Allegations of sexual abuse at Kanakuk Camp - KFOR

I went to this camp about 20 years ago, and while I really enjoyed the outdoors aspect of it, I often found many of the counselors to be too caught up in the preachiness and displayed serious zealot behavior at times.

In fact, it is partially thanks to Camp Kanakuk that I decided to open up my mind to opposing points-of-view from what I was used to hearing in Oklahoma and Missouri growing up. Now, I am a proud, card-carrying member of the ACLU and Planned Parenthood and consider myself a born-again atheist.

The camp strives to be too religion-based in my opinion and attracts too many extremists; I wish they would really focus more on the outdoors activities that make the camp so great.

For everyone out there who is supporting Pete through this I have a question. Can you please ask him why he won't do the right thing and waive his right to a preliminary hearing and spare the boys the heartache of having to testify in an open court. These boys trusted you completely, looked up to you, believed you as you groomed them from the time they were in elementary school. Why, why won't you do the right thing. You know prison time is inevitable Pete, you need to face the consequences for what you have done. Your time may be 20+, 30+, 40+ years, but these boys will have this with them for a lifetime. Our God is a big God and I believe they can get the healing they need so that it won't hinder them into being the men that God has called them to be, but do the right thing so that the healing can begin. Let them put this behind them. Stop telling people you haven't been offered a plea, you know that's not true. You still have a few days Pete. Don't allow the enemy to continue to use YOU to harm anymore. Stop and do the right thing!!!!!!!

10:55 AM
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comment is to SNACK ATTACK

Kanakuk is a CHRISTIAN SPORTS CAMP. From the beginning the purpose has been to bring kids to a deeper realization of who God is and allow them to experience His indescribable, passionate love for us, all while enjoying the outdoors, pushng kids athletically to show what they are capable of. Kanakuk will never shy away from proclaiming who God is and what kind of transformation takes place in the hearts of an individual who has accepted Him. When you know Him you can't help but want to make Him known! I feel it is that same open mindedness you mentioned that has caused so many to come to the place where they realize they need HIM.
All that said, it is so sad how an individual could have infiltrated such a great establishment and cause such harm. I can't judge Pete, that's not my place. I do know that regardless of what his inner struggles were, the fact that he continued year after year to carry out these horrible deeds causes so many to question whether he ever really knew HIM. Makes me think of that horrible man that kidnapped that little girl and held her captive for 18 yrs. He proudly proclaimed to be a Christian! Anyone can say they know HIM, but it's by their deeds that reveal the God in whom they serve.

As if you think this is the first time this type of act has occurred. We need stiffer laws and loger sentences for thiese type of crimes against children. Child molesters need no probation and a life sentence for their actions.

former kukmom, I can not agree with you more as I know a person who has suffered from molestation and has had to live with it for many years and it does not go away. It keeps causing harm to those who have been molested. How about a death sentence for molesters or at least a life sentence without parole.

As a Kamp dad who is also a plaintiffs' lawyer, I worry about the civil side of this for Kamp. There will be lawsuits, no doubt. I will not speculate with the limited facts I have read as to whether they will be warranted. I only hope they are handled with dignity and the Spirit of Truth.

alot

If you were so disturbed in working with Pete and left because you noticed strange behaviors,I am assuming/hoping that you reported these behaviors to people in leadership over Pete or spoke to the parents of the boys who you were concerned about who you are implying are now pedophiles themselves? I know that hindsite is 20/20, yet your tone/attitude ("it all adds up") is so cold and almost uncaring.

Anonymous wrote:

I have known Pete since his days in Youthlife (which was eventually replaced by Klife) in Branson, Missouri, as well as from my days working for Kanakuk - briefly. I stopped working with all those organizations because I had noticed some strange things - including a disturbing trend among the male leaders and the young boys. They preach "don't be tempted by girls" and then replace those desires with flirting with one another. Constantly wrestling, embracing, slapping butts, joking inappropriately, running around naked - or nearly naked- acting like it is funny. As sad and shocked as I was to hear about Pete, I believe it. I have seen and heard about the skinny-dipping, streaking, and hot tub one-on-ones. I NEVER heard about any sexual encounters. But like I said - it all adds up. The warning signs have been there since the beginning. Pete is a pervert - and unfortunately some of the young men he mentored have taken on some of his habits to be their own. This is huge and much bigger than just Pete Newman. He has scarred dozens of boys that are now men who are scarring more boys - all the while using ministry.