Joe’s journey to the heart of Jesus led him through challenges and experiences that have enriched his life and strengthened his faith. With the love of a friend, Joe’s heart for others to discover a relationship with Jesus influences his actions each day.
President of Kanakuk Kamps and founder of Kids Across America, Joe White is known for his committed love for people and desire to help shape families across the nation and the world grow into mature believers of Christ and representatives of His renewing Kingdom.
Kanakuk Kamps, which is made up of five overnight camps, a family camp, and a traveling day camp, have been under the supervision of Joe and his wife Debbie-Jo for over the past 43 years. Currently, Kanakuk Kamps welcomes 24,000 Kampers each summer from around the world.
Joe White has long had a passion for bringing together individuals from all walks of life and allowing them the opportunity to grow and cultivate fellowship. In 1978, as part of his calling to share the love and freedom of Jesus with everyone he can, Joe dedicated the last week of Kanakuk to sharing the camp experience with the local urban youth. This experience led him to eventually create the Third Foundation, a non-profit with a vision to empower urban youth to impact their communities and live out their relationship with Christ.
In 1991, Joe opened a camp with the primary mission of serving and transforming urban youth. Since then, Kids Across America has grown into four camps.
With over twenty books under his belt, Joe is recognized for his work in leadership, faith, and navigating the struggles and opportunities of everyday life. A key priority for Joe White has always been conveying the truths and tenants of the Christian faith to people in a tangible manner. Throughout his work, Joe’s writing has included resources on fostering healthy self-esteem, developing leadership skills, mentoring teenagers, understanding God’s grace, choosing real friends, and navigating love. Joe’s work has won him a series of awards, and in 1997 he won the Gold Medallion Teen Book of the Year for his book Pure Excitement.
Joe White has also been instrumental in a number of additional programs focusing on encouragement and discipleship. AfterDARK, Heart of a Mom, Pure Excitement, Men at the Cross, Kanakuk Haiti, and I’m Third Discipleship; all stem from Joe’s desire to share the love and encouragement he knows with everyone he can.
Joe White’s work has garnered him national recognition, and author, psychologist, and Founder of Focus on the Family’s James Dobson has credited him as “knowing more about teenagers than anyone in North America.”
Blessed with four children and 15 grandchildren, Joe White is happily married to his wife, Debbie-Jo, and they have been so for nearly 50 years. Currently residing in Branson, Missouri, Joe frequently speaks at Kanakuk Link Year and Kanakuk Institute in addition to his public speaking engagements. Joe is also active on social media as she shares work via his YouTube channel and the Fuel Up daily devotional series.