“
FAQ
What is Camp Kesem?
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 6-13 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 that they need. Learn more about our program by clicking here.
What does Kesem mean?
Kesem is the Hebrew word for magic. The founders of Camp Kesem chose Kesem because their goal was to bring magic to families coping with cancer. More recently, we've developed a more detailed definition of what Kesem means to us.
Kesem (n.): magic; the ability to change a life; an agent of growth; the unique power that transforms kids into Camp Kesem Campers
Is Camp Kesem a religious camp?
No, Camp Kesem is a secular camp and is open to student volunteers and families of all backgrounds.
How old are the kids? How long are the camps?
Camp Kesem campers are ages 6-13 and hold attend a one week, overnight camp program.
Do families pay to send their children to these camps?
No. Due to the financial burden placed on families coping with cancer, Camp Kesem National camp programs are offered free of charge. Families are invited to donate to support Camp Kesem. Click here to make a donation online now!
Does Camp Kesem provide therapy to its campers? What does the Camp Social Worker do?
No, Camp Kesem does not provide therapy to campers. There is a social worker on staff at every camp to coach counselors and help counselors work with campers in especially challenging situations or emergencies. The Camp Social Worker is heavily involved in counselor training, and is mainly at camp to serve as an advisor to counselors. Camp social workers do NOT practice one-on-one therapy with campers.
What makes Camp Kesem different from other camps?
We realize that children of cancer patients have additional needs- and we address them by giving them extra attention and support. Camp Kesem has a 2:1 camper to counselor ratio to ensure that campers receive extra attention. These counselors ensure that camp is a safe, supportive, high-energy, and fun place for every camper. Also, our counselors facilitate “cabin chats” each night.
What is a “Cabin Chat”?
“Cabin Chats” give everyone in the cabin the chance to speak in a comfortable atmosphere about anything on their mind- from thoughts on their day at camp to their experiences at home- their favorite color to their favorite vacation. Everyone is encouraged to participate.
Besides the college student counselors, are there other adults at camp?
The Camp Director, Camp Nurse, and Camp Social Worker, and much of the program staff are college-graduates over 21 years old. Additionally, all of the camp counselors are older than 18 years old and undergo a thorough application and screening process to become counselors. Camp Directors are college graduates who are specially trained and selected by Camp Kesem’s Home Office. To be selected to be a Camp Director, one must have significant Camp Kesem experience and have excelled while a leader of a Camp Kesem program. Also, most campsites that Camp Kesem operates at have professional camp staff to support the Camp Kesem leadership team.
Do the counselors receive any special training?
Yes. Counselors are rigorously trained on camp safety, communication, behavior management, emergency and medical procedures, grief and mourning. The Camp Social Worker, Camp Director, and Camp Nurse are all involved in the counselor training program.
What do campers do at Camp Kesem?
Please visit the “A Day at Camp” section of our website to see a sample schedule for a normal day at Camp Kesem.
Where do the camps take place?
Each campus chooses where they wish to hold their camp program. Campuses rent an off-site camp facility for the week of camp. Campsites that we rent are usually ACA accredited, and are often YMCA, Girl Scout, or other professional camping venues. Please visit each campus’s website for details on their specific site.
What impact does the camp have on the children served?
Based on pre- and post-camp surveys completed by campers and parents, the two most significant ways in which Camp Kesem programs impact children are: 1) increased self-esteem and 2) increase in number of friendships with children who have/had a parent with cancer.