Experience a Summer
Like No Other with
KAA Camps

Kids Across America welcomes youth ages 10-19 from across the nation—no matter what their religious background—for a life-changing week at camp. Meet Virat, who attended KAA for the first time this summer. 

Although he was raised Hindu, Virat did not mind the fact that it was a Christian camp. In fact, back home, he attends a Christian School. “My friends at school are Christian, and they shared the Bible with me, but I didn’t care much,” Virat explains. “And my friends at home are Hindu.”

He loved camp! While Virat was not quite ready to try out tubing, he enjoyed riding in the boat.  He dove into as many of the activities as he could and made tons of friends, but the most interesting part of camp to Virat was learning about Jesus.  He shared that even though he attends a Christian school, they do not talk about Jesus much. “But at KAA, it is all the time, everywhere,” he said. “Jesus really felt real to me for the first time.”

Over the course of two days, Virat asked his counselors as many questions as he could to learn more about this man named Jesus, who willingly died for our sins so that we could be free from sin and have eternal life with Him.  Maverick, one of his counselors, recognized Virat’s eagerness to learn and understand and asked Colton and Ryan (formerly an atheist), who were serving on summer staff leadership for help answering his questions.

They chatted for two hours, sharing scripture, and answering every question Virat had.  And, he had a ton!  What is sin? Who is Jesus? Why did He die for our sins?—highly intelligent questions for someone age 12, as Colton recalls.

After the deep and extensive conversation, Virat made the most important decision he will ever make. He asked Jesus to come into his heart.  “My whole life Christ has been giving me hints,” Virat shares. “I just now let Him in!”

His counselors made sure that he not only left with any questions, but that he knew how to read the bible, apply God’s word to his life and pray. 

“I want to tell my parents; I want to tell my friends; I want to tell everyone,” Virat says. “They might change, too, if they know what I learned at camp.”

KAA will hold its first giving day fundraiser the entire day of 10.10.24 with the goal to get 10 cabins of 10 campers (a total of 100 campers) sponsored in 24 hours.  In 30+ years, KAA has had the unique opportunity to impact the lives of more than 100,000 youth, like Brennon.  He came for the first time this summer. 

Brennon would tell you that KAA was a welcomed break and opportunity.  In his hometown of Chicago, the dangers of the city and its streets keep him and his friends from playing outside after school.  This summer was his first time to attend camp and was able to run, jump and play without fear. He could not believe there was a place where he could “have fun” and “learn about Jesus!” When he left camp this summer Brennan shared that he was “excited and ready to take the things he learned back” to Chicago. 

We invite you to join us on 10.10.24 for the first KAA Giving Day. To get involved, simply share the KAA social media posts on your social media platforms, pray for the campers coming in 2025, and if you are able, contribute toward the KAA Giving Day goal.  No amount is too small as smaller gifts add up, too.  Thanks, in advance, for helping ensure deserving kids get to experience a life-changing week at KAA! 

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.

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