Allegations of sexual abuse at Kanakuk Camp - KFOR

Shocking allegations against a Missouri man who worked with children at a popular summer camp.

[just thinking]

Hogs will eat people if you chop them up, they say...

[miss jay]

You misspelled Kanakuk on the title.

[okie gb]

It is a sad situation that affects many people. It is important to remember that people live in sin and that God is not a part of sin. I hope that the good will prevail in all of life's challenges now and in the future. We should continue to support those that have been affected.

[crazy]

wow..to think this guy used to be a youth leader at my youth group k life when i was in jr high..never in a million years would i have guessed this..absolutely sickening!!

[Savedbygrace]

If I understand the court documents, these "alleged" incidents did not occur during summer camp, but outside of camp - at a private residence on camp property. FYI, camp is not in session when the 4 alleged incidences are said to have occurred - May, 06 - May, 07- May, 08- Sept 08. Your article states these happened at camp. Just wanted to make it clear that no where in the court documents does it state that this occurred during the summer camp sessions.

And, I am as horrified as anyone at these accusations. My children have attended Kanakuk for 14 years - my oldest worked for Pete a couple summers ago. We are devastated by this. BUT, doesn't our court system say "innocent until PROVEN guilty?" Wow! So many have already locked him up and thrown away the key. I thought that was the court's job and ultimately, God's decision and right.

[Forgive]

Please refer to the court documents. In these documents, it says that he has confessed. He doesn't have to be proven guilty when he provides a written stamement confessing his guilt.

[Cindy]

Why do zealots have such a sexual fascination with underage children? Hopefully the police finally shut this camp down.

[Carter]

Pete Newman was one of my counselors when I went when I was 11. I have pictures and post cards from him. It made me sick when I saw this. I cannot believe any of this. He used bible studies to do the complete oposite of what he always told me not to do. I can never trust or think about him the same.

[tulsa]

If you read further in the court docs he did confess to Joe White. GUILTY....

[Phil6]

Someone above says this did not happen at the camp? Seriously, did you read the court report? Playing nude basketball, streaking, skinny dipping, this guy was grooming his targets AT THE Camp!! Maybe the camp has just gotten too big and parents are dropping their kids off their with little supervision. You think....

[MJG956]

This freak needs to be locked up for good!

[Gods Girl]

Boy I would hate to be raised by you....you don't throw out the baby with the bath water lady...this was one guy out of scores of employees and the camp has been around since 1926. One yahoo comes along and you want to shut down the kamp....do you think you may have other issues with this kamp other than this. This kamp has and still does do a lot to futher the kingdom of heaven. This is not about this kamp this is about the sin in man's heart. If anyone is without sin....CAST THE FIRST STONE! Kanakuk and is a wonderful place and will not allow Satan to intimidate them for the good that they do for the Lord.

[Brit]

I wouldn't start talking about the Kanakuk Kamps unless you been a Kamper there. As a long term Kamper myself, I can assure you that parents are not just dropping off their kids with "little supervision." In fact, there are so many rules to abide by and the kids are never left alone. The dates on the documents appear to be not while Kamp is in session. Just because the report says some of the acts involved playing nude basetball, streaking, and skinny dipping around the Kamp, does not mean it was while camp was in session. He could have gone to the Kamp any time he wanted to. What we all really need to do is pray for the Kamp and everyone involved in this horrific event.

[Glass House]

I agree with God's Girl!! This camp has been around for 80 years and has done more to minister to children and families that anyone. The camp campus is small and sweet. I don't think anything happened during the camp sessions. There are counselors EVERYWHERE!! I think if it happened it was at the campus but not during a session. Some were local kids. Some didn't happen at Kanakuk at all. I'm not defending what went on but my kids have gone there for years. One man in 80 years should not shut a place down. And believe me, you would have NEVER expected him of such acts. It is a tragedy for everyone. A great loss. And an example of how satan attacks the most those who are his biggest threat. Pete Newman was an amazing minister who fell into horrible sin. It is truly appalling what he allegedly did, and it is such a loss if it damages this camp. I pray they will be able to salvage it and continue to minister to children. By the way, Kanakuk also sends many underprivledged kids to camp each year for free and changes the heart and lives of so many that might have gone in a negative direction towards drugs and violence. Let us just wait and see how God uses this to His glory because he Truly will.

[Katie]

I was a camper at Kanakuk camps for many years and recently returned from being a counselor there this summer. I have the utmost respect for Kanakuk and it's community. It just shows how easily we can all fall prey to sin and, that we as Christians should constantly be aware of sin in our lives and confessing them to the Lord.
I hope that Kanakuk's name and impact is not lessened by these sins because it is truly one of the most amazing places on this earth.

[shocked]

My kids have attended K country with Pete and I have heard him speak on a few occasions so I was shocked to hear the story and Was sad for the kids, for his wife and yes for Pete. Either Pete was an incredible fraud or he was who we all thought he was and attacked by satan because of the threat he was to reach kids and make an incredible impact on their lives. Who am I to judge. Only God know's his heart. And the amazing thing about our God and His Grace is that He still loves Pete in the middle of this and yes He will Forgive him. Let's just pray for all involved. First the kids and their families. Second for Pete's wife and family, for Joe White and Kanakuk, and yes for Pete. I do not agree with what he did but we are called to love one another and be the body of Christ. Our God is huge and he is so much bigger than this. Lets just pray that He uses this sad situation and is glorified in the process

[Kukparent]

I, too, have loved Kanakuk and do support the camp and feel deeply for the staff and Joe White. I cannot agree with those who insist this just shows how easily we all fall into sin. No. While I agree we indeed do all sin, not all of us easily fall into a 10+ year life style of preying upon children sexually. I'm sorry, but I find that overly simplistic to a gross degree. Most of us are not pedophiles, nor would we be capable of ever becoming one. Goodness. I agree with supporting Kanakuk, and not throwing the baby out with the bathwater... but to go that far is just ridiculous. Pete did not just "fall into sin" one day. It is most likely Pete knew his inner addiction and desire when he applied to be at Kanakuk from the beginning. Reports include Pete has engaged in these choices from the very start and all the way up to last year. If no one had come forward and talked, Pete would still be there carrying it out today. It is called duplicitousness and deception. He deceived everyone. The audacity of teaching and training counselors and staff in the needs of living beyond reproach and insuring you are never in a morally risky position with children... all of is a facade covering his real life style and choices. Sadness and tragedy has fallen on Kanakuk. Who knows at this point what the full impact will be once the legal proceedings begin. With children from nearly all states attending... and numbers annually near 14,000 Kampers... this will no doubt draw national media attention. I fear this is only the beginning. It has been said they will be certain to press new charges if more people step forward. The number in the reports I've seen suggest 12 to 16 and 9 have been named thus far. I feel much more will come to light before this is over. Prayer is needed, but things are likely not going to go well.

[Enough]

To everyone, the more we discuss this tragedy, the more glory we are giving to Satan. The more we discuss the details, criticize, judge, blame, etc, the more we are working for Satan's side. Pray. Pray hard. And love well. Please stop with the pessimism. Focus on what we can do to further Christ's kingdom. Do not be disheartened and pray for Satan not take down a place that has brought so many to Christ.

[Kay Goodnow]

It is wonderful to see these young victims coming forward of their own accord. Doug Goodwin of Kanakuk Kamps notified the sexual abuse hotline. Joe White notified all compers by e-mail and will continue to work with authorities. All the parts of the puzzle fit. Newman has confessed. Last but not least, sexually immature predators in all walks of life exist, but those who use God's name as their insturment of terror are anathema. Kamp Kanakuk is to be commended for protecting the children who will be their future.

[Deceived but Not Defeated]

Kukparent, you are right on. Pete deceived all of us. But we will not let Satan win. We will not let the sick compulsions of one man erase the awesome spiritual growth, joy, and love that our family has experienced for many many years at Kanakuk Kamps. We will be sending our kids back to K-Kountry next summer. Joe White and the staff at Kanakuk will be able to guide those affected (which is all of us) through this with strength that only comes from God. No one is more capable of bearing this miserable burden. "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10. Put your faith in Jesus. Teach your kids not to follow authority mindlessly, but to think for themselves. I hate the sin of this world, but unfortunately we have to teach our kids about it at appropriate ages, rather than completely shelter them from it. My heart breaks that I know firsthand that more kids with questionable experiences with Pete will be coming forward. We will be praying for healing for all. Our faith is being tested. Our God reigns.