misfortune, no thanks (9/18/2009 2:46:33 AM)

spaghetti comes to mind,yeah western,hang um high.

EagleMom, Classified (9/18/2009 8:13:26 AM)

"The camp has very clear policies, including background checks, and extensive training in place for all staff members regarding appropriate behavior, he said."
Then why was the 2-adult-rule ignored once again?

rogerq, Pyeongtaek, South Korea (9/18/2009 8:17:58 AM)

where was his wife during these nude hot tub bible studies?

honky donkey, (9/18/2009 9:07:33 AM)

We have a winner of the "Turd in the Punchbowl Award!"

billy8, Sand Springs (9/18/2009 9:39:34 AM)

Another religious pervert, not necessarily a homosexual, but definetly a pervert and child molester.

Ignatz, A nice place where Democrats hold every office in the County. (9/18/2009 9:47:53 AM)

Lots of these characters seem to interpret the "laying on of hands" to suit their needs.

GARFIELD, TULSA (9/18/2009 9:55:03 AM)

AJ68: In English class years ago, we were taught that 'the' Bible and the word 'Christian' were always capitalized, regardless of our own personal religious views--be they Taoist, Confucianism, Hindu, Islam or any other group!
Mr. Newman has serious charges against him; nonetheless he is entitled to certain rights in a court of law. Let justice be served.

Daniel Day Simpson, Edmond (9/18/2009 10:38:25 AM)

I had mixed feelings when I first read this on the AP wire. First, my background includes one where I have heard the word Kanakuk a lot and have pretty much had it rammed down my throat. So, for a brief moment I had a rush of celebration. Then I came down and realized any camp could have it happen to them. But I couldn't stop laughing. See folks, Kanakuk is the camp to which everybody has to measure up. It gets rammed down a lot of operators throat all the time. Michael W. Smith has a cabin on the facility grounds and does inner city free camps there. Kanakuk is actually in several states and operates different camps for different grade levels. In Branson it is on Lake Tannycomo on the opposite side from the downtown area. They have massive zip lines, water slides, trapeze lines, tumble rooms, bounce houses, etc. They do a tribal theme and their campers stay loyal with them all the way to adulthood. Cost is around $500 per week. The camp I assisted charged $200 and had many of the activities of White's camp. In some ways we did a better job. One day this man who was with New York Life came up to me and asked why we didn't have something that Kanakuk had. I said because someone from a place like New York Life gave Kanakuk the money to buy that item. He shut up and we never saw him again. That gives you a look into their membership.
Kanakuk owns a home near Hefner and May in Oklahoma City for the exclusive use of former campers and staff. You can host parties and reunions. Many times you will see parties from something like lodge K5b of 1980. One thing did amuse me recently. I was always told that Kanakuk had only the finest fresh food and no candy and no soft drinks and all health food. Bullshoit! Sysco foods and sugary snacks abound. Typical school food if you browse the menu!
Ha!

Oldfatdude, Sim City (9/18/2009 12:48:29 PM)

Never went to a camp, never sent my kids to any camps. Glad I didn't, seems like there's always one perv hiding in plain sight.

Does Lackland AFB qualify as "camp"?

mrcds, (9/18/2009 2:40:21 PM)

There is inaccurate information in this article re: Mr. Newman's time of termination from employment at Kanakuk. These facts should have been checked as they reflect on Kamp's commitment to respond swiftly and firmly upon hearing of these accusations. It's truly amazing how quick people are to judge an entire organization based on one, albeit beyond terrible, case. It's quite similar to the way a select few "religious right" have soured the name of most Christian Believers.

getreal, (9/18/2009 2:59:11 PM)

Actually, there is a lot missing from this article. !) When did Mr. Newman actually stop participating as a camp employee (not fired, but shelved) 2) Why suddenly did Kanakuk spin off their Colorado operations (making the new owner a son-in-law and daughter) and make the Missouri operations a not-for-profit? Did these actions reflect knowledge of this problem before charges were filed? Newman was visible in January as a staff person, but had disappeared by April. Shortly after that, the camp asked parents and campers not to attempt to contact Newman as he was going through personal difficulties.

There may be much more to come. Why is it important? Literally hundreds of Tulsa kids went to this camp during the Newman times.

Sheila Stogsdill/Reporter, T.B.D. (9/18/2009 3:48:42 PM)

mrcds,

The affidavit states Newman was terminated in June 2009. That information is located in the third paragraph.

The camp learned of these allegations in June and immediately terminated Newman.

You may contact me directly at 918-787-9581 should you need additional clarification.

Thank you
Sheila Stogsdill
Oklahoman/Tulsa World State Correspondent

okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (9/18/2009 4:36:54 PM)

To many perverts around us.

rogerq, Pyeongtaek, South Korea (9/18/2009 5:13:23 PM)

Well done Sheila, i like your response to idiocy who is trying to blur lines and cover fact and deflect responsibility

mrcds, (9/18/2009 5:55:34 PM)

Ms. Stogsdill,

I appreciate your contact information, and will try to contact you again. I tried to call the given number and got a "mailbox is full" message.

My one and only interest here is knowing and sharing the truth, and I realize now this is not a forum where other commenters are necessarily interested in the same thing.

My regrets for not attempting to contact you first before questioning your reporting. I apologize. No responsibility being deflected here.

Four Sixteen Rigby, Tulsa (9/18/2009 6:59:40 PM)

The "2 adult rule" isn't perfect, but it is certainly better than nothing. I even follow it with my kids and their friends unless there is no other alternative. Why take un-necessary risks?

mrcds, (9/18/2009 8:11:28 PM)

rogerq,

I'm sorry you feel it is "idiocy", but the article was corrected, reflecting the accuracy of my statement.

This is nothing less than an absolutely tragic event, and I am only interested in the truth being told in it's entirety.

Sheila Stogsdill/Reporter, T.B.D. (9/18/2009 9:36:52 PM)

My mailbox is cleared and I can receive messages.

antgirl3, Broken Arrow (9/18/2009 10:01:55 PM)

Get a rope!

KarenD, (9/18/2009 10:50:15 PM)

When my sons were little our neighbor was a single man who had all the neighborhood boys over to his house for swim parties. My children were never allowed there. Any parent who lets their children hang out with an adult is asking for trouble. Our neighbor was arrested years later for the exact reason we would not let our sons go to his house. STUPID PARENTS!!!!!

Sanity, Broken Arrow (9/19/2009 8:22:33 AM)

Fair trial. If guilty, never let him see a day of freedom in his life.

What in the World!, Tulsula (9/19/2009 9:51:12 AM)

I would never send a child to a camp! They are sitting ducks to all the perverts at the camp! Children should keep an eye on their blessings! I know this freaky pervert will get whats coming to him! Sicko.

What in the World!, Tulsula (9/19/2009 9:53:26 AM)

Tulsa World should have an edit button for the comments! I meant parents should keep an eye on their blessings.

Alyazone, Tulsa (9/19/2009 11:36:15 AM)

Oklahoma you are making me sick with all these sex offenders around are children. I will put a camera on my child and that is real I can't trust Oklahoma with my kids there are to many sex offenders out there sick people to be a Bible Belt to hide there filthy crimes Sick

PPilot, Tulsa (9/19/2009 2:31:58 PM)

Alyazone, did you even read the article?

"A former assistant director of Christian-based sports and adventure camps in MISSOURI that are popular with Oklahomans is accused of committing lewd acts with teenage boys."