New Employee Announcement - Jeff Wiskur

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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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 Employee Announcement - Heidi

Heidi has joined the marketing team at Kanakuk Kamps. She replaces "Chester", the brilliance behind the look of the all new www.kanakuk.com. Heidi was the daughter of a Navy man and moved around but her family has been in the Ozarks now long enough to call it home.

Heidi is a graduate of College of the Ozarks and most recently worked for an evangelistic ministry in Florida as a graphic designer.

On Heidi's first day we subjected her to a photo scavenger hunt to "help" her get to know the people and place that is Kanakuk. Here are some of the photos. Click to enlarge.

I'll just take this opportunity to invite anyone reading this blog to join us for coffee any morning around 9:00. If you are in Branson we are in the Director's building out Lake Shore Dr. Meet Heidi and the rest of the gang. We'd love to get to know you!

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New Employee Announcement

MEMO

DATE: December 9, 2008

TO: Kanakuk Kamps

FROM: Human Resources Department

SUBJECT: New Employee

Please welcome Lesley to the Operations Support Department. Lesley is taking Cynthia P's place as Paul’s assistant. Many of you will get a chance to meet her when you get your picture taken for the new security badges. Smile!

Lesley is a native Californian, but considers herself a “transplant”, as she has lived in the Branson area for the last 15 years. She has three children, two who are in college and one in junior high. Lesley loves sports, especially football and is formerly a chiefs fan ☹ (At this point, she is pulling for a number one draft pick for next year!) She loves to travel and has the Holy Land and Europe on her “bucket list”. (Maybe when all three kids are out of college!)

Lesley’s children have attended Kanakuk and she is thrilled to be a part of this exciting ministry.

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The Sun Sets on Kanakuk

Sometimes our light goes out but is fanned into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. - Albert Schweitzer

Todd Rapp, K-West Assistant Director, showed me this quote this morning and made the observation that it describes much of what we do here at Kanakuk Kamps. The history of Kanakuk Kamps is full of people who have had their lights fanned alive by the love and care of our staff. It is some of the finest staff in the world. My daughter received the nicest notes from her counselors this week and we cherish them. I wish they could see the light shining brightly in her.

Just a few minutes ago I sent an e-mail out to the last three year's summer staff announcing a full-time Graphic Design job that just opened up here last week. As I looked out my office window tonight and saw the sun setting I thought of this quote again. I thought of our Graphic Designer Lindsay moving on to another job where she can grow and expand, closer to home. It's my hope that even in the Marketing Department at Kanakuk Kamps that we would fan each other's light, spurring one another on to reach toward the goals God has set before us. To be ready to fan another until their light bursts into flame. We often don't understand why we land places then get moved on, but God has a plan. Our part is to live life fanning like crazy.

As Lindsay leaves, we look forward to the next person that will fill her huge (size 5) shoes. If you know someone with Graphic Design passion and skills, please send the link below on to them.

http://www.kanakuk.com:2008/staff/jobopening.html

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Hang with me!

 

 

Sam Hoover doing and then not doing his video thing.

I'm buried at work! I'll be back to blogging soon.

I have serious news about enrollment and how it was affected by the Bunk With a Friend feature announced on Monday.

I'm dying to give Sam Hoover a huge shout out on here about his performance as the video guru at the MATC events too but I've been too busy. Oh, I guess I just got that one done :-) Seriously Sam does awesome and is a critical player in making it all run smooth! Train robbing skills!


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Tim Oliphant American Gladiators Winner Gives God the credit

After an exhausting week, Tim Oliphant is finishing his summer duties strong. Tim has a lot of video work to do to get ready for Kanakuk Kamps coming to your town later this Fall and Winter.

The media coverage of Tim has been pretty fun to watch, but it wasn't until this article in the Branson Daily News that Tim felt like "This is what it is all about, finally, a media outlet got it right!!!!"

Branson Daily News - Faith, family, friends fan the fire.


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KAA - Kanakuk Klassic Director memo

Memorandum
To: Kids Across America and Kanakuk Staff
From: Dana Thomas
Date: July 24, 2008
Re: Staff Announcements

As the year continues to unfold, you will see some staff changes.
I’d like to announce that Ricky Jimmerson, Director of KAA 3, will assume the position of Director of KAA Extreme and Tracy Ashcraft, Women’s Director of Kanakuk’s K-Klassic, will be joining Ricky, as the Women’s Director of KAA Extreme.
I encourage you to pray for Ricky Jimmerson and Tracy Ashcraft, as they begin this new journey as directors of KAA Extreme with many exciting and challenging responsibilities.
The new director for KAA 3 is still pending. We will make that announcement once the decisions have been made and finalized.
Thank you!
Dana


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Scattered

It's Monday.

Over the weekend Joe White and his army of Men at the Cross(MATC) helpers put on the first MATC event in St. Louis, Missouri. I had family duties that kept me from this event but I hear it went well and that between 5 & 6 thousand men attended. Each of those men was given two One2Won Cross Training Devotional books so they can find another man to disciple and go through the book. Potential impact of that one event 10,000 - 12,000 men getting into God's word.

Jessica our Senior Graphic designer has moved to Pennsylvania and is sorely missed here in the office. They are just getting through the long moving process. She will be setting up a new business out there and guess who is going to be her best client? That's right, Kanakuk Kamps. You don't find and train someone like Jessica, so we'll be counting on her in the days to come to continue making all the great things that you see in your mailbox and beyond. Lindsay is the other graphic designer here and is extremely talented, often doing the heavy lifting for us. You might remember her performance in last year's big Kanakuk brochure and you sure want to be looking out for her magic on the new website due out in Sept. Speaking of scattered...Lindsay, poor Lindsay...she is out this morning on a boat taking pictures at K-2. I'm sure she's enjoying the lake and the opportunity to work on her Chaco tan!

Mollye our Marketing Specialist is taking a week's vacation with her family. I think the beach is involved.

Jeff our Marketing Manager is cranking away here on making the machine run and spending time thinking 3-5 years out as we look at ways to better serve the kids and families that come to Kanakuk. He sent me a spreadsheet over the weekend so I guess we'll have to have the "you work too much" talk again:-)

Adam our summer intern came in with a dramatically different hair cut. My guess is he did something drastic to entertain the kids down at K-1 where he plugs into the programs aspects at night and on the weekends.

I'm just getting back from G'ma and G'pa's house trading some of our kids out. It was good to see the family and the two new cousins. I also had an amazing service experience at Starbucks in Topeka. I'll have to tell you about it later, right now a pot of the black stuff is calling me.

So, we are or have been a bit scattered lately. We'll look forward to getting the gang all back together, even if it is long distance.

If you want to know something about the inner workings of Kanakuk leave a comment here. I'll do my best to answer or find the answer and we'll learn together.

Have a great week.

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Jason Arellano - New employee announcement

INTERNAL KANAKUK MEMO

DATE: July 8, 2008

TO: Kanakuk Kamps

FROM: Human Resources Department

SUBJECT: New Employee

Please welcome Jason Arellano to the sales and purchasing department. I asked Jason to tell me a little about himself and I don’t think I can improve on his own words. Please note that Heath will be with us for a few more weeks, but we all need to contact Jason as if Heath were not here. This will help him adjust to his new duties.

I will be replacing Heath as he moves on to teach and coach. My wife and I married in April of 2006 and are expecting our first child - Lindsey is 5 months pregnant. I served 5 years in the Marine Corps and have traveled the world. I took part in two tours of combat and closed this chapter of my life after being shot and hit with a grenade. Lindsey and I now reside in Springfield, MO with my mother-in-law and father-in-law while we are waiting for our home to sell in K.C., MO. We are praying for the family that will eventually call our home theirs. My wife was a camper and counselor here at Kanakuk for several years and I have always wanted to be a part of the ministries. Kanakuk is a great organization with solid values centered on Christ and I am honored to do my part in changing the lives of future generations.

I love my family and anything that has to do with the outdoors. I have faced death in the eyes and it has given me a greater appreciation for life. I thank the Lord for each and every day as I have been given many 2nd chances. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone on staff.

Semper Fidelis
Jason Arellano

LIFE, LIBERTY and the
PURSUIT of ANYONE
WHO THREATENS IT.



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Former Marine Sets Up Base Kamp

Heath, one of the Kanakuk warehouse employees is leaving this summer to pursue his passion for coaching basketball. Replacing him is Jason Arellano, former U.S. Marine Sergeant, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Kilo Company, 2nd Platoon. Jason did two tours in Iraq and was wounded in the Battle of Fallujah, December 12th, 2004.



His wife Lindsey is a former Kamper at Kanakuk Kamps. Their engagement overlapped Jason's time in Iraq and here you can read part of their touching story.



Jason will share his testimony on Friday at the I Love America event in Springfield, Missouri. On Wednesday a film crew came to Kanakuk and interviewed Jason for potential inclusion in a documentary film.





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Managing your strengths

"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ from each according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly..." Romans 4-6a

Ever wonder how to hone your gifts and talents or how to help others do the same?

About 2 years ago I was introduced to the concept of Strengths as defined by the book Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton. Here are the basics and what I ended up doing with them:

1. Take a profile test to determine your Top 5 Strengths (out of the 34 total)
   
2. Shape your work and family life so that 75% of your day is spent using your Top 5 Strengths
3. Help those around you understand this and live it out in their lives
4. Focus on people's Strengths in the workplace, to grow efficiency and job satisfaction

When I first heard this, took the test, and read the book, I first thought, "Here's another personality test that, while interesting and probably fairly accurate, will quickly fade away as just another self help experiment." But, I was so intrigued by how accurate the test was and with the insights it gave me on employees that I decided I would give it a year of earnest practice.

I can't go into all the relevant examples here but I will say that 2 years later it remains the best management tool that I have. One example: I recently hired a Marketing Specialist. We needed someone to help work flow through our department, managing all the little details associated with video, print, web, design projects. We decided they needed to be good with people, a driving desire to get things done, organized, and self starting and would enjoy working in a ministry environment.

It got down to 4 amazing candidates, I sent them the StrengthsFinder 2.0 book and 2 of them had a top 5 set of Strengths that where a perfect match to our needs. In the end we went with the candidate who had previous experience as a counselor here at Kanakuk. But it was a tough decision.

Mollye has been here now over 3 months and was the perfect fit. Her Top 5 Strengths are; Achiever, Discipline, Relator, Strategic, Belief. Seems like a small thing, but knowing you hired the right Strengths for the job makes a huge difference once they get in the trenches with you. Mollye enjoys her job, she's good at it, and focused on serving in her areas of strength.