Former Kanakuk Camper Files Lawsuit, Accuses Leaders of Covering Up Sexual Abuse

A man who was a camper at a Branson-based children’s camp, claims he was sexually abused over the course of two years is now suing leaders of the camp.

37-year-old Andrew Summersett filed the lawsuit earlier this week against multiple people at Kanakuk, including CEO Joe White.

He claims in the lawsuit that he endured sexual abuse at the hands of Kanakuk workers, specifically former director of the camp, Peter Newman, from 2001 to 2002.

Newman is serving two life sentences after being found guilty on similar charges from other victims.

Summersett claims in the lawsuit that following the abuse, camp officials discouraged him from coming forward with what happened to him, including speaking publicly about it or filing a complaint.

His attorney, Bobby Thrasher, says the purpose of the suit is to get leaders at the camp to do something they’ve never done.. admit wrongdoing when it comes to the handling of the sexual abuse that happened at Kanakuk.