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Camp Kivu

(Note: www.campkivu.com will be up and running after Easter!)

Well, the cat is officially out of the bag (the bag has been open for quite a while, but it is all official now). Dad wrote an email to all of the kamp parents telling them that after this summer Andy and I would no longer be with Kanakuk and that we were going to continue KCO as a different company. Then Andy announced today on his radio show that information with more details. We are "spreading our wings" and leaving the nest.

As I'm sure you all know, we are moving to Durango permanently on May 3rd. This will be the last summer that KCO is a part of Kanakuk Ministries. Andy and I have started our own 501(c)3 not for profit company and we will be running our camp under that umbrella. The camp will be called Camp Kivu. It will be very much like Kanakuk Colorado, but our plans for expansion and international growth will be much different than they could have been with Kanakuk. The camp will be the same location. It will run just about the same. Our mission will be very similar.

Why "Camp Kivu?" Kivu is a lake in Rwanda and we wanted to have something that was very important to us to be given a Rwandan name (just like our clothing company, AnNi Designs, has a Chinese name.) The name Camp Kivu doesn't limit the camp to any particular activity or to any particular destination. It seems out-doorsie and broad.

We are SO excited for our expansion plans. . .they are many, but the big two that we are the most excited about and that will be the first to happen are our Spring camp in the Philippines starting March 2010. We will have two one week sessions at El Nido Resorts (www.elnidoresorts.com). Campers can come alone or they can come with their families. It is going to be AMAZING! The other project is our Gap Year. We will take students after they graduate from high school and they will spend a year with us studying and traveling the world. It is going to be a great program!!!

Anyway, that is a quick run-down of our new camp. It is going to be a wonderful journey. We are sad to be leaving Branson and friends and family and Kanakuk, but it is time and I can't wait to see where the Lord leads us along the way!!!

Comments

Unknown said…
I am really excited for you all. And that photo a the top of the post...it's just perfect! ;)
Anonymous said…
I wish I were 17 again so I could go to this camp! What a great concept that gives kids a broader worldview to see what God is doing in our world! I've shared the link with my family's church in Pagosa and the youth ministry team there. Still praying for good news on Lionel.

Andrea
Kelly said…
I am so excited for what God has in store for the Braners!!! LOVE YOU!!!
Jenny Schlenker said…
Jamie, So exciting, so much going on for you. I love catching up with you on your blog! I am praying for all that is going on, so much adventure! I will link you oh my blog! xoxo
ok, just now realizing i don't think i've ever commented. but i've been reading forever. just wanted you guys to know that i am praying for this new adventure you are getting ready to begin. i have NO DOUBT God is going to do mighty things through your sweet family.

love to you.
kim said…
This is very exciting! God is going to use you all soooo much for stepping out in the unknown. Looking forward to hearing more!!

BTW - Jenna will be staying home. She's pretty shy and fearful sometimes and with two we can barely speak to having a third clung to our necks probably would not be a good combo :) She is excited to stay with grandparents so works out great!
Kristyn said…
I LOVED reading this post! Yay for spreading those wings. That is so exciting. Can we go and come and all of the above? You mentioned several projects that sound so very cool. I keep picturing your new life in CO and I am realizing that we should probably try to plan a yearly journey to visit our dear friends! We love you guys. I am pumped for you guys and will pray for this transition.
Kristyn said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Teabo Chica said…
Jami Jo, Praying for the heart of the minister for your Lionel. Praying that the Lord would make a way! I lost your email I am so sorry, I did have some Rwanda questions for you. I would love to connect again please forgive me for losing your email. ;0
teabo5@comcast.net
Natalie
melissa said…
Praying and wishing your family the very best God has to offer you!

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