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.

• Overnight Kamp

  K-1

  Matt Houston

  Staff Quote

  Like no place I have ever seen, God uses the staff at Kanakuk to build life-long relationships and influence Kampers, fellow staff, and families to pursue a Christ-centered life and have an absolute blast along the way!

  Staff Bio

  Matt Houston is the Executive Director of Kamp Operation and K-1 Director. His Kanakuk journey started on summer staff in 1991. After graduating from the University of Kansas, he worked for K-Life in Kansas City, and joined the Kanakuk Team full time in 1997. He is married to his wife Melissa and they have six children. They are committed to helping develop leaders as Kampers and staff take bold steps in living a life for Christ.

  
  K-1 Exec. Director
  Matt Houston
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  Melissa Houston

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk is such a special place where kids get to “be kids” in a safe and fun environment and create memories they will never forget with some of their best friends ever!

  Staff Bio

  Melissa Houston is the K-1 Co-Women’s Director. She graduated from the University of Arkansas and began working for Kanakuk in 2000. She is married to Matt, and together they have six children. She is excited about Kampers and staff encountering Christ and leaving Kamp encouraged and transformed.

  
  K-1 Sr. Women's Director
  Melissa Houston
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  Beth Ann Lampley

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk has blessed me with the most amazing friendships & discipleship opportunities. Kamp has been foundational in my growth & development.

  Staff Bio

  My Kanakuk story started in 2009 after my freshman year at Mississippi College. I spent 4 amazing summers at Kanakuk K-West and then attended the Kanakuk Institute! I joined the full-time staff team in 2013 and haven't looked back! During my time with Kanakuk, I've gotten to serve in various departments and 3 Kamps (K-West, KampOut!, & K-1)! I believe kids need summer camp and I'm passionate about making campers time at Kanakuk the best it can be! I count it a privilege to develop lifelong friendships and dive into discipleship with both staff and Kampers.

  
  K-1 Women's Director
  Beth Ann Lampley
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  Connor Wilkins

  Staff Quote

  I love Kanakuk because it is a place where we set the table for people to encounter the living God. From that, lives, including mine, are forever changed!

  Staff Bio

  I was born and raised in Tulsa, OK and it was there where I met the Lord through Young Life in high school! I went to Oklahoma State and worked at K-1 for 3 summers! I graduated in 2019 and worked corporately for Cintas in OKC for a year. Then the Lord brought me back to K-1 where I now work full time as the Men's Director alongside Reid Towns and under Matt Houston. The greatest joy I experience in my job is knowing I am but a vessel for the Lord to use to impact the next generation by showing that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him (John 10:10)!

  
  K-1 Men's Director
  Connor Wilkins
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  Baleigh Holt

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-1 Assistant Director
  Baleigh Holt
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  K-West

  Ward Wiebe

  Staff Quote

  I am passionate about helping our campers and our staff have a fun and exciting time while they become equipped to be next generation leaders for Christ.

  Staff Bio

  Since arriving as a counselor at Kanakuk his Junior year in college, Ward Wiebe has never been the same. Ward describes seeing God grow this ministry and redeem thousands of lives, including his own, as breathtaking. Being a part of the growth and serving as a counselor of kids, builder of our camps, and disciple maker of the staff team has been very humbling to him. He says, "It is no secret what God can do and it has been amazing to watch Him pull it off." Ward Wiebe is the K-West Director. He graduated from the University of Kansas and began working for Kanakuk in 1981. He has worked at K-1, K-2, and K-Life in his time with Kanakuk. He is married to his wife, Beth, and has two sons. Ward is passionate about seeing people surrender at the foot of the cross and grow in their ministry skills.

  
  K-West Director
  Ward Wiebe
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  Beth Wiebe

  Staff Quote

  I love Kanakuk because it is a place that challenges, encourages, and develops people in their spiritual journey and God given abilities and talents

  Staff Bio

  Beth is the K-West Women’s Director. She graduated from the University of Kansas. She began working for Kanakuk in 1983. She met her husband, Ward, at KU, but their relationship developed while at Kanakuk. She has two sons. Beth loves to teach and communicate the awesome truth of the Gospel to female Kampers and staff.

  
  K-West Sr. Women’s Director
  Beth Wiebe
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  Lindsay Rother - Mawhorr

  Staff Quote

  God uses Kanakuk to create space for staff & Kampers to consider whether He is worth following. I am thankful for the equipping ground that Kanakuk is.

  Staff Bio

  I attended Oklahoma State University and began working on summer staff during my time there (2006, full time in 2010). God used Kamp to show me for the first time that faith isn't part of life but can be what my whole life is centered around. My summers at Kamp grew me as a Christ-follower as well as a leader. I knew I didn't have a solid biblical foundation, so attending the Kanakuk Institute to lay a firm foundation was the next step on my journey. I will forever be grateful for the ways God used the Kanakuk Institute to teach me how to study the Bible, confidently share my faith with others, and more. I planned to climb a career ladder in the business world next, but an opportunity opened for me to stay in Branson working with Kanakuk. I have yet to leave! I believe in what God is doing at Kanakuk, but I actually get more excited about the potential of what happens when people are sent back home, to schools and communities after a summer of being equipped! I still get to be part of the K-West Director team, and I also serve as the Dean of Women at the Kanakuk Institute. There is nothing more life-giving than using God's Word to invest in the lives of others and developing leaders is my life's greatest passion. I also love to have fun and believe Christians should be the most fun people in the room!!! Fun leads to trust being able to be formed which allows for truth to be shared.

  
  K-West Women's Director
  Lindsay Rother - Mawhorr
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  Kevin Harrison

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk, summer after summer, equips, inspires, and trains up leaders that will have eternal impact in communities across the world.

  Staff Bio

  Kevin Harrison is the Assistant Director of K-West. Kevin worked on the summer staff throughout college as he attended Truman State University. After college, he married his best friend Chelsea and directed KLIFE in Kirksville, MO for seven years before joining the Kanakuk team. Kevin is passionate about raising up Christian leaders who influence others around them.

  
  K-West Men's Director
  Kevin Harrison
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  Ashley Atwood

  Staff Quote

  Kamp is a place where Jesus Christ is elevated and Truth is declared, all while campers and staff have the time of their lives!

  Staff Bio

  As a K-West Kamper, I dreamed of being a Kamp counselor at the age of 12. I had no idea that my little dream would lead to big life transformation and unexpected adventures! Summer 2017 was my first year on staff at K-West and I’ve returned every summer since then. Kamp is where I learned to study God’s Word on my own, began to build authentic relationships, and experienced true freedom in Christ. I graduated with a degree in education from Baylor University in 2020. I then attended the Kanakuk Institute, where I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding and application of God's Word. I am so thankful for the many people who have invested in my life in a way that has built my faith and grown me as a leader. My greatest joy is getting to disciple girls and do life with people in a way that elevates Jesus Christ! He is in the business of changing hearts & lives and it is so humbling and encouraging to be a part of!

  
  K-West Assistant Director
  Ashley Atwood
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  Alane LeGrand

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk excels in creating a fun and safe environment, which is vital to ministry success in Christian camping.

  Staff Bio

  Alane "Spook" LeGrand has worked with Kanakuk for more than 40 years! A proud alumna of Oklahoma State University, Spook brings fun and excitement to everything she does. Her many years of service have made her a legend among many Kanakuk families. Spook works as a real estate agent in the Stillwater, Oklahoma area during the non-summer months.

  
  K-West Ambassador
  Alane LeGrand
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  K-2

  Joe White

  Staff Quote

  At Kanakuk we create moments and memories for Kampers to grow more confident in who God created them to be.

  Staff Bio

  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.

  
  Chief Executive Officer
  Joe White
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  Debbie-Jo White

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk is an amazing place where lifetime friendships are made amid fun and adventure while learning to put God first and others second.

  Staff Bio

  Debbie-Jo White is Vice President of Kanakuk Ministries and K-2 Women's Director. In 1971, she was hired to teach gymnastics, cheerleading and dance at K-1. After graduating from SMU, Joe and Debbie-Jo were married in December 1972 and she has been on full time staff since that time. Joe and Debbie-Jo have 4 children and 15 grandchildren. Kanakuk has made such a difference in her life that she wants everyone to experience the excitement, fun, and fellowship that living the I'm Third way of life can bring.

  
  K-2 Administrator
  Debbie-Jo White
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  Shay Robbins

  Staff Quote

  I love Kanakuk because God uses it to change lives like no other place I have ever seen. Every summer the gospel transforms our kids, staff and Directors.

  Staff Bio

  Shay Robbins is a follower of Jesus Christ. He is the proud husband of Ashley Robbins. They live on a small farm together with 6 awesome kiddos! Shay is a graduate of Iowa State University and the Kanakuk Institute. Shay is entering his 15th summer at Kanakuk and is passionate about seeing Kampers and staff grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord. He currently serves as the Director of Kanakuk K-1. Shay is also a member of the teaching team at Woodland Hills Family Church. He is the Author of the book, Dangerous Christian.

  
  K-2 Director
  Shay Robbins
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  Trish Barnes

  Staff Quote

  I love the way we get to disciple and mentor girls and the way we train others how to do that. I marvel at the way God uses this place to bring others to Him.

  Staff Bio

  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.

  
  K-2 Women’s Exec. Director
  Trish Barnes
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  Ashley Robbins

  Staff Quote

  As a college freshman, Ashley's eyes were opened to true faith and authentic friendship that this crazy Kamp world has in spades. She met her dearest friends (to this day) at K-2 and her heart saw faithful, steady men walking beautifully with Jesus. Ashley feels that her heart has flourished under direct and indirect discipleship in her life, and she learned about abundant life in Jesus through Kanakuk.

  Staff Bio

  Ashley attended the University of Arkansas and has served at Kanakuk for 15 years as a counselor, Women's Director, and in programming at K-2 from 2000-2014, and as the Women's Director of K-1 in 2015. She is married to the Shay Robbins, Director of K-2. Her passions include walking faithfully with Jesus, authentically loving people, simple living, and raising her awesome kiddos!

  
  K-2 Director of Operations
  Ashley Robbins
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  Emma Turner

  Staff Quote

  I have seen the Lord use Kanakuk Kamps to draw His children near to Him through the staff, families & most importantly the simple truth of the gospel.

  Staff Bio

  I have been with Kanakuk in some capacity the last 15 years. I graduated with a degree in recreational therapy & management from Oklahoma State university. Born & raised in Oklahoma, thankful for my family & friends & the people from Oklahoma who planted seeds in my life!

  
  K-2 Assistant Women's Director
  Emma Turner
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  Patrick Cone

  Staff Quote

  Christ’s last words were to go make disciples of all nations; I am beyond blessed to serve at Kanakuk where Christ’s words are being magnified.

  Staff Bio

  Patrick Cone is the Director of Discipleship of Kanakuk Kamps and the K-2 Assistant Director in the summer. Although never attending Kanakuk as a Kamper, Patrick spent each summer leaving college football at Stetson University to work on K-2’s summer staff, where he met his wife Brianna. Patrick is passionate about the Great Commission and hopes to see every person in this next generation be discipled for Christ.

  
  K-2 Men's Director
  Patrick Cone
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  Joe Sewell

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-2 Program Director
  Joe Sewell
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  K-Kountry

  Collin Sparks

  Staff Quote

  The Lord has used Kanakuk to impact thousands of lives over the years, including my own.

  Staff Bio

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

  
  K-Kountry Exec. Director
  Collin Sparks
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  Rachel Sparks

  Staff Quote

  I have always loved that Kanakuk truly strives to put Christ first in everything they do. My job is to love others, that's amazing!

  Staff Bio

  Rachel is the K-Kountry Women’s Director. Rachel grew up going to Kanakuk as a Kamper from St.Louis, worked on summer staff through college at Baylor University, and met her husband, Collin, at Kanakuk. She has three kids, Ella (13), Braden (11), and Beckett (9). Rachel is passionate about every Kamper growing in their relationship with Christ and letting that define who they are.

  
  K-Kountry Sr. Women's Director
  Rachel Sparks
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  Jake Sizelove

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Kountry Men's Director
  Jake Sizelove
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  Haley Burden

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Kountry Women's Director
  Haley Burden
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  Cooper McCullough

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Kountry Asst. Director
  Cooper McCullough
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  K-Seven

  Keith Chancey

  Staff Quote

  K-Seven is an epic adventure kamp where memories are created spiritually, relationally & athletically.

  Staff Bio

  Keith Chancey is the K-Seven Director and founder and President of the Kanakuk Institute. Keith has been on staff with Kanakuk since 1979. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Karen. They have two children and two grandchildren. Keith brings enthusiasm and a heart of love to everything he does.

  
  K-Seven Sr. Director
  Keith Chancey
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  Chad Hampsch

  Staff Quote

  I love Kanakuk because kids and staff encounter Jesus in a real and tangible way transforming their lives into passionate Christ-followers.

  Staff Bio

  This will be my 27th summer at Kanakuk. I have been here full-time for 20 years. I came to Branson to start the Kanakuk Institute where I serve as the VP. I graduated from Greenville University. I am married to my best friend Catherine and have 4 wonderful children. I love teaching apologetics, Bible, church history, Christian worldview, and marriage and family. I love to run, play basketball, and watch Cardinal baseball.

  
  K-Seven Director
  Chad Hampsch
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  Callie Nieder

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk has been my one constant environment for spiritual growth in my life.

  Staff Bio

  Callie Nieder is the Women's Director at K-Seven and also works for the Kanakuk Institute. Callie graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and the Kanakuk Institute before moving to Texas to help launch the Watermark Community Church Plano Campus as the Elementary Children's Coordinator. Callie is passionate about life change, authenticity, adventure, kids and studying God’s Word.

  
  K-Seven Women's Director
  Callie Nieder
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  Caleb Gaunce

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Seven Personnel Director
  Caleb Gaunce
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• Day Kamp

  KampOut! Day Kamp

  Jimmy Funderburk

  Staff Quote

  I love being a small part of what the Lord is doing through Kamp to make an impact on kids around the country.

  Staff Bio

  Jimmy Funderburk is the Director of KampOut! His Kanakuk journey started in 1989 when he was 18 years old. After spending 25 years in the business world he has come full circle back to Kamp. He is married to his wife, Dawn of 25 years, and they have three children, Zac, Graham and Will, all Kanakuk Kampers. He loves working with people and loves watching how God uses the camping experience to further his kingdom.

  
  KampOut! Director
  Jimmy Funderburk
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  Kara Williams

  Staff Quote

  The Lord used Kanakuk to impact my life growing up as a Kamper and now I am so humbled I get to share Kanakuk with others all across the country!

  Staff Bio

  Kara Williams is the KampOut! Assistant Director. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where she was a member of the competitive cheerleading team. After graduation, she attended the Kanakuk Institute. She joined the Kanakuk team full-time in 2013. She loves taking the passion and excitement of Kanakuk to cities around the Mid-West.

  
  KampOut! Director of Partnerships
  Kara Williams
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  Phil Smith

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk as been a part of my life since Summer 2015, I love Kamp's heartbeat of discipleship and equipping the next generation for Christ's glory!

  Staff Bio

  I am a graduate of Florida State University where I spent my summers working for Kamp. After graduation, I attended the Kanakuk Institute and worked for Stillwater KLIFE for 3 years! I am passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ and seeing the gospel message take over the hearts of Kampers and Staff.

  
  KampOut! Site Director
  Phil Smith
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  Mia Wiersema

  Staff Quote

  I love how Kanakuk intentionally builds next generation leaders through sports, fun, and discipleship! The Lord is using this place for His glory!

  Staff Bio

  When I was eight, my grandma sent all her grandkids to Kanakuk after hearing Joe White on Focus on The Family. I can still remember learning the 10 Commandments and the I'm Third talk. I graduated with a degree in Leadership Communications and a minor in Ministry from Asbury University, where I was also the soccer team captain. I started working for Kanakuk the summer after my freshman year and have been at Kamp every summer since! In 2019, I attended the Kanakuk Institute, then moved to Arkansas to launch the KLIFE chapter in Hot Springs. I love working for Kanakuk full-time and am beyond blessed to use my passion for sports, the outdoors, and FUN to bring honor to my King!

  
  KampOut! Site Director
  Mia Wiersema
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  Katherine Field

  Staff Quote

  Being a part of what the Lord is doing through Kanakuk is the greatest gift — I love sharing it with others all across the country!

  Staff Bio

  I attended Elon University and spent my college summers working for Kanakuk. Upon graduation, I attended graduate school at Baylor University and joined the Kanakuk team full-time in May 2022. I love seeing how the Lord uses Kamp to change lives and impact the next generation!

  
  KampOut! Site Director
  Katherine Field
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• Family Kamp

  K-Kauai

  Doug Goodwin

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk is a life-changing experience for kids of every age!

  Staff Bio

  Doug Goodwin is the President of Kanakuk Ministries. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma when he began working as summer staff for Kanakuk. 38 years later, he and his wife Dee are still dedicated 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.

  
  President of Kanakuk Ministries
  Doug Goodwin
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  Keith West

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Kauai Director
  Keith West
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  Hope West

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Kauai Women’s Director
  Hope West
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  Michael Sloan

  Staff Quote

  I'm thankful for all the relationships Kanakuk has provided in my life.

  Staff Bio

  Michael worked at Kanakuk for 10 summers before joining the full-time Kanakuk team in 2019, and even met his wife, Lindsey, while working as summer staff at K-Kountry. Michael is a graduate of the Kanakuk Institute and Oklahoma State University and has a passion for the great outdoors, fishing, and developing leaders.

  
  K-Kauai Assistant Director
  Michael Sloan
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  Lindsey Sloan

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk is one of the greatest investment I have ever made. The Lord has used this place for growth, encouragement and deep friendships.

  Staff Bio

  Lindsey attended Kanakuk as a K-2 Kamper in 2007, worked at K-Kountry while going to college at Samford University, and then completed the the Kanakuk Institute in 2015. She met her husband, Michael Sloan, while working at KKountry. In 2017, she and Michael joined the KampOut! Team as site directors and served with them for three summers before becoming the K-Kauai Assistant Directors in 2020. Lindsay is passionate about creating lasting memories for Kampers, families, and staff.

  
  K-Kauai Assistant Director
  Lindsey Sloan
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  Casey Melvin

  Staff Quote

  Staff Bio

  
  K-Kauai Assistant Director
  Casey Melvin
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• Specialty Kamp

  Worldview Kamp

  Adam Donyes

  Staff Quote

  Kanakuk provides a safe refuge for students to retreat to so they can be refreshed, equipped, and encouraged.

  Staff Bio

  Adam Donyes is the K-Equip Director at K-2, and also directs Kanakuk Worldview Kamp. He graduated from Boise State University in 2003 with a degree in Communication and received his Masters in Youth and Family Ministry from John Brown University. He is married to his wife, Stephanie, and has two children. Adam loves to see the Great Commission lived out.

  
  K-Equip Director
  Adam Donyes
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  Father Son Kamp

  Scott Morris

  Staff Quote

  I love Kanakuk for its impact- on the hearts of youth, on the camp staff’s growth as Christian leaders, and on me.

  Staff Bio

  Scott is the Director of Father ▪ Son Kamp, and Kanakuk's Director of Safety & Security. Scott has degrees from West Point (Sociology), Long Island University, and CW Post (Masters of Counseling and Leadership Development). Scott served on the staff at West Point, and at Missouri State University as the Department Head & Professor of Military Science before joining Kanakuk in 2018. He is a football coach for the Lighthouse Christian Chargers. He and his wife Wendy live in Nixa, Missouri with their two sons, Bryan and Gabriel.

  
  Father ▪ Son Kamp Director
  Scott Morris
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