July 31, 2010

Welcome 6th term K-2 Campers!! A great opening day with safe arrivals of kids foot lockers and duffle bags! They come from “40ish” states, 4 continents, 150 cites and not only do they all find Lampe Missouri in a 3 hour span but every bag all summer long finds Lampe Missouri too! This year we greet kids on waver-runners and ski noutiques give them a brisk spin around the lake as soon as they off of the bus! Our 25 day kampers enjoyed a pleasant day of whitewater during this change over day. Riding slides of shapes and size, eating pizza and mostly enjoying each other company. We gave our monthers a great half time break

Tomorrow is “I’m 3rd” Sunday It’s a favorite for all of us! Can’t wait!

Joe
Hey I'd love to encourage everyone to check out one of our K2 Kamper's favorite worship tunes from this summer recorded by our own K2 Worship Leader, Brady Toops. The song is called "Can't Stop Lovin'" and can be downloaded at his website http://bradytoops.com or just click on the picture below!! You can also listen to the song in the music player below. I invite you to support Brady's music by purchasing his new SINGLE!!

CLICK below on cover art for download of NEW SINGLE: Can't Stop Lovin'

July 31, 2010

July 30, 2010

Final Four for the boys and carnival for the girls. Huge wonderful day! I’m excited about 13 more days with these wonderful kids of yours!

Joe

July 30, 2010

July 29, 2010

First time ever! The K-2 football kampers actually bet our counselors (Many of which are talented college players) in 7 on 7 football! I love teaching the kids 1 Timothy 4:12 ”Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

The girls are busy busy today getting ready for carnival. It’s huge! Tomorrow is the big show! K-life tonight. I’m excited as always. Another great day thanks for your prayers.

Joe

July 28, 2010

Feeding my baby white-tail fawn as I write. The kids love to come by and see her as she roams around the “edge of K-2” where she can dash in and out of the woods. She comes up to the house three times a day for her bottle and a few scratched behind the ears.

Reminds me of raising teenagers. Wanting their freedom, but needing to “check in” at home for nourishment, encouragement, guidance, and (of course) food!!
It’s such a privilege to “partner” with you in raising your kids as we seek to give them a solid, thick moral and spiritual platform to stand on so that when they do “venture into the woods” they don’t stray from their moral path.

They are so peaceful here. Content without electronics, iPhones, computers, T.V., substances, or peer pressure. Hopefully they won’t forget how happy they are when they return to the electronic world.
This term has been exceptional. Great , great kids.

Joe

July 27, 2010

Today was such a splendid and fulfilling day. At last night’s purity talk, it looked like every kamper (or at least way the most) walked to the front to get a “mint coin” sealed in a bag…untouched, literally by human hands. To signify their desire to live in the purity that Jesus grace had given them on the cross as they dedicated their life to follow him. it was a pristine sight to see. I had the privilege to get to meet with two kampers and their counselors who had recently lost their dads and affirmed their walk with the father of the fatherless”. Today taking pictures, I saw so many smiling faces. Happy, happy kids everywhere.

Today as I trained the k2 football guys, I saw a lot of big, big hearts not only to play with all the gifts and talents God had given them but to represent Christ on and off the field.

At 2:30 today, I met with about 25 kampers who had been here 9,10, or 11 summers and heard their stories of how God was working through them. in their schools, communities, and in their missions fields. They each shared their life goals. All had one central theme: “Get to heaven and take as many people with them as they could”. I’m proud of your kids.

Joe White

July 26, 2010

I just met with two big gregarious 16 year old boys and they were amazed how well their cabin was getting along; having fun; opening up, being (as they say) “real” with each other. I love it that these kids who are committed to Christ and committed to solid moral character qualities have each other to lean on all winter long when they feel lonely or in need or a peer to share their core beliefs.

Tonight is “purity talk” at K-Life. It never ceases to amaze me how hungry these teenagers are for the straight truth about sexual purity and living a life of “no regrets.” With all the pressure they’re under from media and peers I respect their determination to get it right.

Please keep praying for us. These kids are soldiers in a different battle.

Joe

July 25, 2010

A near perfect day! Sunday morning coffee cake, K-2 church, and a football and basketball game at Kids Across America; where the suburbs, the rural and the inner city blend, compete, hug, exchange gifts, encourage, and join as one body in Christ.

Our K-2 boys found the national champions of Christian schools football team awaiting them at K.A.A. This team was from urban Detroit and was undefeated. I was proud of our players for the way they won but mostly for the way they played in a Christian way. Not one negative word was spoken all game long from either side of the ball. I wish the rest of the world could see how it could be done!

Joe

July 24, 2010

“Oh happy day!” “Higher Ground Week” ended today with a kamp full of happy, “growing up” campers. It was a really great first week! I have had so many quality conversations with campers. I’m impressed with their hearts. They want to get it right. I’m so thankful for a place where so many good kids who are hurting on the inside get surrounded by encouragement and bring the best out in each other. I love this place.

Joe

July 23, 2010

Today was another great K-2 day! I had a cherishable opportunity to speak to the boys about pornography and the necessity of having clear eyes and a pure heart. The boys hardly blinked for 25 minutes. At the closing, I asked them to make a Job 31:1 commitment, “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl” and a Psalm 101:3 commitment, “I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.” All or almost all of the boys came up and took the commitment bracelet (a wide red rubber band) as a constant reminder. I love their boldness and honesty! One of the boys came to me with tears in his eyes, worried about his addiction to porn. I asked him where he gets it. At home he carries an unfiltered iPhone with internet access. How a boy is allowed to carry something as harmful and dangerous and addictive as that amazes me. Computer porn is such a trap.

After this morning, I was able to teach about 150 of our “K-Equip” Kampers the “Biblical worldview” and our uniqueness from other worldviews that they confront in their everyday life. These kids have such a desire to know what they believe and why they believe it so they can stand strong in their core values.

I’m awfully proud of these kids!

Joe

July 22, 2010

Autumn in July—

Wow, it has been beautiful in the Ozarks lately! Gorgeous weather, beautiful kids and smiles, such dedicated staff; we are off to a wonderful term!

Today I met a girl from Holland, a girl from Germany, a boy from Sweden, and a boy from Argentina. I had a note from a Kamper from Egypt and a good report from two of our Kampers from Moldova. All having the time of their lives and loving their growing relationships with their American friends and with Jesus Christ. The way our Kampers swarm our international Kampers with love and acceptance is so thrilling to watch!!

Today was a very good day!

Joe

July 21, 2010

Can you picture a place with 400 teenagers smiling from ear to ear, having the time of their life, without any substances, any bad language, any movies with inappropriate language or behavior, and no negative music? Amazing! To the media, that makes us believe that kids have to have all of that stuff to be “entertained”, I say, “baloney!” No TV, no video games, no cell phones, no computers, no “neighborhood parties” and everybody’s celebrating 24/7!

These kids are so much fun to enjoy life with. Great great great kids! Thanks for “loaning” them to us!

Joe

July 20, 2010

Day two was perfect in every way. At K-Life last night we saw kids ready for kamp. They are excited to be here! Today everyone blasted out of their cabins, ate scrambled eggs, grilled potatoes, blueberry coffee cake, orange juice and cereal for breakfast and out for cabin bonding games all morning long. This afternoon everyone went to their specialty sport camps or K-Equip, scuba, or all around fun.

I enjoyed working out with the football boys and teaching 160 kids at K-Equip how to defend their faith.

Tonight we have a country western party and our opening tribal campfire. A lot packed in to 24 hours.

It was a beautiful day in the Ozarks.

Joe

July 19, 2010

Welcome to K-2!! We shouted it, cheered it, screamed it, chanted it all afternoon long! Lots of eager, happy, enthusiastic faces getting off of buses, cars, and airplanes from across America and around the world. 3rd Term (and 5th) kids are always the most eager to “get to kamp” and have some serious fun. Our staff was on fire to meet our new campers and begin our adventure of “getting in shape” spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. I have always loved 3rd term! The kids are what make it (as they say) “the best term ever.” (See you tomorrow!)

Click on the picture to see the rest of today!

Joe

July 18

Tender closing moments…final campfire at the cross…individuals writing “personal constitutions” – getting their guiding convictions on paper…final Sunday morning church…last coffee cake of the year…final swim and track meet…tearful goodbyes…and a lifetime to embrace memories too numerous to imagine. God has so evidently blessed this term. His hand of protection and grace have overshadowed us.

Thank you for believing!

Joe

July 17, 2010

In memory of “Uncle Bill” Lantz, the father of Kanakuk our next to last day of kamp is always dedicated to the “Bill Lantz Memorial Pentathlon.” In Uncle Bill’s days at Kanakuk we ran the hills, swam in the lake, paddled canoes, did chin ups and shot arrows. The pentathlon does those five sports in an all kamp times race. Many kids do the “individual” (all the events) while the majority do the events as a cabin team.

Of course the girls “bond” with all cabin tie die shirts, head bands, visors, etc., etc. (it’s all in how you dress!)

Tonight is final campfire. Every camper gets a paintbrush and a chance to bring their paint brush to the cross symbolizing that they are committed to not let friends, alcohol, drugs, porn, partying, “paint their portrait.” They are going to give their “life portrait” paintbrush to Jesus Christ.

It is a stirring evening at the cross. I hate to see it end.

Joe

July 16,2010

Parting is such sweet sorrow! Two more wonderful days. Final tribals tonight, all kamp pentathlon Saturday, final campfire Saturday night; parents Sunday. We’ll be glad to see you and oh so sad to say goodbye to such wonderful kids. We’ve grown to be friends – a K-2 family. Brothers and sisters in Christ!

Joe

July 15, 2010

Setting Goals

At K-2 we call it a “personal constitution.” It’s committing in writing to the things I will “put off” (not do anymore) and the things I will “put on” (begin and do regularly). I love helping our kids define clear written goals to keep them on track throughout the year. I hope they will share them and live them in their home and in their school all year long.

Thank you for your continuous prayers. It’s tough to be a teenager with high moral standards. I admire these kids courage.

Joe

July 14, 2010

In 1932 “Uncle Bill” Lantz bought what little Kanakuk (then called Kugaho) had off of the courthouse steps in Forsyth, MO in an auction for a few hundred dollars.

“Uncle Bill” was a 4-year starter for the university of Nebraska football team as a quarterback. He was a “man’s man” and had an amazing gift of working with kids. After his football days ended he became a track coach at Tulsa Central High School where he won 23 state championships in 25 years. Kanakuk, in the 1930’s under “Uncle Bill’s” leadership was one term of eight weeks for 20-40 boys. “Running the hills” and swimming in the lake was about all the meager facilities allowed. “Uncle Bill and his kids” had fun with so very little. I think he would absolutely love what God is doing at Kanakuk today.

This was another wonderful day!

Joe

July 13, 2010

It all started in 1926 when a Dallas superintendant of schools named C.L. Ford built a handful of small frame cabins on Lake Taneycomo and called it Kugaho. The kids boarded a train in Dallas and road it to Hollister (just south of Branson), boarded a riverboat and boated to Kamp. Eight weeks after they returned to Dallas.

I wonder what “Mr. Ford” would say today if he came to K-2 and saw these wonderful kids having the time of their life!!!

I think he’d smile a lot!!! (I get to smile a lot everyday!!!)

Joe

July 12, 2010

How good can it get? Cool rain last night…green green grass prevails! Cool and cloudy this morning—rain during lunch. Crystal clear blue skies and 81 degrees this afternoon. Cross Talk tonight. Heavy on God’s Grace…lots of deep thinking about what really matters during our high school days!

After lunch I had a dessert with 25 Kampers who’ve been here for 9-10-11 years. They all told stories of how God has been working through them this year. Mission trips, sacrificing for the needy, and witnessing to friends. It was so heartwarming to see how the process of Kamp molds and shapes Godly men and women long term.
Best kids in the world. I’m awfully proud of them.

Joe

July 11, 2010

My mom is 92 and still working for kamp 40 hours a week. Mom has the gift of hospitality and brings her soft-spoken Texas charm to the office everyday. Today I asked mom about the history of the most talked about kamp koffee kake in the world featured everyday Sunday morning at each of our Kanakuk Kamps. Mom reminisced about a cook named “Grace” from somewhere in west Texas who originated the timeless recipe in the early 1950’s. Walsie Rae from Reeds Spring, MO carried the recipe faithfully Sunday after Sunday for the next 30 years. In the early 1970’s, Walsie passed the sacred recipe on to Lexie Mease who served the kamps for the next 30 years. Today, Marianne Mease carries the baton and ensures that every K-kamp stays true to the original hand-made tradition that has had our kids waking up and licking their lips in anticipation every Sunday morning, year after year after wonderful year.

This afternoon our 5 kampers from Spain rejoiced as their beloved homeland won their first world cup title in the nations history.

Each summer we host many international kampers so they can take the joy of kamp and spread it to the world.

This was another wonderful day.

Joe

July 10, 2010

“As a deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee.” Ps. 42:1

By now you’ve seen “Sugar” the little fawn that lives in the woods at K-2. She comes out for her bottle four times a day. The kids love feeding her. She’s a walking sermon to the kids of how we need to thirst for God’s word. Each day 170 kids leave their sports and head into the chapel for “K-Equip” to quench their thirst for God’s word and learn to stand and defend their faith.

K-2 is a vast combination of kids having fun, kids training hard for their sports, and kids growing in God’s word.

Thank you for the opportunity to do what we get to do here! Click the picture to see our fun today!

Joe

July 9, 2010

At Kamp a “party” means you grab anything colorful out of your footlocker no matter how funny it looks, throw it on, put a big smile on your face, grab your cabin friends, eat some great food, and do aerobics to fun positive music! Here are some pictures of our latest! (We’re having a lot of fun!)

Joe

July 8, 2010

Was fun at K2 Football for the guys to meet a Kansas City Chiefs linebacker! He is a solid Christian guy named Andy Studebaker. He talked about how to follow Christ in the NFL and in life.

Makes me think about how great of a job our counselors are doing pouring into our kampers and giving them someone to look up to, someone to listen to, someone to pray with.

Cal Farley aptly said, “I never knew a boy go bad who had at least one good adult friend.”

Today was a wonderful day. Our new kampers are adjusting very, very well.

Joe

July 7, 2010

Hello goodbye. Hello goodbye. It’s great, it’s sad. It’s wonderful it’s difficult. But, it’s kamp! Our 13-day closing was wonderful so hard to say goodbye. Then, here comes these bright excited, happy, eager, smiley faced new 13-day campers ready to have some serious fun!

Meanwhile, our 25-day kids had their dream day at Whitewater! K-Life, tonight. How good kan it get!

Joe

July 6, 2010

Winding down – winding up!!! March Madness Final Four day for the boys…Carnival day for the girls…13-day changeover…25 day kids to Whitewater for the day! As we welcome new campers, say goodbye to our much loved two week kids we are filled with gratitude for the best kids celebrating the best days of our lives.

This term was amazing. We’re ready to bring in our new kids with all out enthusiasm!

Joe

July 5, 2010

It was a great Fourth of July, many said “best kamp day ever.” One counselor called it “the best day of his life.” Guess what. It wasn’t the fireworks, the music, the beautiful weather or the coffee cake. All knew it was the way God was working in everybody’s life. So much “life change” and conviction strengthening went on in the campers’ lives. Today has been just as beautiful as well. We just hate to see this group of 13-day campers leave. Really terrific kids!

Joe

July 4, 2010

“I’m Third” Sunday is the longest held most widely know of all the Kanakuk traditions. The day begins with our “I’m third” cooks preparing dozens of pans of “Mary Anne’s” coffee cake, scrambled eggs, fruit and favorite cereals. Sunday church is based on “the greatest commandment”… to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself.”

The kids are so receptive and so ready to make defined changes from “I’m first” to “I’m third.” It is so encouraging to see their hearts so receptive to God’s greater plan for their life.

Fried chicken for lunch and then a “chill-lax” (meaning take it easy at the pool, dock, and waterslide), Sunday afternoon of course tonight was fireworks and more fireworks while Lee Greenwood sings “God Bless the U.S.A.”! It was a great Fourth of July – I hate to see half of our kids leave on Wednesday. My bet is almost all want to stay. Such great kids!!!

Joe

July 3, 2010

Every day at K-2 we center our day around a Bible verse that defines character and builds a quality of Christian leadership. Today at K-2 football our 55 players were working on our verse of the day. It was from Psalms 12:2, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

The theme of this verse today was “warrior’s shield.” I love watching the young men put these strengthening truths in their life.

Our pictures today are from last night’s party. The kids are having fun needless to say (so am I)!
 Click on the picture to see the party!

Joe

July 2, 2010

Beautiful day after beautiful day after beautiful day! This was another good one! Four hundred high school and junior high teenagers pursuing God and having the time of their life! I wish this blog had sound so you could hear the singing and cheering and laughing and being kids! Wow I love this place. Good things going on all day here. Tonight a “Space Galactica” party. I’ll have pictures on tomorrow. The kids go all out with costumes – Thanks for letting us have so much fun! Click the picture to see some the fun we have here!

Joe

July 1, 2010

After one really beautiful Ozark day and a lot activity we get to do “K-Life Purity night” with compelling vision of “marriage without regrets” and grace for the shortcomings that we bring to the cross. Vision, I believe is the strongest deterrent for bad choices and the most effective builder of a strong moral foundation.

One big handsome 17 year old came by my office today with his counselor to tell me in six days he had completely walked away from his “party” life at home and had established a new standard to live by. “Above reproach” is our hope for every camper tonight. I appreciate your daily prayers. This term is going super. Click on the picture to see today!

Joe