Pete Newman was a Camp Director at Camp Kanakuk, a Christian children’s camp in Branson, Missouri. Over the years, he abused his position to sexually abuse dozens of boys, some as young as nine. He pleaded guilty to sexually abusing six boys, but admitted to abusing at lead 13 more. A civil complaint alleges there are at least 57. The prosecutor estimated the actual number could be in the hundreds.
Survivors assert the camp was aware of Newman’s abuse but looked the other way.
He was sentenced to two life sentences plus thirty years.
- VICE News: A Christian Camp Director Abused Dozens of Kids. Now, a Victim Says the Camp Lied to Coerce Him Into an NDA.
- Springfield News Leader: Branson men, both 34, describe Kanakuk sex abuse, call for camp to be held accountable
- The Dispatch: ‘They Aren’t Who You Think They Are’

Kansas City, Missouri · Monday, December 02, 2013


