What People Say

The magic of Camp Kesem profoundly impacts everyone involved. Read more to see what campers, parents, and counselors think about their experiences with Camp Kesem.

“This is the best week I have ever had!” ~Camper, age 9

"My son is 8, and has attended Camp Kesem for 3 years. I had AML and a Stem Cell transplant when he was a baby. He is finally getting old enough to understand what that means and because of this camp experience he has learned what cancer is and how it effects different people. Plus, it is super fun for him and the counselors have always been wonderful!" ~Parent of camper

“Camp Kesem instilled in me the belief that I can succeed. It opened my eyes to see that I can truly make a positive difference in someone else’s life.” ~Counselor

“Only my sincere thanks to everyone, you truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of these kids.” ~Parent of camper

"I consider CK to be, hands-down, the most important thing I’ve done in my life both in the effect I’ve had and the effect it’s had on me. Camp Kesem is one of the most life-changing organizations I have been a part of.” ~Counselor

 

“[Camp Kesem] is by far the best camp I have ever been to. Everyone there had about the same reason for being there and it was nice to know others had the same experiences.” ~ Camper, age 12

"We LOVE Camp Kesem!! My husband died of cancer. My kids get to go to Camp Kesem (At absolutely NO cost to us) and be normal kids for a week. It is such a Godsend to have an organization that helps kids like this and their families. We would never have been able to afford to pay for summer camp without this program due to all the medical bills and such. GO CAMP KESEM!!!" ~Parent of camper

"One camper said that it’s OK if her mom dies because she knows her mom will always be in her heart – she learned at camp that kids whose parents have died from cancer continue to laugh and play and have fun at camp." ~Counselor story

“[Camp Kesem is] the best thing going for her.” ~Parent of camper, age 11

“Camp Kesem has easily been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life… The smiles on the children’s faces, the laughter and the happiness I was lucky enough to be a part of, and the looks of triumph on the faces of the older kids after they conquered the ropes course will always stay with me.” ~Counselor

“[At Camp Kesem] everyone understands you and knows how you feel.” ~Camper, age 13

 

“Having come off a very tough year with quite a sickly father, this was a fun-filled, active, self-esteem building camp that stood out as such a wonderfully positive event in such a sad, depressing, stressful year of sickness." ~Parent of camper, age 12

"I feel humbled to have been given such amazing opportunities and experiences with Camp Kesem." ~Counselor

“[Camp Kesem] makes him feel safe in a world that he discovered at an early age is insecure, and relaxes him by having seven days of fun." ~Parent of camper, age 7

"My position within the organization put me in close contact with all of the families served that are coping with cancer, and I have formed unique and unparalleled bonds with these families. I spent the past three years earning their trust and providing them with support. The tears of joy and gratitude I shared with these families on my final day at camp made me understand that this is the population with which I wish to work." ~Counselor

“The camp helped normalize the situation and, most importantly I think, showed her it’s okay for kids in this situation to laugh, have fun, be silly and act like kids.” ~Parent of camper

"Because of CK, I found what I really wanted to do with my life." ~Counselor

“Camp counselors and staff are of the highest quality! Everyone is so energetic and kind.  I trust the staff 100% to care for my children at camp! Thank you for all that you guys do!” ~Parent of camper

“Camp Kesem was definitely the best week of my life.” ~Counselor

"I am a parent of children who have attended this camp. I am a cancer survivor and this camp has been a life-changing experience for my kids. It is a wonderful thing for kids that I believe truly are lost and forgotten in the cancer community. It is the one thing my kids start counting down until next year as we pull out of the parking lot leaving camp every summer." ~Parent of camper