For over a century, Kanakuk has existed to draw people closer to God, while building lifetime friendships and growing in character and confidence. Our mission of developing next-generation Christian leaders is one we pursue passionately, as we believe wholeheartedly that we live in a world broken by sin and separated from God.

 

We hold sacred the confidence and trust that parents place in us when sending their children to Kanakuk. For many, their happiest memories have been made here, and they cherish them for life. But for some, a dark chapter in Kanakuk history destroyed that sacred trust and continues to cause hurt and pain to this day. We wish that chapter in our history didn’t exist, and we also wish we hadn’t added to the pain and hurt written within. We now know we did, and for that we are sorry.

 

When Pete Newman confessed to crimes against children in 2009, it was a first step towards healing for many survivors and their families. We’ve been privileged to walk alongside many survivors over the years, supporting them along the way, and learning intimately the devastation that the sin of abuse causes.  We’ve shed tears with them, prayed with them, and prayed – as we continue to do – for the Lord to show Himself a Great Comforter and Healer to each and every one.

 

But healing journeys are not all the same, and each survivor of abuse walks a different path. We understand this better today, but confess that this is something we did not fully appreciate for many years. We failed to appreciate that our words and actions were not always sufficient, and not nearly enough to mend the wounds and scars they bore. If you are a survivor of abuse and this describes you – we’re sorry. We know that ‘sorry’ is pitifully insufficient, and that we’ve inflicted pain upon pain in our ignorance, but the truth remains that we are forever sorry, and will never stop being sorry and are praying for your healing from the One who is able to do far exceedingly beyond anything we could ever ask or imagine.

 

Following Pete Newman’s confession, we dedicated ourselves to dramatically improving our child safety efforts. We committed to ourselves and others that we would share about the abuse that occurred and help other camps, churches, and youth organizations avoid what happened here. Along the way, we saw more clearly in hindsight the signs we missed – admitting that we wish we had responded differently when we dealt with Pete Newman’s inappropriate acts with children. We were blinded by our own naivete and ignorance as to the depth of depravity that could exist in our midst. Nearly 30 years ago, we couldn’t fathom the darkness that his actions reflected.

 

If you are a survivor or family member of a survivor of abuse at Kanakuk – we are sorry. There are no words to express our sorrow adequately, or the ache of our heart that our actions and words have, and continue, to inflict new wounds. Where our words and actions fail, we ask that God grant healing, peace, and reconciliation as we seek to please Him.

 

We are aware of the recent Shawn Ryan Show episode featuring Elizabeth Phillips, which repeats many of the same misleading claims and harmful, broad allegations previously shared online regarding abuse by former Kanakuk employee Pete Newman.

 

Abuse of any kind is deplorable. It grieves the heart of God and breaks ours. At Kanakuk, we support survivors and mourn with every person and family who has been impacted by abuse. We remain committed to listening with compassion, responding with love and care, and supporting the rights of survivors to share their stories.

 

But we also believe that listening well also means seeking truth. In that spirit, we feel a responsibility to respond. Unfortunately, many of the statements made on the Shawn Ryan Show were false, speculative,  mischaracterizations, and significant exaggerations.

 

To Clarify

– Kanakuk has never used Non-disclosure Agreements (NDA’s) to prevent victims from reporting their abuse to police or telling their story –
– We categorically reject this false narrative –
– We are not “hiding” anything –

 

Kanakuk has participated fully in all investigations and legal proceedings. Any implication otherwise is not supported by the facts. In the more than 15 years since Pete Newman was convicted of abuse, no prosecutor has charged Kanakuk with violating any laws related to abuse, including, but not limited to, Missouri reporting requirements with regard to children.  That is because Kanakuk has not.

 

In the years since Pete Newman’s conviction, we’ve listened to survivors, provided support for their healing, advocated for stronger child protection in youth-serving organizations, and pursued reconciliation where welcomed. Our commitment today remains the same: to foster healing, seek restoration, and walk humbly with those who were harmed. While we continue to prioritize transparency and survivor care, we must also protect our mission, our staff, and the thousands of families we serve from irresponsible public accusations.

 

Beginning in 2021, a coalition led by Elizabeth Phillips stood up a then-anonymous website called Facts About Kanakuk and began a coordinated attack against Kanakuk, our employees, our partner ministries, and anyone who affiliates with us, like churches or guest speakers. Their campaign of misinformation and defamation of Kanakuk and our amazing staff has been ongoing, unrelenting, and damaging to the mission and ministry of Kanakuk. They say they speak for all survivors, ignorant of the fact that many survivor families continue to support Kanakuk and, in some cases, have chosen to work here or send their own children here.

 

Sadly, their tactics are in opposition to true healing; instead, they appear intent on stirring painful emotions and attempting to convince survivors that they have been deceived by Kanakuk.

 

For the nearly two decades since these events occurred, our desire is to outwardly express our inner posture of humility, brokenness, and support for healing. In the past 5 years of these coordinated attacks we have– and will continue – to seek reconciliation with Elizabeth, survivors, and their families. Our prayer is that our Father – the Great Healer – will bring comfort, healing, and peace to all who have been impacted by the devastation of abuse.

 

That said, as we have watched our efforts at reconciliation rebuffed, our ministry partners attacked, fans on social media – often including kids – viciously rebuked and insulted, and the exponential emboldening of brazen, unfounded, malicious defamatory statements, we cannot sit idly by. While our desire is to maintain our focus on our mission of equipping next-generation Christian leaders, we find ourselves at a point where we must defend and demand truth.

 

To that end, we have, through our attorneys, and with utmost reluctance, sent Demand for Retraction letters to Shawn Ryan and Elizabeth Phillips. While our heart will always be to seek reconciliation – something we continue to pray earnestly for, we cannot ignore the damaging consequences of this campaign of misinformation.

 

To Our Kanakuk Families and Friends

The letters sent by our attorneys are posted below. They are, understandably, legal in nature and tone, and do not fully address the volume of exaggerations, misstatements and false innuendos shared by Elizabeth and Shawn. Omission of any of the false statements in these letters does not mean we accept it as true. Our recommendation is that you read the full content on this response page before you read these attorney demand letters

If you’ve heard conflicting stories or seen unsettling claims online, you’re not alone.

 

At Kanakuk, we take those concerns seriously. We also know that the internet rarely tells the whole story, allegations do not establish truth, and that today’s families deserve more than click-driven narratives or one-sided summaries.

 

That’s why we’ve included this section. We desire to give clarity, context, and confidence to anyone seeking truth.

 

In 2009, a former Kanakuk staff member was charged – and ultimately convicted – of committing acts that devastated lives and violated everything Kanakuk stands for. We responded with decisive action, full cooperation with law enforcement, and the launch of our initiative to develop one of the most comprehensive child protection plans in the country.

 

Since then, we’ve spent almost 2 decades building stronger systems, listening to survivors and experts, and helping over 600 other youth-serving organizations protect the children in their care.

 

As you explore this page, we invite you to learn more not just about what happened, but how we responded, and why thousands of families continue to trust Kanakuk today.

 

In 2009, former Kanakuk staff member Pete Newman was discovered to have abused children. We immediately terminated his employment, reported him to the authorities, and supported the investigation. He was convicted and sentenced to two life terms plus 30 years in prison. We’ve said it before, and we will say it again, we are forever sorry for the pain inflicted on victims and their families.

 

In 2011, Kampers reported a summer staff member acting inappropriately. Through the newly launched Kanakuk Child Protection Plan (CPP), he was immediately fired, reported to authorities, and convicted.

 

The system we put in place worked – Kampers implemented the training they received, staff followed our Child Protection Plan protocols and it helped protect kids.

 

The pain these crimes caused victims and families was deep and lasting. And while we cannot undo that harm, we could, and did, commit to building the strongest, most transparent, and most comprehensive child protection system we knew how to create.

 

That’s how the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan was born.

 

We didn’t keep it internal to Kanakuk. We took it on the road literally.

 

We began traveling across the country to tell the story of what happened here and how we were responding. We shared the full scope of the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan with churches, ministries, and other youth-serving organizations, encouraging them to adopt similar safeguards. Since then, more than 600 organizations have used or adapted our Child Protection Plan to better protect the children they serve.

 

We also

– Welcomed survivor input and honest feedback –

– Underwent independent third-party reviews of our safety practices including site visits and interviews with staff at all levels to gauge the level of knowledge of child safety training –

– Conducted internal audits and ongoing staff training –

– Opened lines of communication with victims and families –

– Made ongoing improvements to hiring, supervision, and Kamper safety education –

 

 

These actions don’t erase the past. But they reflect our deep and ongoing commitment to protecting every child entrusted to us.

 

We desire to support victims and help them in their healing journey. Any victim can reach out to Kanakuk by emailing us at victimsupport@kanakuk.com or access several independent victim advocacy organizations such as ChildHelp.org or Rainn.org, who can provide access to local support services, reporting assistance, and educational resources.

 

We also recognize that an essential part of healing is the ability for victims to share their stories. We support this right and will not stand in the way of any who wishes to do so.

 

We are humbled and grateful when we can have direct conversations. Joe White continues to seek out any opportunity to meet with victims and their families who will allow him the privilege to share his sincere sorrow and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. He has also provided an open letter to victims who do not prefer to meet face-to-face.

 

Why was Kanakuk in the news?

In 2009, a staff member named Pete Newman was discovered to be abusing children. He was immediately fired, reported to authorities, and sentenced to life in prison. In 2011, Kampers reported a summer staff member acting inappropriately through the newly launched Child Protection Plan (CPP). He was immediately fired, reported to authorities, and convicted.

 

These crimes devastated victims, their families, and our team. They violated everything we believe and stand for. But they also sparked something that continues to this day: a relentless, transparent commitment to child safety both inside Kanakuk and across the country.

 

IT IS REPORTED THAT KANAKUK DISCIPLINED PETE NEWMAN FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR BEFORE 2009, INCLUDING NUDITY WITH CHILDREN. WHY WASN’T HE FIRED?

Pete Newman was reported to Kanakuk in 1999 for riding an ATV naked across a field at night. He allegedly dared a teenage boy to ride naked (on a separate ATV) at the same time. It was not during Kamp and it was not with a Kamper. Kanakuk discussed the matter with the boy’s parents and with Pete Newman. Pete Newman was given verbal discipline and no further action was taken.

 

Pete Newman was reported to Kanakuk in 2003 for skinny dipping with teenage boys and then following the lake swim proceeding to a basketball court to play basketball. (Pete Newman claimed he and the boys were in their boxers). It did not occur during Kamp. After consultation with Pete Newman and the parents of the boys, and after conversation with the Taney County prosecutor, Pete Newman was reprimanded but not terminated. Both actions were confidential employment matters and we did not view them as sexual abuse. Rather, we saw it as boorish behavior and terrible judgment. We sincerely believed Pete Newman was honest in his acknowledgment of these mistakes and that his behavior would be reformed moving forward.

 

WHAT ACTION WAS TAKEN WHEN ABUSE WAS REPORTED?

As soon as Kanakuk became aware of Pete Newman’s abuse in 2009, we took action, including immediate termination and subsequently reported him. We immediately began conversations with any identified victims and their families and notified all 26,000+ families who had attended our Kamps while Pete Newman was an employee. We informed them about him and encouraged them to have an intentional conversation with their child.

 

Additionally, Kanakuk set out to elevate our safety practices, which resulted in the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan (CPP). Kanakuk also fully supported the law enforcement investigation and prosecution of the abuser. The investigation by law enforcement that resulted in the prosecution of Pete Newman did not result in any criminal or civil charges against Kanakuk leadership or staff.

 

HAS THERE EVER BEEN AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED?

The events surrounding Pete Newman’s abuses were investigated by the Taney County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri Division of Family Services. Their lengthy investigation determined that no other Kanakuk employee or leadership member was aware of Pete Newman’s illegal activities. Additionally, Joe White and Pete Newman’s former supervisors have provided sworn testimony that they did not learn of Pete Newman’s illegal activities until March 2009, when Kanakuk took immediate action.

 

Did Kanakuk Fail to Report Incidents of Abuse?

No. But you don’t have to take our word for it. In the more than 15 years since this occurred, no prosecutor has alleged or claimed that Kanakuk violated any laws related to Newman’s abuse, including, but not limited to, Missouri reporting requirements with regard to children. That is because Kanakuk did not.

 

What About Lists of other ‘Known’ Abusers?

Abuse is devastating, and we stand with those who’ve experienced it. We also believe that protecting survivors includes being honest about the facts. Some online lists include former employees who were never accused of wrongdoing during their time at Kanakuk, or whose actions occurred years later, in unrelated settings. Given that we’ve employed over 50,000 individuals over our 100-year history, that distinction matters.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

Some former Kanakuk employees have been accused and convicted of crimes after their employment at Kanakuk.  These crimes are not related to their employment at Kanakuk.

 

That doesn’t make those stories unimportant. But it does change how accountability is assigned.

 

If the standard is that any past employer is responsible for every future action of a former employee no matter when or where it occurred, then nearly every school, camp, church, or youth organization in America would be similarly implicated. That’s not accountability; that’s guilt by association.

 

What we believe:

• Survivors deserve support, truth, and a path to healing.
• Allegations deserve due process – not guilt by implication.
• Child safety requires systems, not just lists and background checks. That’s why we’ve invested over 15 years in building one of the most robust child protection plans in the nation.

 

When abuse happened under our care, we responded. And when critics blur correlation with complicity, we stay focused on what matters most: protecting kids, serving families, and pursuing truth with humility.

 

But I Heard that Kanakuk Has Had Over 75 Perpetrators of Abuse

This is malicious untruth. It relies on suspending logic and any sense of due process. Kanakuk is aware of two Kanakuk employees (one full-time and one summer staff) who were accused of sexually abusing Kampers while employed by Kanakuk.  They were both fired and prosecuted for their crimes.

 

It’s important to note that there is no statute of limitations in Missouri for prosecution of sexual abuse.  The Missouri Department of Social Services (“DSS”) is responsible for investigating reports of abuse. Logic and morals dictate that if any person or group is aware of 73 other perpetrators of abuse they would have reported these allegations to DSS, who would investigate and – as part of that investigation – contact Kanakuk.  Clearly, they have not reported these allegations to date because Kanakuk has not been contacted by DSS.

 

Many of the individuals listed as “Known Abusers” on Facts About Kanakuk are people whose illegal actions occurred years after they left Kanakuk and in circumstances entirely unrelated to our ministry. Again, with more than 50,000 former staff members, some on that list committed crimes long after their employment here. Others are listed solely on the basis of allegations, without reference to any law enforcement investigation, legal proceedings, or conviction. We deeply grieve the horrific acts committed by those who have been convicted of harming children, but we also believe that fairness requires accuracy, not guilt by association.

 

What about Non-Disclosure Agreements? Are you silencing victims?

This is one of the most distorted and misrepresented parts of the public conversation. The true facts about Kanakuk’s settlement agreements are rarely acknowledged, which is why recent articles advocating for Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) reform, including some that name Kanakuk, deserve a closer and more accurate look.

 

These articles often cite horrifying examples like Hollywood celebrity cases, in which Non-Disclosure Agreements were allegedly used to threaten victims into silence. That’s not just immoral, it’s potentially criminal.

 

But then, without distinction, the same articles mention Kanakuk in the same breath, giving readers the impression we’ve done something similar. We have not.

 

What’s being referred to in our case are standard post-settlement confidentiality clauses, which exist in nearly every civil resolution, whether for abuse, injury, or a business dispute. These clauses are not designed to silence truth. They protect the survivor’s privacy, settlement amount paid, and support closure.

 

Let’s be clear:

• Kanakuk has never used Non-Disclosure Agreements to prevent victims from reporting abuse to police.
• Settlements involved individuals who had access to their own competent legal counsel, full access to legal options, parental approval where minors are involved, and no restrictions on reporting crimes or telling their story.
• Kanakuk has never, and is not capable, of forcing anyone into a settlement agreement.

 

We support thoughtful conversations about how confidentiality should be used and how it shouldn’t and are encouraged by common-sense legislative changes such as those often referred to as Trey’s Law. But those conversations should be grounded in truth, not shorthand.

 

Here’s the truth:

• Kanakuk has never prevented victims from speaking up to report criminal activity or share their story.
• Most of our legal settlements contained standard confidentiality clauses. These are common in civil litigation to protect the identity of minors. Generally, and understandably, most parents asked for confidentiality clauses to protect their child’s identity from public records. A very few contained non-disparagement clauses, which were mutually agreed upon, never forced. Neither of these clauses prevents a victim from sharing their story or pursuing healing.
• Our public position is simple: We fully support the right of victims to share their story.
• Additionally, Joe White stated in his 2022 Open Letter to victims and their families that Kanakuk is opposed to any legal maneuver or action meant to suppress the voice of victims.

 

We believe silence protects no one. Truth, even when painful, brings healing.

 

I Heard Several Disturbing Allegations Made on The Shawn Ryan Show. What is Your Response?

Our first response is to repeat our grief and brokenness for the pain endured by victims of abuse and their families. In the case of Elizabeth Phillips, who was recently interviewed on the Shawn Ryan Show, we cannot fathom the depth of pain for the loss of her brother, and she has been, and continues to be, in our prayers for comfort and healing. Sadly, this interview quickly became a shocking misuse of a very public platform to defame Kanakuk, our people, and our ministry partners. The near-breathtaking display of mistruths, missing context, and fabricated ‘facts’ was almost unbelievable. Several of the themes and accusations are addressed on this page, but here are a few others, along with our response:

 

Referring to Kanakuk Ministries as ‘Kana-Cult’

This is a sad example of the level of ludicrous over-reach and malicious mistruths being circulated. Insinuating that a 100 year old Christian ministry, with a mission of equipping next-generation leaders, and a goal of teaching the ‘I’m Third’ lifestyle (God first, Others second, I’m Third) to those we serve as a ‘Cult’ isn’t just ludicrous, it’s hurtful and insulting beyond words to the more than 50,000 summer staff and 500,000 kids and families we’ve had the honor to work and serve alongside.

 

Referring to Kanakuk Ministries as an ‘Organized Crime Ring’

To be clear, Kanakuk Ministries undergoes an annual independent financial audit conducted by a national CPA firm as part of our commitment to financial stewardship.  Additionally, it should be noted that Kanakuk enjoys a close partnership with law enforcement. For example, the most recent heads of our Security team have been incredible, Godly individuals including a former Captain with the Missouri Highway Patrol Department, a former Army Lieutenant Colonel, and today, a commissioned, active Sheriff’s Deputy. Additionally, our summertime security team expands to include a volunteer force of retired Law Enforcement Officers from all over the country. These amazing men and women volunteer to spend their summers on-site, within our Kamps, providing yet one more additional layer of security and transparency into our operations.

 

Sadly, many of the attacks on Kanakuk extend to attacks on our partners in ministry like KLIFE, Kids Across America, and Kanakuk Institute. These ministries are each serving families in their communities in amazing ways, and do not deserve to be targeted so unfairly. Each one is a completely independent ministry with its own independent board.

 

People at Kanakuk and Pedophiles are one and the same

Simply put, Elizabeth Phillips and Shawn Ryan need to apologize for this hateful, defamatory statement. Our caring staff of moms, dads, recent college grads, and grandparents don’t deserve this hate-fueled rhetoric. While we sympathize with Elizabeth Phillips’s pain, she should not be platformed and allowed to publicly state to millions of people that people at Kanakuk are the same as pedophiles. That’s not grief or pain – that’s vindictive, inciteful rhetoric.

 

Pete Newman’s Devices were never Investigated for Sexual Abuse Material

This is simply untrue. The Taney County Prosecutors’ file is public record. Pete Newman’s devices were seized and searched by law enforcement. In the Prosecutor’s file, which is public record, the Sheriff reported:  “None of the hits were of significant value, generic emails or address book entries.”

 

Kanakuk Grossed $380 Million in Revenue and Funneled 25% to Haiti Where It Is Associated with Organ Harvesting and Money Laundering

Sadly, this is a perversion of truth that overshadows what has been a bright and wonderful ministry to some of the poorest families in the world. Despite the unfounded allegations, the truth is that in the late 1990s, Kanakuk became aware of 18 schools and one orphanage in Haiti that were in dire need of help.  These schools and orphanages were serving approximately 5,000 schoolchildren, yet they were unable to consistently provide school lunches, teachers’ pay, or maintain their facilities.  Kanakuk stepped in to help feed the children, supplement teachers’ salaries, and, in some instances, provide construction assistance for the schools.

 

Additionally, Kanakuk historically made trips to Haiti to deliver Christmas gifts to the Haitian school children, teachers, and other supporters of the schools and orphanage. These are part of the “Ziploc bags with like candy and toothbrushes” that were mocked in a recent podcast interview. To these kids – some of the poorest of the poor – they were a welcome blessing delivered by Kanakuk Kampers and staff.

 

With regards to organ harvesting and money laundering. These allegations are beyond ludicrous, intensely defamatory, and defy understanding.

 

Is the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan (CPP) Legitimate?

Elizabeth and Facts About Kanakuk frequently malign the CPP, and its author, Rick Braschler, painting him as a just a Pizza Hut Manager.  At the age of 21, Rick served as the General Manager for various Pizza Hut franchise restaurants throughout the Midwest.  Rick then entered the insurance industry in 1992 as a licensed insurance agent and trained risk advisor with a focus on serving church ministries.  Rick’s onboarding not only included required state licensing, but also corporate training on risk and threat identification, prevention, and transfer methods impacting church, camp, and school operations.  This included Rick’s corporate training in 1993 on one of the nation’s leading abuse prevention resources, “Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in your Church” published by Christian Ministry Resources.  Rick then utilized this resource for the next ten years to train and support church clients on abuse prevention measures.  Rick serves nationally as a subject matter expert on safety and risk for youth serving organizations addressing outdoor education, recreation, adventure, and athletics.  He is also considered a national expert on child sexual abuse, authoring numerous articles as well as serving as a subject matter expert in civil cases across the US. In Rick’s 30+ year career in safety management, he has provided child abuse training to over 25,000 youth workers and over 1,000 youth-serving organizations.  Rick also served on the expert panel in the development of the national accreditation standards for the Evangelical Council on Abuse Prevention (ECAP).

 

The Kanakuk Child Protection Plan(CPP) itself is an evidenced-based compilation of policies, procedures, directives, and guidelines influenced directly or indirectly by leading topical and industry experts throughout the world.  The CPP has been reviewed and improved annually since its inception, and has been stringently evaluated by the Beau Biden Foundation and awarded their Shield of Protection. We were disheartened to see Elizabeth Phillips pull a brief section of the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan training out of context, using it to insinuate that its purpose is to train future pedophiles.

 

What’s changed since the abuse cases of 2009 and 2011?

 

Everything.

• We launched the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan and took it on the road to share it with others. We talked about the abuse that happened here, what we learned, and how other youth-serving organizations can protect children.
• We have had dozens of conversations with survivors and their families to help support their healing and restoration.
• We invited survivor voices to shape our communication and training.
• We hired specialized safety staff, including full-time employees who are commissioned law enforcement.
• We continually improved staff hiring, training, and oversight.
• We earned the Beau Biden Foundation’s Shield of Protection, their highest safety recognition.

 

Survivors and their healing are always at the forefront of our minds. Many either work for Kanakuk, send their kids to Kanakuk, or stay in touch with us to share their personal updates.

 

We don’t just say we’ve responded. We’ve documented it, shared it, and trained others with it.  And we are not done.  We will continue to seek opportunities to learn from others to help keep every child safe at Kanakuk.

 

 

What about online critics?

In recent years, some have circulated distorted or incomplete narratives, sometimes anonymously, sometimes strategically timed with legal efforts.

 

We won’t speculate on motives. But we will say this:

• The facts about Kanakuk matter more than fear.
• We’ve never stopped listening to victims or making space for hard truths.
• We take every allegation seriously. But it’s important to distinguish between claims and confirmed facts.

 

There’s a difference between accountability and agenda. We remain committed to the former. But we reject misrepresentation, manipulation, and defamation.  We reject any efforts to disrupt our mission to develop the next generation of Christian leaders.

 

We also won’t sit silent while misinformation spreads unchecked, especially when it risks real harm to survivors, families, and the innocent. We remain committed to open dialogue, but we also reserve the right to respond appropriately when false or defamatory claims are made.

 

 

Is Kanakuk safe for my child?

Yes. And it’s not just something we believe, tens of thousands of families do too, many of them even after reading the headlines.

 

Here’s why:

• Every staff member is screened, background-checked, and Kanakuk Child Protection Plan-trained.
• Every Kamper receives safety orientation on Day 1, including instructions on how to report any condition that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• We partner with law enforcement, health professionals, and safety experts. This partnership is deeply embedded into our daily operations at Kamp.
• We’ve created a safety system that continues to evolve because kids deserve that.

 

We’ll never claim perfection. But we are prepared, committed, and called to care for every child entrusted to us.

 

 

Why should I trust Kanakuk after what I’ve read?

We understand why you’re asking.

 

Some online claims are simply false. Others are based on painful truth, but told without context, resolution, or acknowledgment of the changes we’ve made. Some online voices approach this issue with strong personal opinions or legal interests. While we respect every individual’s right to speak, we believe that fair scrutiny should be rooted in truth. What’s also true:

 

• When we discovered abuse, we acted: firing, reporting, and fully cooperating with authorities.
• After exhaustive investigations, it was determined that no other Kanakuk employee or leadership member was aware of Pete Newman’s illegal activities.
• We developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive child protection systems, the Kanakuk Child Protection Plan, which has been independently certified for its standards and effectiveness.
• We’ve welcomed hard conversations, met with victims, and made survivors input part of our growth.

 

We don’t ask for blind trust, but, we do invite honest evaluation. Our safety practices, our transparency, and our ongoing care for every Kamper speak for themselves.

 

Tens of thousands of families choose Kanakuk each year, not because nothing ever happened here, but because of what’s changed since it did.

 

 

Let’s Talk. We Welcome Questions.

 

We don’t expect trust to be automatic.

 

We know you’re making a big decision. It’s not just about where your child goes for a week or a month. It’s about who you trust with your son or daughter’s heart, safety, and spiritual growth.

 

That’s why we’ll never rush you, pressure you, or dodge hard questions. We’ll listen. We’ll respond. And we’ll walk with you.

 

Call Us: 417-266-3000
Email Us: reg@kanakuk.com