Kamper Ryan Alexander Signs with ARMY

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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Remembering Past Friends

"James “Jim” Harold McClary, of Branson, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, in Branson, at the age of 81....What he enjoyed most was his work he did at Kanakuk Kamp for more than 40 years. Jim took great enjoyment from being around young people and during the summers the children at the kamps."

With over 80 years of history right here in the Ozark Mountains, Kanakuk has some stories to tell. Not just glamorous accounts of high adventure camping, but tales of those who made it possible! Over the years it has taken many dedicated people to keep Kanakuk Kamps on it's feet and growing. Many of those people have been, and still are, natives of this very area. In fact their families farmed these lands and made a life here long before the first rustic cabin was put up. Once such friend of Kanakuk, Jim McClary, passed away last Friday at 81 years old and in his obituary his family remembered his fondness for this place, the work, and the summers full of children. Like many others, I'm sure Jim enjoyed his 40 years of service to Kanakuk because of the feeling of being a part of something that changed lives, something that made a difference for the Kingdom of God.

So I, honor Jim and all those who have poured blood and sweat into this place over the years so that our children can learn what it means to put God First, Others Second and themselves Third. It's a good life and well done.

History repeats itself. While I sit behind my desk, the work day is just beginning all over Kanakuk land. There are more of us working a way in the offices now then when you were here Jim. But all hands are on deck getting the buildings and grounds ready for what will be the greatest summer in Kanakuk history!

Thanks for your part in Kanakuk's history. What stories do you have to tell!

I'm going to go find one of today's Kanakuk stories and share tomorrow so check back.



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New I'm Third Movie

I am absolutely busting at the seams! Our Media Director Tim Oliphant, also of American Gladiator fame, just finished a new short film that communicates the I'm Third philosophy.
The I'm Third life philosophy has been a foundation of Kanakuk for so many years and a vital part of the growth that Kampers experience during a term here. One of Tim's strengths is Communication and he does such a great job of piecing things together so that you and I can feel it too.

Enjoy this short film and please leave your comments about it.

This is a preview. We'll eventually have a fully credited, high quality version available over at www.kanakuk.com. While I'm at it I'll leak something about the new website: We are planning special "easter eggs" on the home page of the new site. The first one will be typing "JOY" on the keyboard then you'll get a surprise. New www.kanakuk.com coming in September.

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