Statements

Mission

Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer. A program of Kesem, Camp Kesem currently operates over 100 free summer camps in 42 states for children ages 6 to 18 who have been touched by a parent's cancer. This camping experience has a lasting impact on children by providing them a peer-support network that understands their unique needs, builds confidence and strengthens their communication skills.

Background

Camp Kesem was founded at Stanford University in 2000, and became a national organization in 2003. Since then, Camp Kesem has grown organically through the passion and commitment of volunteer college student leaders who create every aspect of their Camp Kesem chapter. In 2011, LIVESTRONG Foundation selected Camp Kesem as a Community Impact Project recipient, providing Camp Kesem with seed funding to launch 12 additional college chapters in 2012. Camp Kesem was selected to be a part of the program a second time in 2013 adding an additional 12 chapters. Combined with chapters that have been funded organically, Camp Kesem currently operates at 116 chapters in FY 2019, and expanded our geographical reach to 42 states across the country. The chapter of Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University was founded through the LIVESTRONG partnership in the Fall of 2011. Their first camp was held in the Summer of 2012 serving 20 children from Tennessee. In their second year of camp, 25 Vanderbilt student volunteers welcomed 40 children for a week of magic at Camp NaCoMe. As we've continued to grow and expand, we keep the focus on the Middle Tennessee area; in summer 2019, we plan to serve 110 campers with 50 student volunteers from Vanderbilt University. With over 5 million children impacted by a parent's cancer, Camp Kesem must continue expanding to meet this need. Kesem is the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population, and for many children their Camp Kesem experience is a life-changing event-providing them a community of children with similar experiences, and a safe and welcoming environment to have fun and rediscover their childhood. Camp Kesem's vision is to continue to grow until every child impacted by a parent's cancer has Camp Kesem available to them in their community.

Impact

Camp Kesem Camp Kesem (CK) is a FREE, college-student led summer camp for children ages 6-18 whose parents have or had cancer. 85% of parents reported a significant or great impact on their child's self-esteem, confidence, empathy, support and coping tools. These skills start with the transformative week of camp - but continue well beyond the camp experience. Camp Kesem's impact on college students is life-changing. On top of demanding academic schedules, work and social commitments, CK students dedicate 10-15 hours each week as they commit to a year-long position managing their camp. 80% of our students reported developing significant team-building, communication, decision-making, organizational, problem solving, and fundraising skills. In 2017, Camp Kesem served over 7,000 children coast to coast. In 2018, Camp Kesem will serve more than 8,500 children - all funded by generous donations from individuals and corporate support. Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University hopes to serve 80 children in the greater Nashville area at their summer 2018 program.

Needs

In FY 2019, Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt must raise $85,000 to send 1100 children to camp.

CEO Statement

Camp Kesem serves the 'invisible victims' of cancer, children whose parents have been affected by this brutal disease. While there are many services available to cancer patients, there are very few services available to their children. Without support, these children face academic, social and emotional roadblocks. But as part of the Camp Kesem family, they join a community that offers understanding, support, and the chance to BE KIDS. I joined Camp Kesem to serve these families, and it is my honor and privilege to serve alongside our college students, who selflessly volunteer countless hours to make this 'magic' possible for children in need. I am continually inspired by the strength, commitment and hope I see in both the children we serve and the leaders we are developing for tomorrow.

Board Chair Statement

I joined Camp Kesem in 2004 to help our founder, Iris Rave-Wedeking, realize her vision to make Camp Kesem available to families across the country that are coping with the horrific and unjust impacts of canceron the entire family, not just the adult patient. I was moved by Iris' vision and drawn to the opportunities to change lives; children's lives that are turned upside down when the joys of childhood are replaced with fears of losing a parent to cancer and the lives of college students who want to make a difference now, while developing leadership know-how for tomorrow. Camp Kesem has changed my life and I am honored to serve this extraordinary organization.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Health Care  - Health Support
Secondary Category:	Youth Development  - Youth Development Programs
Tertiary Category:	Recreation & Sports  - Camps

Areas Served

Camp Kesem is a growing national organization with more than 116 college chapters in 42 states as of Fall 2018. Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University is the only chapter in Tennessee and serves children from all across the state.

National

National

TN

TN - Cheatham

TN - Davidson

TN - Montgomery

TN - Rutherford

TN - Sumner

TN - Williamson

KY