Joe & Debbie Jo White
Since 1976, Kanakuk Kamps owners and K-2 Directors, Joe and Debbie Jo White, have shared a deep passion for pointing Kids to Christ through the best in Christian sports camping. Together they have seen Kanakuk grow into eight kids Kamps and one family Kamp, and have also founded Kids Across America. Joe played football at S.M.U. where Debbie Jo was a football cheerleader. Joe then coached at Texas A&M before moving to Missouri in 1972. He has since written 19 books and speaks across the country for AfterDark, Pure Excitement and Focus on the Family radio. Dr. James Dobson says, “Joe White knows more about teenagers than anyone in North America.” Debbie Jo trains the leadership and staff in Precepts Bible study and leads and organizes with both dignity and grace. Joe and Debbie Jo have four grown children: Jamie Jo, Brady, Courtney and Cooper and eight grandchildren.
Kris & Diane Cooper
It’s with a great sensitivity of heart that Executive Directors Kris and Diane Cooper have an unmatched enthusiasm for seeing boys and girls grow in their relationship with Christ. Kris and Diane make K-1 the most fun and impacting time of every child’s summer.
Doug & Dee Goodwin
Doug Goodwin is the C.O.O of Kanakuk and his wife Dee is the Co-Women’s Director at K-Kauai. Their hearts are turned toward service to families and equipping them with lifelong memories that draw parents and kids closer together. You’ll find them always positive and ready for a day’s paradise adventure.
Will & Cindy Cunningham
Will Cunningham is the K-Kauai Co-Director along with his wife Cindy who is the Women’s Director. Will’s creativity, colorful storytelling, and Cindy’s infectious, smiling laugh bring the “island” to life and put young and old at ease. You’ll find them both wise and fun-loving beyond their years.
Trish Helsel
Trish Helsel fills the Women’s Executive Director role for Kanakuk Kamps and spends her summers making every moment meaningful for Kampers and Staff at K-2! Trish Helsel, husband John and family.
Matt & Melissa Houston
Co-Directors Matt Houston and his wife Melissa seize every summer as an opportunity to help staff and Kampers take bold steps in living a life for Christ. Every piece of Kanakuk includes a portion of their enthusiasm and leadership.
Ward & Beth Wiebe
"Faithful and loving" describe K-West Directors, Ward and Beth Wiebe! Together they have over 50 years of experience making the "Wild West" of young adulthood an adventure in growing more like Christ.
Pete & Katie Newman
Energy and elegance are perfectly married in K-Kountry Directors Pete and Katie Newman. It’s their passion for discipling young girls and boys in the strength of Christ that is so fun to watch.
Keith & Karen Chancey
As the Directors of K-Seven, Keith and Karen Chancey share a passion for living life with integrity and compassion. Keith lights up the summer with an energy and enthusiasm for showing kids that it’s a blast being a Christian.
Andy & Jamie Jo Braner
Kanakuk Colorado Directors, Andy and Jamie Jo Braner, share a desire to build a deep, supportive community at their Kamp. It’s their example of friendship and love for each other that makes the Christian life relevant to teens from around the globe.
Paul Fryant
Kanakuk Golf Kamp Director, Paul Fryant, knows that golf’s lessons are also life lessons. His soft and confident style leads Kampers to excellence in Golf and in their walk with Jesus Christ.
Joel and Callie Dolloff
Joel and Callie Dolloff, fill the Men’s and Women’s Assistant Director roles with a softness that draws Kampers and staff alike to follow them in leading the Four-Square Life. Together they add fun-infused energy to everything at K-1.
Shay and Ashley Robbins
Together, Ashley Robbins, K-2 Assistant Women’s Director and her husband Shay, K-2 Assistant Director, make K-2 a jolt of excitement. Year round they invest their time in the lives of kids through mentoring and friendships.
Todd & Bronwyn Rapp
Assistant Men's Director Todd Rapp and his wife Bronwyn share a special "Old West" spirit of friendship and hospitality with every K-West Kamper. Since 1986 Kanakuk has been blessed with Todd’s energy, musical talent and heart for mentoring youth.
Collin & Rachel Sparks
K-Kountry Assistant Directors, Collin and Rachel Sparks have a heart wrapped in loving service towards all around them. K-Kountry’s warmth and safety are felt by Kampers and parents both because the Sparks share themselves with Kanakuk.
Chad & Catherine Hampsch
Chad and Catherine Hampsch are the Assistant Directors for K-Seven. Packing the full Kanakuk experience in seven days takes a youthful and humble heart to follow God and this couple shares that desire as they minister to kids.
Cooper & Missy White
Kanakuk Klassic Directors, Cooper and Missy White, have a heart for equipping young people to grow up like Christ did, “in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. Cooper leads the staff in providing the best in cutting edge, innovative, Kamping fun and excitement.
Geoff and Lindsay Todd
Geoff and Lindsay Todd make a terrific team as they pour into the lives of staff and kids at Kanakuk Klassic. Geoff, better known as “GT”, leads young men towards a life of integrity in his role as Men’s Director at Kanakuk Klassic.
Tracy Ashcraft
When you combine a heart of service with a childlike love of Christ you get Kanakuk Klassic Women’s Director, Tracy Ashcraft. Tracy’s full-time energy and compassion make her a role model for girls to follow!
Marissa Olson
Marissa is the Women's Director at K7, the Dean of Women at the Kanakuk Institute, and hails from the great state of Texas! She graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in Spanish and a Secondary Education license. During college, Marissa spent a year studying in Spain and student taught in London, England. She then attended the Kanakuk Institute as a part of the Class of 2003. Marissa was a K7 Kamper and never wanted to leave. She then started working for Kanakuk (K-7) in 1998 and became full time staff in September of 2003.
Lee and Jennifer Farley
Lee and Jennifer (Reno) Farley have joined the K-1 team and Jennifer is the Assistant Women’s Director. Jennifer has a steadfast, and patient spirit that guides her love for sharing the best of Kanakuk with Kampers.
Don Ford
When it comes to God, sports and friendship every minute counts with K-2 Men’s Director Don Ford and not a minute is wasted when YOU come to K-2!
