Should you send your child to Summer Camp or Seminary?

Best Friends at Kamp: The Camerons

At Kanakuk, campers have a blast doing all the fun stuff, hanging out with cool counselors, and making great friendships. This past summer the video staff at K-1 interviewed two boys, both named Cameron, both "lefties" and both sorting through deep theological issues.

When I was 8, I was still trying to figure out whether the chicken came before the egg. So I can appreciate the struggle that the Camerons had with the question "Would we be alive if Jesus didn't die on the Cross?" But they seemed to get to the bottom of it in a way that only a child could. Watching this video reminded me of Matthew 18:1-4. Cameron and Cameron gave me pause to wonder if I'm being child-like enough in my walk with Christ.

My daughter has a shirt that says "My Dad can fix anything!" Talk about pressure! She's about Cameron's age and still believes what's on her shirt. I do my best to live up to those expectations. I want her to know that when she comes to me with broken stuff that I'll at least give fixing it a try. The fun part is pointing her to the One who can fix it all. The older she get's the less it seems I can fix things :-)

If something is broken in your life, don't come running to me. God is waiting for you, waiting to give you life through the cross. So, yes, Cameron we become "alive" in Christ through His death on the cross. That's great news and I'm so glad you're already thinking about it.

When you came to Kanakuk during the summer how did it impact your life and your view of Christ?


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How do you pronounce "Hallelujah"?

Laura Lee and Callie share God's gift of laughter. See video below to accept the gift for yourself.

Wheww! It has been crazy-busy and to get a break from the hectic days and focus on my family I haven't taken my computer home for the past few weeks. That's cutting down on the posts. I so appreciate ALL my readers. Thanks for your candor and your encouragement. During the winter months you'll definitely get a mixed bag of posts here.

Here are the things that are coming up with Kanakuk from my vantage point:

The new kanakuk.com is coming! I know I've been saying that:-) It has turned out to be a real challenge to give you something radically different. We are getting closer to having it done and readers of this blog will be the first to know when it's ready for a test drive.

I'm collecting three amazing stories to share with you:

• A young Kamper who came to Kanakuk for the fun but left with so much more. We captured highlights from her whole term. I think she even figured out how to say "Hallelujah"! (See Video teaser)

• A mom made a flippant decision over 20 years ago to attend a Kanakuk Movie Night with a friend. That moment has changed her family forever and now she wants to share it all with you. (Hot of the phone lines last night!)

• Normally a fatal blow to a Kanakuk counselor's summer, an emergency appendectomy couldn't stop Jenny from following God's plan. The outcome surprised even her as she witnessed God's hand at work.(Video to come! Thanks BHill.)

During the summer months there will be much more specific about Kanakuk happenings here at Inside Kanakuk, but I'm looking out ahead at the horizon and there will be much to share between now and Summer 2009! Check out the blogs on the right for different little windows into the Kanakuk family.

Look at the heart.

Have a great day!

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What do Kanakuk Director's like to do during the winter months?

In a very unscientific poll 98.6% of Kanakuk Kamp Director types around the offices said that one of their favorite things to do when they can't be at Kamp is to travel to see their Kamp family in their towns. This is evidenced by the caravan of Kanakuk vans seen moving out of here on a regular basis during the winter months. It starts this weekend and continues pretty steady through the first part of February. To find out if they are coming to your area go the website: KanakukLive!

If you have a Kanakuk Director sighting in your area please send me photos at jay_@_kanakuk.com. They have so much fun when they are gone I'm not convinced they aren't going to the beach for a week!!

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Are You Like Sarah Palin?

 

Palin family minus new little guy, Trig.

Ask anyone, I vote, but I'm not political. I figure God already knows who's gonna win, so I spend my energies on other things, but Sarah Palin's explosion into the national spotlight has made me think.

If nothing else it seems to have highlighted the intensely diverse roll of women. Maybe you can relate. At 44 years old Sarah Palin is a self proclaimed "Hockey mom", mother of 5 in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath house, wife married for 20 years, small town church goer, oh, and Vice Presidential candidate! 

It made me think of the many Kanakuk Kamps moms who drive the kids to school, work a job, do the family "books", attend church, serve on school committees, coordinate soccer teams, and lovingly tuck their little ones in bed at night. It's not so different from Sarah Palin's life really. Maybe you don't have handlers (maybe you wish you did?). Maybe you aren't scheduled for a national televised debate tonight, but standing before the school board fighting for character training funds is pretty big. Especially impressive when you spent the 4 hours prior closing a real estate deal, making dinner, and solving pre-algebra problems! What guides you through all that?

We are getting close to rolling out a new kanakuk.com; A foundational start to a new experience for our whole Kanakuk family. My dream of kanakuk.com becoming a "resource for your life" makes me want to stop and consider your diversity. What you are doing, what you are dealing with, what questions do you have, what connections do you want to make with us, and each other? How can we come along side with encouragement for your family throughout the year?

You may not be preparing for the Sarah Palin v. Joe Biden debate but, if you can relate to the hectic life of Sarah Palin, we are right there with you. We all need a solid foundation to stand on. Something absolute to cling to when the pressures get overwhelming.

Consider this today as you spread peanut butter: Psalms 119. It is 176 verses on the importance of relying on God's word for our every need. At least take with you the familiar verse 105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Take time to read God's Word you won't regret it.

Can you relate to Sarah Palin today? How?

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Kanakuk Pools Inspire Dreams

Every day, at every activity, Kanakuk Kampers live faith-impacting moments that God uses to bring them closer to Him. Our counselors share those moments with great kids like Josh.

“Hi, I’m Josh. I’ve been going to Kanakuk for two years and when I grow up I want to be a professional blobber. This is my story…I got my start in blobbing when I was just seven-years-old. Yeah, I tried all that other stuff like water slide, water tramp, diving, trapeze, water polo, and even swimming. Anyway, my counselor K-Mart (Kenny Martin is his real name) says I have huge potential in the blobbing world. He says it takes bravery and courage to be a great blobber. You definitely need the bravery part because the first time is scary for no reason, but you don’t know that until you do it. K-Mart said when you jump off the tower the first time it’s like trusting God that he’ll always be there when you need Him. K-Mart should know ‘cause he likes trying new stuff like the triple leapfrog, and extreme apple eating, all of which are awesome! But for me, I could just blob all day at Kamp and some day I’m going to be on ESPN! K-Mart would think that was the blob (dot) com!”

Kanakuk offers children young and old new, exciting adventures that prep them for a life of challenge and success. Josh’s story is based on the experiences of thousands of young boys and girls who come to Kanakuk and share special moments with one of our hand-picked Christian counselors; leaders and role models who strive to live a life worthy of following. Sometimes it takes being called “K-Mart” and playing in the pool!

This is a compilation of Kamper and counselor stories that I have collected over the years. The name, etc have all been changed.

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Do men really give a rip about Jesus?

 

Men coming to the Cross in Hershey, PA. 

Do men care about Jesus? Of people attending church services today 61% are women and 39% are men. [http://www.uscongregations.org/key.htm] Does that statistic answer the question? I hope not. Maybe as you looked around the sanctuary this past Sunday you saw those same kinds of numbers and asked yourself what is wrong.

Let me give you some encouragement. While we might not being going to church we are realizing that we need to take a more active roll in the spiritual lives of our families. Men are seeing the need to be authentic and to share our struggles. Men are learning that they need to make their family their priority. Men are learning that they can't defeat temptation without a daily relationship with Jesus Christ and God's Word.

This past weekend I was in Hershey, PA [yes, I went to Chocolate World] and worked at the Men at the Cross event held at the Giant Center right next door to Hershey Park. Around 2000 men were there caring about Jesus. The event was also webcast so people all over the country participated too.

Stu Weber
Todd Wagner
Reggie Dabbs
Rick Rigsby
Joe White
Gary Smalley

These close. "I Timothy 1:5" friends spoke at the Men at the Cross event in Hershey and gave a great challenge to men to find a "Timothy" in their life. Someone who they will disciple for 24 weeks so that that man can then become a Paul to someone in their life. Ultimately to reach the whole World for Christ through life-on-life ministry.

If you would like to see the event program in it's entirety it is now available as an archived webcast at www.menatthecross.org. It is available until December 22nd, 2008.

Here is just one of the testimonials received from the webcast participants:

I'm a recently dismissed worship pastor who had just about given up. I
was ready to move back into the bleachers. I realize tonight that I have
been holding back from God. I have no idea what God has in store for me
now, but I'm going to wait for Him. I want to be one who He "strengthens
whose heart is fully committed to Him" (2 Chron. 16:9). I pray that God
will show me my Timothy so that I may do my part in fulfilling the
Commission. Thank you for making this webcast available. And to think
that this is only the first hour of the event. Praise God for bringing
me back!!

In Christ,
Dave, Indiana

Tell us about men that care about Jesus. Leave a comment.

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Sayso - Kanakuk Parents Online Forums

 

Artist rendering of the new "Sayso" online forums area being planned for the new kanakuk.com 

In the 8+ years that I have worked at Kanakuk Kamps I have been most impressed by the parents, Kampers and staff that consider themselves part of the Kanakuk family. Never having been on staff or a Kamper myself I didn't know the depth of your passion, loyalty and strength. I've been blessed by parent's words of encouragement and wisdom, inspired by the stories of Kampers and sharpened by the dedicated service of the staff. It's a shame we haven't had more time to talk, to share, to connect and more closely live the Christian life together.

Sure we bump into each other at closing ceremonies or our kids drag us together over the years, but it can be so much more. I have a vision that Kanakuk Moms will trade life's moments, that Kanakuk Dads will give each other inside tips on making an impact, that our staff can keep us all fresh and encouraged, that kids can entertain us and more of it all the time. What a great community we have! You have so much to offer. 

When we roll out the new kanakuk.com we'll have online forums; connecting points, discussions, and yes, connectersations! This area for Parents, Staff and the public will be called "Sayso" after a traditional camp meeting time where kids will share their experiences, stories, testimonies, often around a campfire.

So pull up a chair and prepare to share and connect with someone just like you, someone who gets what it is to be a part of Kanakuk. You'll help us all become better people and shine a light for the World to see.

Can you share this blog with someone you know today? Let them know that the Kanakuk forums will be for them too.

This is getting long but I just have to check with everyone and see how the school year is going. Leave a comment about your favorite school start-up story. Let's start to share today!

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Fall projects list in the Kanakuk marketing department

Here is a partial list of projects that we are working on in the Marketing Department at Kanakuk Kamps.

1. 2009 Staff Recruitment video
2. 2009 Staff promo commercials 
3. 2008-09 KanakukLive! Movie (A Tim Oliphant video experience)
4. The new kanakuk.com rollout (leave a comment if you are willing to beta test the new site for us sometime in the next several days)
5. Coffee
6. KanakukLive! event print and digital materials
7. Hershey, PA Men at the Cross Stage Management
8. Hershey, PA Kanakuk Kamps booth (Any Lancaster County Kanakukers out there? We could use a local volunteer to help with the booth.)
9. 2010 concept research
10. Director blogs (see sidebar)
11. 25 Days of Christmas mailing
12. Kanakuk Kamps Term Videos (out in early January)
13. Tons of other small stuff 

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Kanakuk Kamps Employee Benefit #136

After being without power at my house for over 24 hours, with 7th grade discipleship group, school and work all scheduled for early Monday morning my boys and I got up in the dark and made our way to the K-Kauai Staff building for some light and a warm shower!

Most importantly the long day without power taught our family a small amount of empathy for those in Texas, Louisiana, and the rest of the Gulf residents ravaged by Hurricane Ike and his friends. We live with so much in America and yet have so little margin in our lives. We did fine without power and water for a day. We have Wal-Mart, good friends, and a solid roof over our heads. But, what if we had been without for days, weeks, or even months?

As my wife and I lay in bed last night, listening to a neighbor's generator run, she commented about how people used to live like this all the time, many within the last 100 years. It was one of those reality check moments when priorities get jostled into a deeper, more meaningful order.

My new found empathies go out to all those effected by the storms in the Gulf and the World. To all those sleeping under the stars tonight, wondering where clean water will come from tomorrow, I hope you find shelter and hope. God has a plan, even for clean water.

As I drove to the first stop of the day my wife called and said the power had just been restored. While I'm glad I won't have to get ready for work at Kanakuk Family Kamp tomorrow, it was a nice employee perk (#136) this morning.

Have you been affected by the storms? Share your stories here so we can be praying for you.

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2009 Kanakuk Enrollment is Off the Charts

On Monday we sent out the following e-mail to all 2008 & 2009 Kanakuk Families.

In the first 18 hours after the e-mail there were 201 enrollments. The vast majority of those were Kampers new to Kanakuk! At the end of 24 hours there were 280 enrollments. At this pace we’re filling very fast and are way ahead of enrollments this time last year.

Total Bunk With A Friend requests to date are 339 with a little more than half accepted already.

The e-mail:

New in 2009! Kanakuk is pleased to offer your child the opportunity to Bunk With A Friend™ in the same cabin.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to enroll your child for Summer ’09, then this is it! 

Enrollment is already up over 100% compared to last year, with some terms full and many more nearly full.  Our new Bunk With A Friend™ program is certain to cause a rush of new enrollments, and we want your child to be a part of it.

Even if you've already enrolled, you should know that our Directors are busily preparing to make this summer the greatest ever!  They’ve dreamed up all kinds of new programs, parties, and activities that are sure to have your child talking about Kamp long after their term is over. One of the ways you can help make this the most exciting summer in Kanakuk history is by taking advantage of our all new Bunk With A Friend™  program.

If your child and a friend have birthdates within 12 months, and will be attending the same Kamp and Term, simply logon to your account at www.kanakuk.com and click on the Bunk With A Friend™ link.  Just 3 easy steps and we’ll send your invitation to your child’s friend letting them know your request.  Once they’ve accepted your invitation, we’ll send you an email letting you know.  Please note that you can only make one Bunk With A Friend™ request per child.

Mom and Dad, you know the lifelong value of sending your child to Kanakuk for the summer - you’ve seen the impact in their lives.  If you have friends who have never sent their child to kamp before, Bunk With A Friend™ is a great way to help them feel more comfortable making the decision – logon or call us and we’ll help you send them an invitation. Imagine the impact your child and their friend can make together after a summer together at Kanakuk!

Feel free to logon and take advantage of Bunk With A Friend™ right now. And, if you’ve been hesitant to enroll your child for a lengthier term at kamp, Bunk With A Friend™ is a great way to ensure that those longer terms are even more special and exciting.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our wonderful registrars at 417-266-3000 or email us at registration@kanakuk.com

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