About

Camp Kesem is a student-run summer camp for kids who currently have or have had a parent diagnosed with cancer.  Our free overnight camp is a chance for kids to have a fun-filled week and rediscover the magic of childhood.  Camp Kesem is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run by student volunteers.  Our vision is for all children whose parents have faced cancer to enjoy the opportunity to attend a student-run and community based summer camp with peers facing similar challenges.  Camp Kesem is open to all children ages 6 to 16 regardless of race, religion, or financial need.  When a serious illness such as cancer strikes a parent, most of the focus is directed towards the patient, rather than the family. This situation can cause the children that are involved to feel isolated, scared, and to experience many other strong and traumatizing feelings and reactions.  These children are forced to mature at a much faster rate than they should because they take on adult-like stresses in order to deal with the possibility of losing a parent. As they are forced to grow up quickly, they miss out on the many fun childhood activities that other children their ages are experiencing everyday without any worries. Through Camp Kesem, these children discover that they are not alone as they learn new ways to cope, create support systems, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Kesem offers these children a chance to take a break from their adult-like worries and pressures in order to rediscover the magic of childhood.