Video Time!

Great News!

This week it looks like we will be mailing out our picture/video packets to all of the campers.

There is nothing better than getting a little mid winter pick up in your mail box to make you think about the summer. In my thirty years hear at Kanakuk, I can honestly say that this year's Movie Tour video was not only my favorite, but I would vote for it as best of all time as far as telling the story about our mission and why kamp is such a great place.

Night after night out on the tour, I couldn't keep myself from watching Tim's work and seeing kampers and staff tell the story about how Christ had changed their life while they were at kamp. It's so fun to watch dozens and dozens share about when their life was transformed. It's humbling and thrilling at the same time.

Be checking your mail box in the next two weeks. We launch the videos February 8th.

Raising kids with a Purpose

One of the great joys of being a leader here at kamp, is the fact that we get to help impact lives for the Lord. Personally for me, nothing is more exciting than being able to help grow others to live life with a purpose. It's the Great Commission that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 28. We are about the business of making leaders who grab a Kingdom Vision and pass that on to others.

One of my favorite people to ever walk through the gates of Kwest is Adam Barnett. An energetic, all smiles, never stop having fun character and personality, allows him to influence literally thousands of kids and college students in the Norman area as he works with Journey church.

I couldn't help myself after I read a recent blog entry of his on raising kids. He and his wife Andrea, have just been blessed with a new life, adding to their already busy schedule. Here is what he wrote:
Person vs. Purpose
I got an encouraging email from a friend the other day that said she was praying for Andrea and me as we continue to learn about parenting. She said something very profound that has challenged me and consumed me since the moment I read it: "Don't raise a person; raise a purpose." I've thought a lot more about this and here are a few things I've thought of:

Raising a person leads to fear. Raising a purpose promotes boldness and courage.

Raising a person limits creativity. Raising a purpose promotes dreaming wildly.

Raising a person is ownership. Raising a purpose is knowing what belongs to the Lord.

Raising a person creates worry. Raising a purpose is to fully trust the Lord.

Raising a person is to define a future. Raising a purpose allows freedom and choice.

Raising a person is selfish. Raising a purpose is to promote God's desires.

Raising a person is defined. Raising a purpose keeps one open to the Holy Spirit.

Raising a person requires plans. Raising a purpose requires following God's direction.

Raising a person can be done alone. Raising a purpose requires the body of Christ.

Raising a person is stressful. Raising a purpose is to be filled with the joy of the Lord.

Raising a person is boring. Raising a purpose is full of anticipation!

Raising a person can be done with luck. Raising a purpose requires prayer.

Raising a person lacks purpose. Raising a purpose promises a fruitful life!

... So, Lord, help Andrea and I (and those around us who love Ellie) to raise more than just a person, but a daughter with a purpose to shake things up in this world! Amen.


And I say "amen" too!

Taylor Allen lifts Kwest to a new level

One of the hidden blessings of the summer was having Taylor Allen and some of the former K-Klassic staff move to Kwest. Now that Klassic will be hosting urban kids as Kids Across America launches another new kamp, we have the honor of collecting some of their staff to help us out with our kids.

Taylor Allen transferred kamps to become the Kwest Scheduler and Athletic Director. With his administrative and organization gifts, he plopped right into the middle of our crazy schedule and kept us all going in the right direction. He was responsible for all of our daily schedules, kamper awards, and overseeing all the equipment on a day to day basis (as well as running a small group, speaking and teaching, and making sure we didn't miss any of the small details that make the Westside awesome).

He took us to a new level. In Smitty's words, we are definitely "flying higher" since he arrived.

Taylor is in Florida this year helping direct K-Life kids to a deeper walk with the Lord. His TCU degree and his excellent skills in tennis, hoops, and soccer made him an instant favorite with our staff and kids. We know he is taking his K-Life to the next level too.

We like Taylor a lot. Now that he has Kwest all figured out, we can't wait to see how high we fly next year.

Klife Comes to Town

The Klife Gang was here this past week. It felt a little like it was Staff Training again. We had a ton of fun with folks running around town.

We had an unofficial kwest Charlie's Grilled Subs lunch with Befort and Erin (Waco Klife), Jenica (Omaha Klife), as well as Lauren Cushing, Brandon Edwards, Luke and Renee Crane (all in the K-Institute), Travis Hague (Holister Klife...invited but double booked), and the Wiebes. It was our best attempt to relive Konnections and the Steak n Shake parties we had when everyone was in town. 24's...ur, ah, I mean "time with people" is the best.

Klife has grown over the past few years. I count almost 40 different cities in 12 states. I was fortunate enough to be involved with Klife for 7 years (did I say that I love this job?) It is such a viable option if you have a passion to hang out with and disciple kids. That's what it's all about (www.klife.com).

Even though we missed Konnections, it was still fun to party with the Klife crew. They have a way talented staff here and they definitely made a splash in Branson out on the strip. Where else will you find 120 people lined up to do the spa at the Chateau on Lake? Klife is really treating their employees well these days. I should have never moved on.

The picture about is of some legendary Uncles of Kwest...for real legends. Let me just say again that I love the part of my job that let's me hang out with such quality people. What a life.