Camp Kesem is a non-profit organization that provides support to children affected by a parent's cancer. This organization designs the magic that helps these children cope with their difficult circumstances. With over a hundred chapters across the United States, Camp Kesem offers a unique and inclusive community for kids aged six to eighteen. The main idea is that Camp Kesem designs a magical experience for children impacted by a parent's cancer. At Camp Kesem, the focus is on creating an environment where kids can forget about their worries and just be kids. The magic begins with the energetic and enthusiastic counselors who are college students that commit their time and energy to making camp a special experience for every camper.
Campers and counselors alike go into Kesem not knowing anyone or only knowing a few people, but then the week ends in tears because campers can’t wait until next summer to see their friends and counselors, and counselors can’t wait until school starts again to see each other. And let’s be real, at camp you experience a bond that brings you closer together than you are with some of your relatives. When you try to explain to others what your Kesem friends and campers mean to you, there are no words.
The competition between which unit color is the best can get dirty, but we all know that the best colors together are green and blue, and that s all that matters. The competition between which unit color is the best can get dirty, but we all know that the best colors together are green and blue, and that s all that matters.
The magic begins with the energetic and enthusiastic counselors who are college students that commit their time and energy to making camp a special experience for every camper. They are trained to provide emotional support and create a sense of belonging within the camp community. The camp program is carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of the campers.
Everything you know to be true if you’ve experienced the magic of Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem is a nationwide organization that provides a free week-long summer camp to children affected by their parent’s cancer. Each Kesem chapter fundraises throughout the school year in order to put on a week to two weeks of camp in the summer.
Over 5 million kids in the United States are affected by their parent’s cancer, and that’s where Camp Kesem comes in. Camp Kesem fights the monster that is cancer with a week filled with laughter, fun, friendship, gaga, messy Olympics, tie-dye, empowerment, tears, and above all, magic.
Here are all the things you know to be true if you have ever experienced Camp Kesem:
Tie dye is always the answer
At camp, you will need more than all of your fingers and toes to count your tie-dyed shirts, socks and bandanas in your closet. At least you know exactly what to pack for camp without even trying.
Camp songs solve every problem
Camp songs are the answer to everything. What do you do when you’re transitioning to the next camp activity? Sing a camp song. What do you do when you’re in the shower? Sing a camp song. What do you do during meals? Sing a camp song. The only down side is they get stuck in your head regularly. Someone will say a random word like “tree”, and you will immediately sing a camp song with the word tree in it: “Three short neck buzzards, sitting in a dead tree, sitting in a dead tree.”
You can never have too many friendship bracelets
You pretty much spend all of your free time googling new friendship bracelet patterns so you can be the coolest counselor with the best bracelets to give to your campers.
Cancer sucks, but camp doesn’t
Hearing the words, “your parent has cancer” is something no child should hear. A six year old shouldn’t use words like chemo, radiation, remission, and more on a daily basis, but over 5 million kids in the United States do. The good news is you have camp to make it better — camp is the best week ever. End of story.
We’re always under the same moon and stars
Whether you are part of the CKIU chapter or the CKUCLA chapter, we are always under the same moon and stars. Just look up, and know that you’re bonded by Camp Kesem’s magic.
Magic is real and it lives at Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem magic is unexplainable. It is the bond that turns strangers into family. It is the ability to turn a tragedy into the most fun week of the summer. It is the only explanation of how something so awful can lead to the best thing in your life; camp.
Allie, who? Real names don’t exist. Camp names forever
Every Kesem counselor has experienced that awkward moment when you see a Kesem friend on campus and yell, “Hey, SOS!” and get strange looks from bystanders. Or when you’re out with Kesem friends and non-Kesem friends, and you and your Kesem friends keep calling each other by your camp names and have to explain the meaning behind each one.
You never thought you’d have so much pride for a color
“Yellow pump you up, yellow pump you up, say what!?” The competition between which unit color is the best can get dirty, but we all know that the best colors together are green and blue, and that’s all that matters.
You meet your best friends and your family
Campers and counselors alike go into Kesem not knowing anyone or only knowing a few people, but then the week ends in tears because campers can’t wait until next summer to see their friends and counselors, and counselors can’t wait until school starts again to see each other. And let’s be real, at camp you experience a bond that brings you closer together than you are with some of your relatives. When you try to explain to others what your Kesem friends and campers mean to you, there are no words.
The strongest people you know are 6-16 year olds
When you’re in Kesem, the people you look up to are younger than you and you aren’t ashamed of it. Typically when you think of a “kid” you don’t think of them as having gone through the loss of a parent due to cancer, or a parent battling cancer, but Kesem kids have. Only Kesem counselors understand the witty and intelligent insights about life that you’ve only heard from your grandparents before coming to camp.
Messy Olympics is the only time you will enjoy having jelly poured into your hair
Don’t underestimate the name — messy Olympics is the ultimate food fight. A week later and you will still be washing jelly, honey, peanut butter, and more out of your hair.
Cabin chats are the best chats
Nothing compares to a cabin chat. It’s the time when campers and counselors are goofy, play games, and share their cancer stories. It is the bond that makes each unit strong and unique.
Empowerment is heartbreaking, but also the best part of camp
Empowerment is the only time where crying hysterically and smiling ear to ear within the hour is normal. You hear your campers say that they spend most of their time in the hospital with their parents or don’t remember their parent and bawl your eyes out, but then you see campers get up and get a tissue for their friend and fellow camper, and you have never been prouder in your life.
When I look back at my time so far at Indiana University, the first thing that comes to my mind and makes me the happiest is Camp Kesem. As the name suggests, it is truly magical and Camp Kesem love lasts forever. To help support the cause you can donate here.
It includes a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and team-building exercises. Campers also engage in discussions and workshops that help them understand and process their emotions related to cancer. These activities aim to empower the children, boost their self-confidence, and develop their coping skills. Camp Kesem also helps foster connections among the campers who share similar experiences. Sharing their stories and feelings with others who understand what they are going through can be immensely comforting. Campers form lifelong friendships and support networks that extend beyond their time at camp. The overall atmosphere at Camp Kesem is one of warmth, acceptance, and understanding. Everyone involved, including the staff, counselors, and volunteers, is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the campers. This environment allows the children to heal, grow, and thrive while having fun. Given the challenges these children face, the magic designed at Camp Kesem is truly transformative. It gives them an opportunity to be surrounded by peers who can relate to their experiences and role models who inspire them. Camp Kesem designs a magical experience that helps these children build resilience, hope, and a sense of belonging..
Reviews for "Camp Kesem: Fostering Hope and Resilience in Children Through the Power of Play"
1. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed by "Camp Kesem Designs the Magic". The book had a promising concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with or care about them. The plot was rather predictable and didn't offer any real surprises. Overall, I found the book to be quite boring and struggled to finish it.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I regret picking up "Camp Kesem Designs the Magic". The story felt disjointed and confusing, with several plotlines that didn't seem to connect well. The writing was also subpar, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. I couldn't get into the story at all, and it felt like a chore to finish. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written read.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - "Camp Kesem Designs the Magic" had potential, but it never lived up to it. The pacing felt off, with slow moments dragging on and important scenes feeling rushed. The dialogue was often cheesy and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to believe in the characters and their interactions. The central conflict was also resolved too conveniently, leaving no real sense of tension or excitement. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unengaged while reading this book.