Evangelizing and equipping the next generation of Christian Leaders Since 1926

Coach Bill Lantz passed the Baton and the Dream on to "Spike" and Darnell White in 1954 when they purchased the Kamp. In 1958 Kanakomo Kamp for Girls opened with 30 girls, many of whom were sisters of Kanakukers. And like the pebble tossed across the water, the circles spread and widened. The Baton was passed on to Joe and Debbie Jo White in the mid-seventies, with "Spike" engineering and building K-2, the Kamp for teens, and eventually other Kamps as Joe's and Debbie Jo's vision and dream spread.

Today, there are eight Kamps, hosting over 14,000 kampers from all States and 13 foreign Countries. Known for his enthusiastic speaking talent, Keynote Speaker for Promise Keepers , regular guest of Focus on the Family radio and National Football League and major league baseball chapel speaker, Joe's heart is best described by the words others say about him. "I know of no one who understands teenagers better than Joe White," says Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. Those who know Joe well admire his passion for serving youth and as a man of vision, dedication, and integrity.

During the late '70's parents of kampers voiced a need for spiritual encouragement, not just during the summer, but throughout the year. In 1979, K-Life Ministries was begun in St. Louis, MO as a follow-up ministry to kampers and their friends. K-Life established its own national office in 1989. Today, K-Life flourishes with 23 independent chapters in cities and small towns across America. K-Life's impact is expanding through church partnerships and urban chapters. K-Life is focused on mentoring and discipling today's teenagers. Teenagers are involved in small groups where relationships grow and biblical truth is effectively taught. Weekly club meetings, activities, and retreats are woven throughout each month's calendar with the aim of helping kids from adolescence to adulthood. Though staffed primarily by young men and women who serve on the Kanakuk summer leadership teams, K-Life runs parallel with, yet separate from, Kanakuk Kamps. The two ministries share a common vision and heritage, but K-Life is a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A local K-Life Board oversees the ministry in each city, and operates under the guidance of the National and Regional Directors.

In 1978, Kanakuk Kamps began giving a week of every summer to reach inner-city kids through Christian athletics. This effort was so successful and the need so great, that in 1991, Kids Across America ( KAA ) opened its doors for urban youth and adult leaders in their own Kamp. Currently, four KAA Kamps, committed to reaching the inner-city youth of our nation with Christ's love, are operating in the Table Rock Area of southern Missouri. Together, they are revolutionizing America's inner-city, by touching more than 5500 urban kampers and over 700 leaders, from more than 100 cities in 29 States. The KAA mission is to encourage, equip, and empower urban youth and their mentors through Christian sports camping, and its vision is to effect more than 100,000 kids in the next decade. Kids Across America is also a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

In 1998, Joe White's compassion for all children led to the beginning of Kanakuk Ministries (formerly know as Christian Children's Charity). This 501 (c )(3) non-profit organization has several areas of outreach. Kanakuk Haiti was established by Kanakuk to provide the children of Haiti with a solid education, a growing personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, and a daily nutritious meal of beans and rice. Today there are 17 schools and an Orphanage providing lunch and a Christian education to 5500 Haitian Children.

After Dark is an evangelistic outreach to College campuses throughout the United States. Joe takes on the part of the Roman Cross builder, and in order to share the gospel of Jesus, examines the crucifixion through the eyes of those who witnessed it. ­After Dark has reached 65,000 college students since 2000, and through Pure Excitement purity rallies, Joe White gives teens great motivation to stay pure. Kids walk away from these rallies with the truth about sexual purity and an understanding of God's forgiveness for past mistakes. These rallies began in the Spring-2002, and by Spring- 2004, 28,000 high school students will have been challenged with this message.

In 2001, Kanakuk Institute was created. It was designed to train outstanding college graduates who are ministry-minded, in the practical and Biblical knowledge needed for effective and lasting influence for Christ. Kanakuk Institute's Goal is to send its graduates prepared to go out into the world, to reach youth with the gospel of Christ. The first year, Kanakuk Institute hosted and graduated 31 students. This second year there are 43 students. The Kanakuk Institute is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Our newest Kamp - K-Kauai Family Kamp - opened its gates on June 1, 2006 for families to enjoy a vacation together. Not just a family vacation, but an Island adventure that lasts forever! America's families will grow together through biblically based spiritual training and exciting adventure activities. The primary function of this facility will be as a summer family camp and a winter host of the Kanakuk Institute as they train future Christian leaders.

The Dream called Kanakuk is a reality, happening now. It is based in Branson, Missouri where each branch operates with neighboring offices and interacts on a daily basis. Each has high standards of accountability, both morally and financially, and each Ministry is committed to keeping the Dream alive. Each has an important part in the overall objective of evangelizing and equipping the next generation of Christian leaders.