Camp Kesem
260-225-3736
PMB 350008 2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37235
Nashville, TN 37235
Programs
Budget
$85,000.00
Description
Camp Kesem National currently has programs operating at 116 college campuses across the country. In 2019, Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University will be held July 21-27 at Camp Sumatanga. Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt is staffed by students from Vanderbilt University, who will recruit and train 55 student volunteers, raise $85,000, and bring magic to 110 children coping with a parent's cancer this summer. The special emotional needs of children of adult cancer patients are often overlooked. Kids are often left to deal with these personal tragedies on their own; and if parents themselves are struggling with illness, their sons and daughters frequently miss the simple joys of childhood. Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University focuses on giving campers the most fun week possible, while providing the extra support and attention that the children need. What makes Camp Kesem special is the unique, empathetic environment where children finally feel like they are surrounded by others who can understand the emotions and fears they are facing. This environment is 
fostered by a very high counselor to camper
 ratio (1:2), nightly "Cabin Chats," and a special Empowerment Ceremony, where children are given the opportunity to share their experiences with one another. The tremendous fun and 
support campers experience is what makes Camp Kesem a transformative, magical week for campers and counselors alike. Camp Kesem is available to all children, ages 6-18, in the Middle Tennessee area and beyond, who have a parent who has or has had cancer. Campers are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camp is FREE for every child.
Program Areas Served
None
$85,000.00
Description
Camp Kesem National currently has programs operating at 116 college campuses across the country. In 2019, Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University will be held July 21-27 at Camp Sumatanga. Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt is staffed by students from Vanderbilt University, who will recruit and train 55 student volunteers, raise $85,000, and bring magic to 110 children coping with a parent's cancer this summer. The special emotional needs of children of adult cancer patients are often overlooked. Kids are often left to deal with these personal tragedies on their own; and if parents themselves are struggling with illness, their sons and daughters frequently miss the simple joys of childhood. Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University focuses on giving campers the most fun week possible, while providing the extra support and attention that the children need. What makes Camp Kesem special is the unique, empathetic environment where children finally feel like they are surrounded by others who can understand the emotions and fears they are facing. This environment is 
fostered by a very high counselor to camper
 ratio (1:2), nightly "Cabin Chats," and a special Empowerment Ceremony, where children are given the opportunity to share their experiences with one another. The tremendous fun and 
support campers experience is what makes Camp Kesem a transformative, magical week for campers and counselors alike. Camp Kesem is available to all children, ages 6-18, in the Middle Tennessee area and beyond, who have a parent who has or has had cancer. Campers are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camp is FREE for every child.
Program Areas Served
None
Budget
$800.00
Description
Kesem Friends + Family Days (formerly known as reunions), held a minimum of twice a year, bring together existing and interested camper families, alumni, local supporters and Kesem student leaders for a day of activities, education, celebration and community building.
Program Areas Served
None
$800.00
Description
Kesem Friends + Family Days (formerly known as reunions), held a minimum of twice a year, bring together existing and interested camper families, alumni, local supporters and Kesem student leaders for a day of activities, education, celebration and community building.
Program Areas Served
None
Budget
$300.00
Description
Kesem by Your Side provides customized support for children through the many challenges associated with a parent's cancer journey including difficult news, recurrence, hospice, loss and death anniversaries.
Program Areas Served
None
$300.00
Description
Kesem by Your Side provides customized support for children through the many challenges associated with a parent's cancer journey including difficult news, recurrence, hospice, loss and death anniversaries.
Program Areas Served
None
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| Camp Kesem runs individual programs at more than110 college chapters in fall 2019. All chapters are staffed and manned by college student volunteers, who are supported by the Camp Kesem national staff with support in strategy, administration, fundraising, program development, leadership training and back-office support (website, accounting, banking, etc). In Summer 2019, the students at Camp Kesem Vanderbilt will recruit and train 55 student volunteers, raise $85,000, and bring magic to 110 children dealing with a parent's cancer. |
