Transforming Urban Youth for Christ
Adult Camp
KALEOS
Why Choose
KAA Summer Camp
At Kids Across America (KAA), it is our mission to build Christian leaders by encouraging, equipping, and empowering urban youth and their mentors through camping and education.
Transformation Happens Here
We implement the Gospel of Jesus Christ into every sport and activity to set a foundation for the faith and build the next generation of leaders.
Engage in Sports and Urban Arts
We use sports and activities to build relationships that empower youth to transform their communities for Christ.
Bridge the Gap Between Culture and Christ
We are dedicated to remaining culturally relevant to enhance our camper’s experience and aid in their spiritual growth.
High Energy Fun & Fellowship
We offer a crazy-hype environment designed for our camper, where every day is fun and exciting!
Higher Ground is a three-year Christian Leadership Camp designed to encourage and equip High School students with a primary focus on biblical Disciple-Making and Servant-Leadership Development.
HG has trained over 4,000 campers from 30 states across the country. Many of our past graduates have gone on to become Summer Staff at KAA and are highly sought after for their integrity and leadership skills, and many of our HG graduates are now serving in some highly respected fields like nursing, Youth Leaders and teachers.
KAA Elite
Thousands of Happy KAAmpers
Stories
Rice Family Donates to KAA
Rob, Mitch, and Adrea Rice normally send crops to KAA. But with Digital Kamp, they sold a calf instead. It sponsors several campers!
Volunteering Opened Our Eyes
Volunteering at KAA can be an eye opening experience, going behind the scenes to run a camp geared for under-privileged kids. KLife in Bolivar, MO says they encountered folks outside their normal experience, and learned to love in new ways.
Faithful – 30 Years of Maintaining KAA
Mr. Russell built KAA, and has been maintaining it for over 30 years. He has been faithful. He shares the story of doing what he has been called to do and “blooming where he has been planted.”
Justin Arceneaux Story
His injuries have refined him.
Justin Arceneaux wants to go to the Olympics, and he has the track times to do it.
But he’s also a mentor to Lafayette, LA kids, he wants to start an after-school program.
What will he choose?
Cross of Change
KAA maintenance man, David, had a creative idea for preserving the original wooden cross that has stood at our front gate for over 30 years.
Farming Wasn’t Enough – Did I Do What I Was Called?
He wanted to be a successful farmer…but that wasn’t enough for God. Nick Korn’s vision expanded to helping the youth of his community. Nick Korn has been bringing kids to KAA for 30 years, even while battling cancer. He asks God, “Did I do what You called me to do?”
The Toughest Kid
James Jackson with the Birmingham police brought a teenage boy to camp. The week was transformative. Thank you to the police who serve the youth of their communities.
Coach Ryan
Coach Ryan always asks his campers, “Who gave you arms and legs?” He wants his kids to know that all glory goes to God when they’re on the basketball court.
Finding Community at Potters House – Joseph Burns
Joseph grew up on the poorer side of Fayettville, AR.
Potters House exists to form community between unlike people, and Joseph found mentors that guided him through the risky part of his life.
Kids Across America camps was a special part of his involvement with Potters House.
Now Joseph is married and expecting a daughter and working to getting into law school.
Jeanie – Cooking the Food
Felicia – Honoring who kids are in Christ
Felicia has had tragedies, and working at KAA was a good place for her to endure.
Now she runs the Children’s Program at the Hope Center in Kansas City. Her empathy allows her to connect with her student’s stories and honor them through whatever is going on in their lives.
Camper Coach and Mentor – the story of Scott Fish and Marcus Gates
Scott Fish poured into kids in his early years. One of those kids now coaches football and brings his team to KAA. It’s a long-term partnership that is still affecting the community of Dallas.
The KAA Blog
Building Christian Leaders
Kids Across America (KAA) joined Elevate Branson (a non-for-profit in Branson, Mo., that addresses the root causes of poverty through access to resources, relationships, and a network of support that provides hope, dignity, and meaningful work) for its annual Summer Bash Block Party for the Branson community on June 12. More than 200 attendees enjoyed live music, games, inflatables, a picnic dinner and community fellowship.
Students from Higher Ground (HG), KAA’s two-year leadership program, served dinner, set up and facilitated the inflatables, games, and a climbing wall for attendees to enjoy. This outreach served as the capstone for the students after a week of servant leadership training.
“The perception is that you have to leave the country to do mission work,” explained Jenson Newton, HG Director. “Through HG, we want to show campers various mission opportunities right here in the US.
Students going through Year 1 of HG not only take a deep dive into the Bible, but they also learn how to communicate biblical truth with people and learn outreach principles.
Prior to event set-up, 14 HG students toured Elevate Branson and learned about its heart for all people to reach their full potential, as well as the assorted services it offers residents.
HG student Kayden Davis, a high school student from Austin, appreciated the chance to learn and grow through this experience. She connected with one of woman attending and was able to listen to her story, encourage and pray for her.
“My experience at HG and Elevate Branson literally makes me want to do more,” Kayden said.
Even though she had some volunteering and ministry outreach under her belt, Kayden is returning to Austin pumped and ready to serve others in her own community.
Just Serve!
More than 200 volunteers from two churches, James River Church and South Haven Baptist Church, came to Kids Across America on Saturday, April 27, to volunteer prepping camp for summer staff and campers. Volunteers power washed boats and buildings, raked leaves, painted cabins, sanded down vehicles, organized and tagged merchandise in the KAA store—K-Kloset.
“Their service was a tremendous blessing and provided much-needed labor to accomplish tasks necessary to prepare camp for campers,” explained Randy Odom, KAA president and CEO. “When our summer staff arrive, they can focus on programming and ministry, instead of cleaning or raking leaves.”
Both churches regularly volunteer service hours at schools and area non-profit organizations. “Our goal [at James River Church) is to find a Christ-serving partner in the community to help with time and energy, as well as financially. Our hope would be monthly to bring a $25,000 value in labor and $25,000 in supplies/resources to a need, property, or an opportunity,” shared Chuck Greenway, James River Church community care pastor.
Scarlett O’Farrell, a member of Southaven Baptist Church, who assisted with painting cabins says volunteer outings such as this are a great opportunity to fellowship with your church friends. But more than that, they provide a chance to contribute to a place that’s going to change lives.
While KAA was blessed by these selfless weekend warriors, we hope their hearts were impacted just as much. Pastor Greenway shared that they hope volunteers leave with an awareness what’s happening in the Kingdom, how families that are being impacted, and how they can be a part of it.
“I had heard about kids across America but never been here,” shared Bryce Hargis, co-director of James River Youth. “It is pretty breathtaking you hear about the history and how many lives it’s touched over the years it’s pretty incredible.”
Volunteering at KAA is just one way individuals, families, churches and businesses can impact lives for Jesus! To learn more about volunteering, please contact Alex Krejci at 417-331-0559 or [email protected].
