CAMP KESEM NATIONAL
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Mission Statement
Camp Kesem is a college student run summer camp for kids with a parent who has (or has had) cancer. Our one-week sleep away camps are a chance for kids 6-16 to have a fun-filled week and just be kids. Everything we do at Camp Kesem focuses on our goal of giving campers the most fun week possible, while providing the extra support and attention they need.
About This Cause
Camp Kesem recognizes and embraces the often overlooked population of children affected by a parent’s cancer. Our primary programming are free, college-student led summer camps for children aged 6-16 whose parents have or had cancer. Camp Kesem provides a safe and supportive atmosphere, where children befriend peers who can relate to their unique situation, and gain the strategies and confidence needed to cope with their parent’s illness or death. At the same time, college students develop critical leadership skills as they create, manage, fundraise and run every aspect of their local chapter. As cancer does not discriminate along ethnic or socio-economic lines, our programming is free to all children regardless of race, religion or background, making it easily accessible to those children who might not have the resources to escape the stress and worries that cancer has brought into their lives. Children are eligible for Camp Kesem if a parent (or primary care-giver) has passed away from cancer, is being treated for cancer, or is in remission. Additionally, approximately 30% of our camper families live on less than $40,000 a year. With the financial strain that cancer treatment and recovery puts on a family, Camp Kesem provides a free resource for children coping with a parent’s cancer so that there are no financial barriers to their support. Each Camp Kesem chapter is created by volunteer college students who channel their energy, passion and commitment for the benefit of their community. Nearly 80% of our counselors have experienced a family member battling cancer. Working with the Camp Kesem model, student leaders develop organizational, programming, fundraising, marketing, staffing and financial skills as they commit to a year-long position creating and managing every aspect of their camp. Camp Kesem provides leadership development training through an annual 3-day summit and ongoing support from our national program staff. In the summer of 2013, we served over 2,900 children at 41 universities nationwide. In summer 2014, we will have camps through 54 university chapters.