Camp Kesem at The University of Virginia

What is Camp Kesem:

Camp Kesem is a free week long sleep away camp for children who have or have had a parent with cancer.  Camp Kesem provides an opportunity for campers to build self-esteem and gain support from their peers facing similar challenges. The students of the University of Virginia work hard to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the campers.  Kesem's goal is to give campers an experience they will never forget through the creation of long lasting memories and friendships.

Our Upcoming 2010 Camp:

Camp will be August 9th through the 14th at Camp Holiday Trails.  At this time camp is full and we are no longer accepting applications.  

Camp History:

Camp Kesem Virginia was founded in 2005 by three UVA and UNC students.  The camp is completely organized, run, and operated by a number of incredible and caring student volunteers.  Professional counselors and nurses are also on staff for the entirety of the camp as well.  The University of Virginia is proud to present our 5th camp this August!  Our first camp, with 16 campers and 10 counselors, nearly doubled in 2007 with 28 campers and 17 counselors, and increased to almost 40 campers in 2008.  Last year, we had our biggest camp yet with 56 campers and hope to grow again this summer.  Camp will once again take place at Camp Holiday Trails which is located a few miles from UVA in Charlottesville.  An ACA accredited camp, Holiday Trails is a caring community committed to empowering, encouraging, and educating campers with chronic illnesses, their families, and their healthcare professionals.  Camp Kesem is proud to be affiliated with a camp with similar goals.  Campers will enjoy a waterfront, a pool, a nature center, a rock-climbing wall, an arts and crafts center, and countless outdoor activities!  For more information, please look at their website.

More Information:

Creating a fun, friendly, and safe camping environment and to support the development of friendships and self-esteem continue to be our focuses. For more information, please choose a link on the left.

Also, be sure to check out the February 2009 newsletter.

Contact Information:

Phone: 434-227-4556
E-mail: kesemcampercare@gmail.com 
Address: P.O. Box 4321, Charlottesville, VA 22905

 

 

“Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia
students and may have University employees associated or engaged in
its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of
the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is
responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University
does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not
responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions."