

THANK YOU!!! Amazing job!
Thanks so much. And thank you for all you are all doing to ensure excellent communication on the flu challenges at hand. Extremely professional and communicative.
I have a K-West staffer and K-2 kamper coming down next week. Although neither is totally packed, they're both ready to be at Kanakuk. You guys are terrific in every way. Thanks for everything you do. And remember that where Christ is strongest, the enemy hits hardest
Thank you for your aggressive handling of this medical concern. I, as a
Kanakuk parent of a currently attending child, appreciate the precautionary
steps you are taking to keep this flu under control.
Thank you as we were concerned. We appreciate the update. John is excited to arrive at K-1 for Term 4 on July 7. We will double check all the health documents. - Best regards
Really appreciate the update. Know you are probably in "crisis mode" and busy - but just wanted to reaffirm our faith that Kanakuk will handle this right and in the children's best interest.
Bless you for doing such a thorough and thoughtful job of taking care
of our kids - they love Kanakuk so much!

That was just a sampling, seven emails/msgs in a row out of my inbox. One of those was an email copy of a comment on my blog at www.insidekanakuk.com. It has become a pleasure to hear an email arrive on my phone, knowing that it's a good word from you. Now, here's the problem and what makes this a little overwhelming.

I'm getting some of the messages on my voice mail, and so many of them are supportive but some of them are questions. Some of the question ones are hard to hear, between wind noise or bad cell phone coverage, I can't make out a phone number or a Kamper name and I'm unable to call them back. It drives me crazy to think that a Kamp family is out there thinking that I'll call back and don't! I want to! So, if you have called me or Kanakuk and we haven't called you back please call again. The best number during the week is 417-266-3000. Talk to one of the registrars or ask to be transfered to me. We want to help.

The summer is going so fast. I can't wait for you to see some of the great photos, and amazing video work that we are doing.

Hope you have a great evening. I'm going to take an evening off, see a movie with my wife and squeeze the kids!

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Keeping Kanakuk Kamps Clean Summer 2009

2009-06-29T19:46:00.006-05:00

K-West is healthy! And they should be. Ward and his staff have done exemplary work in educating their Kampers and Staff on proper hygiene, and have set the bar for the whole world on cleaning. Below is the new water bottle policy, drafted at K-West after a doctor agreed that twice a week was plenty as long as there was no sharing.
------
Cleaning Water Bottles at K-West:

Every Wednesday and Sunday: (* Each bottle and lid must be marked with a name to be washed!)

Breakfast: Cabins 1-4
Lunch: Cabins 5-8
Dinner: Cabins 9-12

Protocol:
There will be flats in the kitchen by the wash sink where the counselors from each cabin will bring the kamper and staff water bottles at the beginning of the meal. The kitchen staff will send them through Hobie and then place the flats back on the counter for the counselors to retrieve all the bottles and distribute before the end of the meal. Please only wash your bottles at the meal time scheduled for your cabin. - Thanks so much!!!

---------

K-West has also created the most detailed cleaning check list (creatively titled "Mr. Disinfection 2009).

Here is just a sampling (it's 10 pages long and covers every area of the entire Kamp):

DOCK

All Ski Equipment (skis, boards, skates, etc.)
Fishing poles, rods, supplies
All equipment in boats (keys, steering wheel, buttons, throttles, handles, ladders, ski rope handles, the thing you hook the ski rope to, tie downs)
Ladders (handles, steps, etc.)
....

KAMPOUT

Mattresses (front/back, edges)
Tents, floor, zippers, etc.)
Benches, serving table, grill

MAIN OFFICE

Porch: poles, clipboards, outside windowsills and windows, door, door handle, railings, rope for bell.
Trash Cans
Phones
Fax Machine
Clock, weather radio, lightening meter
Mailboxes
Papercutter
All light switches

The list goes on and on. There are 10 items for the inside of vehicles! 34 for the pool area!

Way to go K-West for being so detailed and diligent. Now, the place I've always said is the most hospitable and home-like to visit is also the cleanest!

I was talking to Dr. Mike Johnson, Chief of Medicine at CMC Pineville in North Carolina, and Infectious Disease Specialist, over at the Family Kamp and he helped me feel comfortable that we were doing the right thing when he said, “I can’t see any reason in the world to close down a camp. You have done more in the way of precautions than any health system in the world.” Dr. Mike went on to say that, “parents need to understand that H1N1 is all around us and is generally very mild. They [parents] should be no more concerned about their child getting H1N1 than they are about them getting pinkeye. I’m here at Kanakuk Kamps with my family, including small children, and feel perfectly safe!”

Dr. Mike also explained that the virus only survives for "minutes to hours" on surfaces and that the hotter and drier it is, the shorter the survival time.

I'm learning lots of fun stuff about viruses. I used to be a paramedic and there's still a little bit of me that's interested in medicine. Honestly, I wish I was learning about muscle fatigue and heat exhaustion. I may get a chance to do just that if I spend another day chasing the, fast walking, fast talking, doesn't like "parking close", Health Services Director :-) Is that part of the fitness program?

Just realized this is a long post. More tomorrow.

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Term 6 Kampers prepare for Kamp

2009-06-29T15:18:00.002-05:00

We just sent out the informational email to Term 6, 7-Day Kampers about the new Pre-screening process. It includes the new Health Check Questionnaire that Kampers must now bring with them to their bus loading or Kamp drop-off spot.

Those Kampers are packing their trunks and putting together their final party costumes, anxiously awaiting the fun and excitement of summer camp to begin.

The information from Friday and the weekend is still slowly trickling out to the media, but Kanakuk has no new positive H1N1 tests. We still have children who have fevers, but with nearly 2000 kids here at any one time we always do have some.

Things are going great here and in so many ways this is turning into one of the most amazing summers we've ever had. God is so good!

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My Favorite Response to the Flu News!

2009-06-27T13:36:00.002-05:00

I've said it before and will probably be moved to say it again before I go to sleep tonight, but we have the best parents in our Kanakuk family! You send your kids to Kanakuk, you trust us to protect them, endorse the values of your family, and show them the love of Christ. We enjoy the opportunity and often pinch ourselves to make sure it's all real. And then sometimes we hear from you and just laugh. This is an email from a Kamp family and my favorite response to all this flu news:

Thank you for your rational, professional approach to this situation.

As a physician's family, we urge our children to keep their fingers out of their noses and mouths unless they are freshly washed or have a tissue. Although fingers are really handy tools ,it is medically prudent to strive to avoid "planting" things. Perhaps counselors can lend a voice to breaking nail-biting and nasal-mining habits as part of your "keep your body ready for action" health move. Things seem to "take" when a counselor introduced a concept parents have already "planted."

Thank you guys for all you do!

WEll written and great suggestion and it definitely got passed on to all our Directors. Next we can work on getting all our children to change their socks!

It sure is great being on the same team with all of you. Have a great rest of your Saturday!

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Pre-Kamp Screening process Information

2009-06-27T11:38:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that the following email is getting ready to go out to the next session of Kampers:

Dear Kamp Family,

Your child’s Kamp term is right around the corner. We can’t wait for them to arrive!

We communicated with you in an email on June 26th about the influenza issues we have had in previous terms this summer. This email will give you further details on our new pre-Kamp influenza screening policy. While its not fool proof, we feel it will help us control some illnesses getting into Kamp. It seems to have worked well for this current term. Here’s a quick reminder of how this preventative screening will work.

Before Kampers board one of our Kanakuk Chaperoned charter buses, board a Kanakuk bus at an airport, or are dropped off by their parent’s at a Kamp they will:

1. Be required to submit a completed Health Check Questionnaire signed by a parent or legal guardian. Download the Questionnaire here.
2. Have their temperature taken. (If a Kamper has a temp of 100.5, they are not admitted to Kamp.

Any Kampers who do arrive at the airports and don’t pass the screening will be cared for by Kanakuk personnel and their parents contacted to provide their Kamper private transportation home.

It’s a simple and quick process! With your help this becomes one of the most important steps in our effort to assure a safe environment for everyone.

Our Kamp-wide influenza protocol going forward involves immediate separation of Kampers with flu-like symptoms, personal care and screening by on-site medical professionals, parental contact and testing for Influenza Type A. If the Type A quick test comes back positive, then Kampers are sent home with their parents. We are also pursuing an aggressive cleaning regimen and educating staff and Kampers on the proper use of water bottles and other personal items.

To speed up the screening process for your child’s arrival, please download the required Health Check Questionnaire from the link below or find it when you login to www.mykanakuk.com. We also pasted it at the bottom of this email for your convenience. It will need to come with your child!

Download Health Check Questionnaire

Thank you for your understanding and patience, we appreciate your support!

Blessings,
Doug Goodwin
Chief Operating Officer
Kanakuk Ministries

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9:49 - Thanks for the encouragement

2009-06-27T09:48:00.004-05:00

At 9:49 I responded to a Kamp Dad who's in the "Biz", a PR guy at a university. He's my friend on FB and sent a message of encouragement and advice as someone who just recently dealt with this issue at his job. Here's my response:

Huge to get your message and know that you've been down this path and understand! I really appreciate it. Good advice. We have been using some things but can probably strengthen the nationwide/mild summer version thing up so it's more clear. [We really are hearing from many sources that this milder summer version of H1N1 is being experienced in much of the country] Good to know it helped you. We have such a great team here. The transportation team is on their light days between changeovers but volunteered to come in and manage the individual email responses and phone calls for our Health Service Director. My team is in prepping for the next communications and from Joe White down we are all monitoring the health and response of the Kamps as they are on the front lines of the cleaning, etc. I've been very impressed by the leadership's quick and aggressive decisions and the transparency of information to our parents was never in question. Thanks again for the encouragement.

Many others of you have written encouraging emails praising our response and telling us you are praying for a healthy summer, they are all read with respect and a great deal of humbleness and appreciation.

We had a brief time of prayer this morning before we began our work for the day, comforted that that God is with us. Things are going so well. Kampers are having a blast.

This morning the team took a moment to make sure that we had everyone in the absolute right spots to make it a great day of serving and being efficient. Being diligent and watchful as if all these Kampers were our own kids (and some of them have been!)

All photos from yesterday's Kamp activity should be posted sometime around noon (for those Kampers here right now), but I know some of them are up already. There will be literally thousands of visitors to the website today to view the photos.

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Keeping You Current

2009-06-27T07:40:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! A team of us are assembling at Kanakuk this morning including Doug Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer for Kanakuk Ministries, to assure that you have the most current and correct information.

As I drove in, wild turkey and K-1 staff were out for their morning runs. I've opened my window so I can here the Leadership staff wake the Kampers in the fun way they do. And before I leave today the sound of kids chanting and the K-Kountry and K-1 ziplines will no doubt make it through the window as well.

If you are wondering about our pre-Kamp screening process we will be sending an email out to Kampers prior to the start of their term so that you can have the details and download a copy of the Health Check Questionnaire.

More soon.
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What's happening at Kanakuk Kamps

2009-06-26T19:47:00.003-05:00

It's late and I'm headed to bed for a few hours. Just wanted to give you some insight into what's happening here at Kanakuk.

Some of the best friends in the world have been huddled around the table today in unity, working hard to communicate with parents, health department officials, the media, and most importantly doing everything we can to keep the Kamper's and staff safe and having fun. I think the fun part for me is getting feedback from parents like:

We truly appreciate the concern and care you have expressed and the diligence you have taken to handle this situation. Many thanks and prayers for good health at all Kamps.

We really appreciate the professional way you have handled this and that you have kept us informed.

And the many others. We really do have the greatest families in the world that support us!

Coming up tomorrow:

For Kampers arriving next week, an email that delivers the Health Check Questionnaire and the details of our pre-Kamp screening.
More communication with K-West families.

Goodnight!

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Kanakuk Kamps Statement Regarding H1N1 Test Results

2009-06-26T19:35:00.002-05:00

Press Contact:
Jay Holden
Marketing Director
Kanakuk Kamps
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 266-3284
jay@kanakuk.com
http://www.insidekanakuk.com

For Immediate Release

Statement for Attribution to Doug Goodwin
Chief Operating Officer
Kanakuk Ministries, Branson Missouri

Branson, MO — June 26, 2009 — Kanakuk Kamps today released the following update on the State Health Department’s results of the H1N1 test results from their Kampers.

“Today, Stone County health officials and Kanakuk Kamps received word that five Kampers tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Each of these cases was isolated to one of Kanakuk’s eight Kamps.

“Because the health and safety of our Kampers is of top priority to us, these Kampers had already been sent home as a precautionary measure. The flu-like symptoms they have been experiencing are relatively mild and include sore throats and fevers, and usually pass within 72 hours.

“We will continue to work with local and state officials to ensure that we are doing everything we can to isolate the flu and protect the health of our Kampers who will be joining us throughout the summer.

“On Thursday, June 25, the session in which the virus was detected, ended as was regularly scheduled. Between sessions, we took additional precautionary measures to clean and disinfect our facilities.

“All new incoming Kampers attending our current session were screened prior to arrival. All parents were required to fill out an additional health questionnaire and Kampers were tested for fever. Kampers with flu-like symptoms, fever or known exposure to others with influenza have not and will not be allowed into the Kamps.

“In addition, we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to detect and isolate any Kampers with flu-like systems. Our H1N1 protocol at all eight of the Kanakuk Kamps now include: immediate isolation of Kampers with flu-like symptoms, personal care and screening by physicians and nurses, parental contact and testing for Influenza A. If the test comes back positive, Kampers are then sent home.

“We believe that the swift and aggressive actions we have taken will help ensure that the Kampers who will be joining us for the rest of the season will be able to enjoy our summer tradition of providing an ‘Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.”

Kanakuk Kamps has been located in Branson since 1926 and each year many families make this premiere camp a summer tradition. Kanakuk Ministries is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) that provides children from all over the world with an “Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.” There are 8 Kanakuk Kamps facilities in Missouri and Colorado that serve over 13,000 kids each summer. Extensive information about the Kamps is available at www.kanakuk.com

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Kanakuk Kamps Takes Quick Action on Flu

2009-06-26T08:45:00.002-05:00

The following press release was sent to local and regional media outlets on Thursday in an attempt to clear up some of the mis-information being reported and to create another avenue for our Kamp Families to hear our official stand on the flu. We have communicated with all the Kamp Families at the impacted Kamps and even this morning are preparing an email to go out to all Kamp families here right now and yet to arrive this summer. We are waiting for the test results to come back from Jefferson City and as of 8:50am 6-26 have not heard from them. When we do I will release another statement. I have been super impressed with the response of our Health Services Director Linda Zimmer. We are so blessed to have a staff of medical professionals, not only full-time employees but the many, many summer employees, and volunteer physicians who are here 24 hours a day all summer long.

---------------------------------

Press Contact: Jay Holden
Marketing Director
Kanakuk Kamps
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 266-3284
jay@kanakuk.com
http://insidekanakuk.com

For Release on June 25, 2009

Kanakuk Kamps Takes Quick Action on Flu

During the last two-week session at Kanakuk Kamps, in two of their eight Kamps, Kampers came to their respective Health Center with mild flu-like symptoms, fever and sore throat. At K-West enough Kampers presented with these symptoms that quick action was taken to isolate and begin the process of testing for type A influenza. Within hours those positive test results were shared with State Health officials and contact made with local county health officials in Stone and Taney County. Fourteen Kampers tested positive and were sent home from Kamp. At the K-Kountry facility four Kampers tested positive and were sent home. All influenza cases have been taken home by their parents and not via public transportation.

“We have prepared for this and are not experiencing anything more than we have in summers past. However, with the heightened concern this year regarding influenza, we are taking this very seriously and have tested people with symptoms for Type A influenza. At this time, we have no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.” Says Doug Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer for Kanakuk Ministries. As requested by the health officials, random test samples have been sent off to the State health lab to clarify whether or not these cases are indeed the H1N1 virus. Test results are expected back late Thursday or possibly Friday.

Kanakuk is working hand-in-hand with local and state health officials and they have approved our protocols which are consistent with the CDC. Government health officials have indicated they are supportive of Kanakuk continuing to operate all of its facilities.

Ongoing protocol at all 8 of the Kanakuk Kamps includes: immediate isolation of Kampers with flu-like symptoms, personal care and screening by on-site medical professionals, parental contact, and testing for Influenza A. If the test comes back positive, then Kampers are sent home. This protocol is being followed as quickly as possible by teams of medical professionals at each Kamp.

In addition, Kanakuk is immediately implementing a pre-Kamp screening program. “It is not fool-proof,” says Goodwin, “but, we believe it will help us keep many illnesses out of Kamp.” Kanakuk will be conducting pre-boarding bus screening, screening of those who have flown to Kamp as well as screening everyone who is individually dropped off at Kamp. Kampers with flu-like symptoms, fever, or known exposure to others with influenza will not be allowed into the camps.

In its 84-year history, Kanakuk has been blessed with a remarkable Kamper health and safety record. Kanakuk has experienced many things and done their best to handle them appropriately. This year is no exception and Kanakuk has gone above and beyond to assure illness doesn’t stop the incredible impact of summer camping.

Kanakuk Kamps has been located in Branson since 1926 and each year many families make this premiere camp a summer tradition. Kanakuk Ministries is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) that provides children from all over the world with an “Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.” There are 8 Kanakuk Kamps facilities in Missouri and Colorado that serve over 13,000 kids each summer. Extensive information about the camps is available at www.kanakuk.com.

####

Appropriate supporting photos and additional interview opportunities can be requested from the contact above.

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Photo Update and Thank you

2009-06-24T11:49:00.002-05:00

Things have improved much since the beginning of the summer and most Kamp families are successfully viewing photos and finding their happy Kampers. At the same time we continue to have some issues with the timing of the galleries displaying photos. This is a problem on our end with the way our photography application sync's the photos with SmugMug. It's quite complicated because we are uploading hundreds and hundreds of photos every day and they have to get into the right galleries in addition to being approved by our photo supervisors.

There was a problem with the K-Seven photo galleries for a couple of days, but as of this morning they were working again. It is helpful to have people let us know when there are missing photos. It has been difficult to give personal attention to each and every email and message. Sorry about that, but I assure you we look into every situation and work hard to remedy quickly. We also are taking all feedback and suggestions, compiling them so that we can be better next summer.

So many parents have added notes to their emails or said things when they call to encourage our team as many are putting in long hours and trying to think creatively about making the system better. Thank you for the kind words!

A new term starts tomorrow and some of the photographers will be new. They are receiving additional training over the next couple of days and are ready to get started snapping those pictures. There goal is to get a minimum of 100 "good" photos each day and to have them posted and approved by Noon the next day. Many times this occurs earlier than that and sometimes it takes a little longer. I know it is so fun to see your Kampers, we have fun looking at the pictures too! It really is a labor of love to provide them.

If you are on your way to Kamp we can't wait for you to get here!
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Why did Kanakuk switch to SmugMug?

2009-06-17T23:41:00.002-05:00

Daily photos have been a popular feature of the Kanakuk website. While not all the reasons are listed here there was one main event that started us down this road. Our hardware that printed photos was broken, outdated and unserviceable. Replacing it with the equipment to truly serve our needs was very costly. The decision was made to try and outsource the photo printing and at the same time raise the level of features and options available to our Kamp families. Despite some early glitches SmugMug was and still may be the best solution for this. Our intentions are to complete the summer of 2009 with SmugMug as the third party photo processor for Kamper photos. At the end of the summer we will analyze the service and consider staying with SmugMug or move toward another solution.

Daily photos are typically getting through the approval process by approximately Noon the day after they are taken. Cabin and individual photos are being worked on and progress was made today in getting them posted as well.

Thanks for your patience in all this.

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Action Photos Online for all Kamps!

2009-06-15T21:52:00.003-05:00

Shane just emailed me to say that the ALL the Kamps have their action photos uploaded and approved. So K-Seven, K-West and Kanakuk Colorado should now be available in addition to the others that made it earlier.

Log in to www.mykanakuk.com choose a Kamper and the Kamp and Term they are attending. Then click on the photo link and that should take you to the photo galleries.

Keep me posted. I'll do the same.

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Photos now uploading!!

2009-06-15T19:33:00.002-05:00

As of just a few minutes ago photos for the following Kamps were uploaded, viewable and current through yesterday's photos:

K-1
K-2
K-Kountry
Kanakuk Golf Kamp (small number)

As of this post at 7:35 CST (6/15/09) photos for the following Kamps are still uploading and waiting approval:

K-West
K-Seven
Kanakuk Colorado

I just got off the phone with the guys doing the approving and monitoring the uploads and they indicated that the process was going smoothly and it should just be a matter of time.

Please, if anyone from the first list of Kamps has problems viewing photos for 6/12 - 6/14 leave a comment here so I can be alerted to any new developments.

Prayerfully, smooth sailing from here!

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Photo Issue Update

2009-06-15T17:11:00.002-05:00

Just a had a great meeting with our team. During the meeting the programming team had some success getting the 3rd party photo processor (SmugMug) to work and I believe that right now the Kamps are uploading their photos. It will take some time this evening for the many photos to be reviewed and approved. As soon as they are approved, parents will be able to view them. We are still holding our breath that the "fix" will be permanent, but for now things are looking up. Knowing how long it takes to upload and approve all the Kamps photos, my advice to parents at this point would be to plan on trying to view photos in the morning. They may start showing up tonight, but they may not all be available.

Many back-up options were discussed in the meeting and progress will be made on finalizing which is the best option in the next few days.

I'm going to post this and go check on the approval process. I'll keep you posted.

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Photo Issue Update

2009-06-15T13:36:00.002-05:00

Quick photo update:

Three teams inside Kanakuk are working on the photo issues:

1. Computer Services
2. Marketing
3. Photography

A team meeting is planned now for 3:00 CST to further assess the options. The goal is to have a solid solution to execute on by the end of the day. The fastest, safest route that we feel we can guarantee will be chosen and resources will be applied in an effort to get photos back up.

Again, photos are being taken and stored for future display.

Stay tuned. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for your patience. Being a Kamp parent, I know how important and fun it is to see photos of your Kampers.

Thanks again to all who have given us feedback on this. It's good to know so many people care enough about Kanakuk to help us get better.

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Photo and Email issues

2009-06-15T09:47:00.002-05:00

Parents and friends of Kanakuk,

Just a quick post to let you know that we are aggressively pursuing the problems with missing Kamper photos for the Dates 6-12-09 forward. There are many people actively working on these issues and we meet at 3:30 to get a status and see what more can be done.

We are also making the appropriate changes necessary for the Kamper emails price to go back to $.65. The proceeds from those Kamper emails go towards supporting teachers in Haiti, and feeding the students in mission run schools that Kanakuk supports. Kampers are receiving the emails and enjoy hearing from parents. If you've experienced any trouble with photos or emails we appologize and are working hard to get things back to normal.

If you would like to share your feedback on these items please feel free to email me jay(at)kanakuk.com and I will direct it to the appropriate people. As much as possible I will update this blog.

Thank you for your patience.

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Special Video for K-1 Kampers

2009-06-08T17:51:00.005-05:00

Dream Airlines Flight Rules Video

During a summer at Kanakuk Kamps, Kampers experience so much that parents and friends never see and can never really understand. One of those things is all the crazy "programs stuff" that the leadership teams put together. This video was put together at K-1 with the help of Tim Oliphant and his crew. This video is to educate the Kampers on the rules while they are in the Gym for K-Life.

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Hidden Gems of the Ozarks #1

2009-06-04T08:04:00.002-05:00

This summer I'm going to run a series of posts that highlight some of the Hidden Gems of the Ozarks, those people, places and things you just shouldn't miss when you drop off or pick-up your child from Kamp this summer. So here is #1 and perhaps the tastiest!

#1 Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Shake at Dairyland

It seems that everywhere you travel that in some small town there is a generic "Dairyland" well the Ozarks is no exception. Kanakuk families traveling back and forth along 86 Highway to the Lampe Kamps have probably seen this Dairyland. There's nothing special about the building, matter of fact the last coat of paint didn't even help that much, but inside they make a Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Shake (or malt) that is as rich and creamy as they come. The peanut butter clings to the side of the cup. Everyone who eats one knows this because when the straw starts making that empty sucking sound you open the lid to make sure there isn't just a little more. So stop in and have a burger if you want, but don't miss this hidden gem. Happy sipping!

Tell 'em "Kanakuk sent me!" They'll be surprised.

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Kanakuk's K-1 "K-Dome" Getting a Makeover #2

2009-02-24T16:57:00.005-06:00

There's progress being made on the K-1 K-Dome makeover. As you can see in the photos the new wall structures are starting to take shape atop all new concrete footers. You might also notice the absence of the colorful murals that have been along the back wall of the K-Dome for many years. Those have been moved to storage with plans to put them back on display. The new location for those has not been determined, but they will maintain their place in the atmosphere of K-1!

Enjoy the day! Does this time of the year give you chills, like it does me? I just can't wait for summer to get here. There is just something about that first bus full of Kampers that rolls into the parking lot right outside my window. It's bigger than the start of football season, it's like 5000 men praising God at a Men at the Cross event. It just feels right. I don't see many of their faces (until I look through the 100,000+ photos) but I feel their hearts begin to beat long before I hear the grind of the bus engine up that last hill. It's electric!

To Kelley - I'm so glad you are going to be a part of it!

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New Employee Announcement - Jeff Wiskur

2009-02-23T06:57:00.001-06:00

DATE: December 10, 2008

TO: Kanakuk Kamps

FROM: Human Resources Department

SUBJECT: New Employee Announcement

Please welcome Jeffrey (Jeff) Wiskur, CPA to the Accounting Department.

Jeff will be working as Manager of Finance.

Jeff and his family live in Springfield, MO. Jeff graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S. degree in accounting. Before joining Kanakuk, Jeff worked in public accounting, where he has more than 17 years of audit and consulting experience - mostly with KPM, Kanakuk’s accounting firm.

Jeff has been married to his wife (and high school sweetheart) Lisa for over 22 years and together they have 4 children: Julie (17), Katie (16), Eric (12), and Stephanie (4).

As a child, Jeff was a Kamper at Kanakuk Kamps and his children have attended Kanakuk. Jeff’s father created the stained-glass windows in the chapel and painted the mural at the K-1 K-Dome.

New Hire Announcement Written by: Julie Coxie, SPHR, Human Resources Director, Kanakuk Kamps

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Why Big Brands Struggle With Social Media

2009-02-20T14:56:00.000-06:00

Why Big Brands Struggle With Social Media

This was a good article I thought people might find valuable. Sorry for the straight-up, rehash of someone elses content! I'll do it so infrequently, I promise.

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Contextual Expression Mark

2009-02-20T06:25:00.000-06:00

New punctuation for the English language.

It’s more classy than an emoticon and sexier than an apostrophe, it’s the...

“contextual expression” mark.

It bridges the gap between a period and and exclamation mark. And, who doesn’t need that? Look at it's perfect form as it bends to the pressure of being not quite ready to be completely excited. How often have you written that line in an email or text message that just does not deserve a period, but can't muster up the sheer joy of an "exclamation mark"? This has been too long in coming. This new mark would not have been had Craig from Matchstic not voiced the yearning we all have had.

This "contextual expression" demands that the reader take the preceding statement in context of the entire message, your personality, current economic conditions, and general disposition of all previous communications. Then, and only afterward, apply the appropriate amount of "woohoo" to it.

Kanakuk Kamps will not have a use for this new mark and is considering banning the period and replacing it with "!". The excitement of summer camp deserves it.

The Contextual Expression mark, coming on all new keyboards beginning April 1st, 2009.

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What I wish my gymnastics parents would say on meet day…

2009-02-16T16:55:00.008-06:00

What I wish my gymnastics parents would say on meet day…

Kat Hilton, Kanakuk Kamps Counselor, ’03-’05 LSU Gymnast

I recently took the opportunity to advertise Kanakuk Kamps on the back of the program for the Illinois State Level 5 Gymnastics event being held April 3rd and 4th in East Peoria, IL. It didn't cost a lot and felt like a great opportunity to share Kanakuk with a new group of families. It also felt like a neat opportunity for ministry as well. I recruited Kat Hilton, a Kanakuk Institute student, Kanakuk photographer/counselor, and former LSU gymnast to help me draft an article specifically for gymnastics parents entitled, "What I wish my mom and dad would say on meet day…". You can see it below. Then following are some of Kat's gymnastics accomplishments. It's kind of a neat story.

The Article----

Growing up in competitive gymnastics, competing for Louisiana State University (LSU), and now training high level gymnasts as a coach at Kanakuk Kamps, I know what the words; pressure, determination, and perseverance mean. My life as a gymnast has defined them.

Your gymnast daughters are unique. They live in a world few will ever understand. Commitment and desire run deep, driving them to achieve, accomplish, and succeed in this highly physical and mental sport!

The support and encouragement of my teammates, coaches and especially my parents allowed me to walk on at LSU and be a first place winner.

As a gymnastics parent you may never understand the pressures, intensity, joy, and passion that your gymnast encounters, but the encouragement you share today can make all the difference.

You’ve supported her all the way and here’s what she’d want you to say today…

• No matter what, I’m proud of you.
• You’ve got this!
• I love to see you chasing your dreams.
• I still love you, No matter what.
• I’m so excited for you!
• You’ve worked so hard for this! Enjoy it!
• No regrets! Give it all you’ve got!
• I love you!
• I’m so excited to see you compete!
• Your effort inspires me, I’m proud of you.
• Remember to just have fun.
• You are doing awesome!

…and remember, it’s not the score that matters, only that they gave their all. Gymnastics parents alway stay positive. Hugs and little notes of affirmation in their gym bags are always a great way to let them know you are behind them.
-----

Kat Hilton's story (in her own brief words)

"I was actually a walk on and I had to fight to get on the team.. my head coach at LSU didn't think I would make it. God had a different plan. I won my first meet for LSU..."

The rest of Kat's story is chronicled here:

SOPHOMORE SEASON (2003) A walk-on that worked her way into the Tigers' bar lineup ... Had a phenomenal collegiate debut against Denver, scoring a 9.925 on the bars to win the event title ... Her score ranked as the second-best by a Tiger on the bars in 2003 ... Scored a 9.800 against Florida. Recorded a 9.875 on the bars at the SEC Championships ... Matched that mark a week later at the NCAA West Regionals.

JUNIOR SEASON (2004) Competed on the bars in eight meets for the Tigers ... Scored a season-best 9.900 against Texas Woman's and Arizona ... Notched a 9.875 at the NCAA Central Regional Championships ... Posted a 9.850 at the NCAA Championships ... Opened the season with a 9.850 at Michigan State ... Finished the year with a season average of 9.750 on the event.  

SENIOR SEASON (2005) A bar specialist for the Tigers, she competed on the event in seven meets in 2005 ... Won the bars title in the Tigers' quad meet with Illinois-Chicago, New Hampshire and Western Michigan, scoring a season-high 9.875 ... Title marked the third of her career on the event ... Notched a 9.825 at Ohio State ... Scored a 9.800 at both Kentucky and Auburn ... Averaged a 9.796 over the course of the season ... A member of the SEC Honor Roll.  

Kat, thanks for sharing with us and the parents of gymnasts everywhere. In our book your gymnastics training will pay eternal dividends. You may even run a gymnastics camp or gymnastics school someday.

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Another Kanakuk Director on National TV!

2009-02-10T09:45:00.001-06:00

The New K-Kauai Kanakuk Family Kamp Assistant Director recently took a pass from an NFL quarterback on National TV. Check it out.

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Ice makes Kanakuk Flexible

2009-01-27T09:21:00.003-06:00

What will no doubt go down as the Ozark's ice storm of 2009 is upon us. Normally this time of day the offices of Kanakuk Ministries are buzzing with phone calls, meetings and planning for the summer. Yesterday about 3:00 the freezing rain started coming down. By the time I left the offices at 4:00 the roads were getting icy. I even took a short detour through the ditch on the way home. As of this morning it's worse, much worse. A mix of sleet and freezing rain continued all night and promises to go on all day. I'm watching the tree branches outside my window slowly bow under the pressure.

So today, Kanakuk's registration department, marketing department and many other offices are staying put at home.

We will be monitoring email and phones the best that we can. If you have registration questions please email reg@kanakuk.com and we'll get back to you.

So, in the marketing department an ice storm may keep us out of the office but not from working. There are too many fun things to get ready for summer. We are working on changes to the website, a logo for the 2009 summer theme (Dare to Dream!), and keeping all the communication flowing.

2008 term videos are on there way to Kanakuk families in the next 2-3 weeks.

Hope your family is warm and safe while here at Kanakuk we get a chance to exercise our K-Flex skills.

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