Park Cities families remain cult-like in loyalty to Kanakuk Kamps

by Merritt Patterson of Merritt Patterson

The Branson, Missouri camp is clearly a troubled environment, but parents seem to have no issues.

For years, one of the most popular summer camps for children in the Park Cities has been Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri.

In 2010, when Kanakuk staffer Pete Newman was given two life sentences plus 30 years for sexually abusing young campers in his care, it seemed most families with a Kanakuk history remained loyal, sending their kids back the following summer. Parents shared their rationale, that the environment was perceived to be on a DEFCON 1 security plan and would be safer then ever.

But now we know the precautions taken were (allegedly) an epic fail, and the summer after Newman was put away forever, campers reported being victimized by another Kanakuk Kamps counselor, 22-year-old Lee Bradberry. Bradberry has been charged with six counts of child sex abuse.

The obvious question used to be about the Kanakuk environment and how this could happen. Now there’s a bigger one. Why are so many parents telling me they’ll continue to send their children to Kanakuk Kamps this summer?

Pegasus News Content partner - Merritt Patterson

OEsophagus, anonymous:

Rampant inbreeding often impairs judgment when it comes to pedophilia.

1 year ago
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Dont Drink the "Koolaid", anonymous:

I think what these parents are forgetting is that Kanakuk is NOT the only place your kids can find a relationship with Christ! I sent my kids back to Kanakuk the year after Joe White found out about the situation with Pete Newman ONLY because the truth was hidden from parents that year...we were told Pete was gone from camp for "Personal Reasons", and thus not allowed to make an informed decision about our kids. I think the way that whole situation has been handled by "Kamp" speaks volumes as to why that type of behavior is going to continue there. I personally have family members who are judging me harshly because I refuse to allow my kids to return to Kanakuk, but as a parent you have to be willing to do what is best for your kids well being even if it means not sending them to the "popular, upscale camp". I for one am dealing with the NEGATIVE impact kanakuk has had on my Son's walk with Christ because of the close relationship he had with Pete Newman. One thing to remember parents, if you think this can never happen to your children...think again, even if they are not physically assaulted by Pete or Lee or what ever other adult is left unattended with them at camp, their faith is under assault just by thier friendship with them. No matter how much truth there may have been in what Pete told my son about Loving our Lord and growing his faith, he still deals with the doubt because Pete was a fraud. Dont Drink the "K"oolaid People!!

1 year ago
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arkreader, anonymous:

People in Conway Arkansas K-Life are now defending this same "kamp" and attacking anyone who speaks of the wrongs committed there. The K-Life movement which is associated with Kanakuk is like a cult and even rational people in the community are defending it and attacking the messenger of the facts of what has gone on there. I was not previously aware the same guy running it was the same guy who runs Promise Keepers until I began my research, but this cult is running deep and strong. Even religious leaders in my town have attacked me for pointing out the sins which occurred there, and the local school system allows K-Life counselors on our campuses to consult (proselytize) with students during lunch hours, allowing them access to students they can persuade into the cult. This needs to be investigated by federal prosecutors and I have requested the same.

2 months, 3 weeks ago
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