Fall Friends + Family Day
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Please contact us for more information!
Spring Friends + Family Day
Details TBA
Nadia “Guac” Hassen: My name is Nadia “Guac” Hassen and I’m a senior Biology major with a minor in Pyschology. In my free time I love to travel, listen to music, and obsess over my friend’s dogs since I have none of my own. This year will be my third year with Kesem and I’m beyond grateful for it. The families we’ve given support to over the years have changed me for the better. I Kesem so the kids can focus on just being a kid and their families can know they aren’t alone.
Samantha “Wingz” Sparks: I named myself Wingz after my favorite food! I am an Advertising/Public Relations major. I have been with Camp Kesem at Rowan University for a year and I Kesem to support children when they need it most. Swimming in the lake is my favorite camp memory. If all else fails in life, I plan to fall back on a career in hand modeling. I also aspire to break the record for owning the most dogs. I pride myself in being able to throw frisbees up to 100mph.
Annie “Sushi” Martucci: My name is Annie “Sushi” Martucci (because I eat way too much of it) and I’m an Early Childhood Education and Literacy Studies dual major. I love my two dogs, Cookie and Nellie, and iced almond milk lattes more than anything else. I joined Camp Kesem because I have personal experience with a parent’s cancer and I’m truly excited to bring magic to all these awesome kids!
Haley “Peach” Schellenger: My name is Peach, like the princess. I’m an Elementary Education & Literacy dual major with a Spanish minor. I have an odd obsession with giraffes and I rely on Dunkin’ to get me through every day. I Kesem because this organization has brought my life so much happiness and seeing these children laugh and play remind me to be grateful and to cherish these special moments! My favorite Kesem experience was knowing that one of the campers was still wearing the bracelet I made her 4 months later!
Taylor “Mermaid” Jachts: My name is Taylor Jachts! I am a sophomore Law & Justice major and an expert on petting puppies and eating ice cream! My camp name is Mermaid because the ocean is my home away from home! I am so happy to be the Make the Magic coordinator and I am excited to raise money to make this summer’s camp amazing for the amazing children we are going to meet!
Annabel “Fluff” Shields: I’m Annabel “Fluff” Shields and I’m a Sociology major with a minor in Law and Justice! Honestly I’m unsure with what my future holds and where I will go but I know I would love to work with kids! This is my second year with Camp Kesem and I couldn’t imagine my life without it! These kids keep me going each and everyday and inspire me beyond words(plus they keep me hip)!
Danielle “Doc” Mikaliunas: My name is Doc and I am a biological Sciences major with a minor in ethics. Crocheting is my favorite hobby and I love to swim. I Kesem because no other organization makes the same difference that this one does!
Olivia “Skippy” Farino: My name is Olivia “Skippy” because I love love loveeeee Peanut Butter. I am a junior in college and my goal is to be a Kindergarten Special Education teacher. This will be my first year at camp but I Kesem to allow kids to be kids!
Annika “Melody” Smith: Hi!! My name is Annika “Melody”. I am a freshman studying computer science and working towards a minor in music. I want to help people in any way that I can, especially with helping Camp Kesem happen. This is my first year with Camp Kesem and I am so excited to see what is ahead of me!
Victoria “Maple” Lord: I’m Maple! I chose it because of how much I love the fall. I am majoring in elementary education with a dual major of history. This is my first year in Camp Kesem & I love it already! I really like how it stands out from other organizations on campus and how everyone is sooo nice & welcoming!! I’m very excited to experience camp & meet all the campers!!
Kerry “Aqua” Mitchell: My name is Kerry “Aqua”. I am a senior Psychology major with a minor in Sociology as well as a concentration in Spanish. I’m looking to furthermore studies in graduate school next year and then following become a Childlife Specialist. This is my second year with Camp Kesem! I’m so excited to for this summer to be back with our amazing campers. I Kesem to allow the children the opportunity to be kids!
In addition to the year-round support, services, and training we receive from Kesem National,
we are grateful to those who provide support to our local Camp Kesem chapter including:
Our Advisory Board who provides ongoing guidance to our chapter’s leadership team.
Our corporate and foundation donors who provide critical resources to help fund the services we deliver locally.
The many retail and service providers who offer in-kind support for our summer camp as well as many or our year-round services.
Countless individuals – including our families and friends who honor our commitment to Camp Kesem with their financial support and unwavering encouragement.
Kesem’s national staff of over 30 professionals is involved in all aspects of establishing and supporting each of our 100+ chapters nationwide as well as the training and oversight of all college student leaders. Our leadership program has been developed over the last 17 years and, while both rigorous and demanding, is focused on providing the highest level of support, service and safety for the children who participate in our programs.
The Kesem Program Director for this chapter (see below) is involved in all aspects of camp and our additional services. While your local student leaders are your primary contact for questions, you are also welcome and encouraged to contact their Program Director with other specific questions.
Eliza joined the Camp Kesem National team as a Regional Program Director in November 2018. She first joined Camp Kesem while attending Michigan State University, where she served as an Alumni, Marketing, and PR Coordinator for one year and an Outreach Coordinator for two years. As an alum, she's also served as a Camp Advisor for five Kesem chapters. Eliza has previously worked and volunteered in disability respite care, refugee services, and parent education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Michigan State in May 2017 and plans to obtain her Master of Social Work with a focus in Mental Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Eliza is originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, and plans to relocate to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.
Our free year-round services provide children impacted by a parent's cancer a continuum of touchpoints throughout the year.
Kesem's flagship program operates over 100 free summer camps in 40 states for children ages 6 to 18 who have been impacted by a parent's cancer.
Kesem's care package program that immediately includes all families into our greater community in a personal, supportive manner.
Regular gatherings for existing and interested camper families, alumni, supporters and Kesem student leaders for a day of community building.
Provides Kesem families with regular updates including important deadlines and events.
Provides customized support for children through the many challenges associated with a parent or guardian's cancer journey.
Provides all children with personalized greetings–delivered by either traditional or electronic mail.
Provides online access to topical resources–including publications, books, organizations and resources.
This chapter's page is still under construction, check back soon!
