ABOUT US

 Camp Kesem TAMU 2009

We are very excited about being the first Camp Kesem in Texas, and we feel very passionate about making Camp Kesem come to life for so many kids who have gone through the hardships of having a parent with cancer.

This is an often-overlooked population of children, as they are not ill themselves and are indistinguishable from other children in their communities. While we do not provide therapy in the most conventional sense, we do provide a safe environment where the children can feel comfortable interacting with peers who truly understand them. We hope that the relationships built at Camp Kesem A&M will help our campers face their parents' disease with strength forged in new friendships.


Frequently Asked Questions


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 ages 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.
How much does it cost?

Absolutely nothing! Camp Kesem is free to all children who have/had a parent with cancer. Camp Kesem, as an organization of students, works hard year around to raise the funds necessary to make camp happen. Camp Kesem is a non-profit organization.

What does "Kesem" mean?

Kesem means "magic" in Hebrew. 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 campers of all backgrounds.

How old are the campers? How long are the camps?

Camp Kesem campers are ages 6-13. All of our camps are held for one week. We are an overnight camp program.
What do you do at camp?

HAVE TONS OF FUN!!! Camp Kesem is designed to be a place where children have a safe, supportive environment away from home where they can have the best week of their summer! Campers swim, climb rock walls, play games, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and other great camp stuff! Campers do not receive therapy at camp, but do provide the campers a chance to chat every night about anything that’s on their mind in cabin chats.


Who organizes camp? How does it work?

The members of Camp Kesem, as an organization, and a team of committed student coordinators. The coordinators will lead committees throughout the year that will make Camp Kesem happen- including Camper Care, Fundraising, Student Support, and Admin/Camp Programming. 

 

That sounds like a lot of work. Do we have any help?

Of course! Throughout the whole process, we are supported by National Program Directors who work for Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem’s National Program Directors primary goal and purpose for existence is to provide support, advising, and coaching for student leaders across the country who are committed to creating amazing summer camps for children of cancer patients.


Our History


Our first summer of Camp Kesem A&M was held June 1-4, 2008 at Camp Young Judea in Wimberley, Texas. Our camp featured art, drama, sports, and team-building activities. Eight campers attended.

Our 2nd camp took place again in Wimberley, TX from August 16-22, 2009 and was attended by 23 campers! It was another amazing and fun-filled camp! We are excited to see our camp doubling in size!

Our 3rd camp is almost here! Mark your calendars... August 15-21, 2010!



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