LEADERSHIP TEAM

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Kanakuk's Leadership Team serves alongside each other to carry out our mission of “Equipping Next Generation Leaders” through our seven summer camp experiences, local outreach ministries, and international relief ministries.

KAMP DIRECTORS

Our Kamp leadership teams are responsible for the 26,000+ Kampers we welcome to our Kamps each summer and the daily management of over 2,000 collegiate staff members who carry out daily operations at our Kamps.

  • Specialty Kamp

      Worldview Kamp

  • Family Kamp

      K-Kauai Family Kamp

  • Day Kamp

      KampOut! Day Kamp

  • Overnight Kamp

      K-Seven

      K-Kountry

      K-2

      K-West

      K-1

Summer Staff

Kanakuk summer staff are trained and equipped in five key areas: Readiness to serve in a Christ-like manner, Activity + Kamper safety procedures, Core Kanakuk philosophies, Application of Biblical principles through Kamp activities, and Creating an environment of uplifting fun and encouragement.

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Hiring Process

We start with over 3,000 applicants and select 2,000 Kanakuk staffers to serve your Kampers.

Personal Interviews

100 Percent background checks - Your child’s safety begins with each potential staff member being processed through multiple official background checks. We hire students from 283 Colleges + Universities.

References Reviewed

Once interviews are complete and a minimum of 2 references reviewed applicants will receive an employment offer or no-hire notification letter by March 1st.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

"Kanakuk's Leadership Team serves alongside each other to effectively carry out our mission of 'Equipping Next Generation Leaders.' Specifically, we achieve this through our seven summer camp experiences, as well as our local outreach ministries and international relief ministries. Consequently, we create a comprehensive approach to leadership development."

Joe White

Joe White is the CEO of Kanakuk Kamps and founder of Kids Across America. He is the author of more than 20 books and speaks across the country for After Dark, Pure Excitement, NFL chapels and Focus on the Family radio. Dr. James Dobson says, “Joe White knows more about teenagers than anyone in North America.” Joe and his wife, Debbie-Jo, have four children, 15 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Everything Joe does is centered around developing dynamic Christian leaders.

Doug Goodwin

Doug Goodwin is the President of Kanakuk Ministries. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma when he began working as summer staff for Kanakuk. After 38 years, he and his wife Dee continue to dedicate themselves to serving Kanakuk families and equipping them to create lifelong memories that bring them together.They have four children and are ready for adventure each day.

Trish Barnes

Trish Barnes is the Executive Women’s Director and K-2 Women’s Director. She graduated from the University of Central Missouri, where she majored in education and has worked at Kanakuk since 1992. She is married to her husband, Jason, and has six children. Trish loves the opportunity that Kanakuk gives her to disciple and mentor teenage girls, helping them see the love that Jesus has for them.

Collin Sparks

Collin Sparks is the Executive Director of Kamp Ministries at Kanakuk Kamps and the Director of K-Kountry in the summer. He grew up attending Kanakuk as a kamper in Texas, and during his time in college at TCU, he worked on summer staff. Moreover, he even met his wife, Rachel, at Kanakuk. As a result, he is passionate about investing in and equipping the next generation to reach the world for Christ.