Camp Kesem is an organization that manufactures magical moments for children affected by a parent's cancer. The main aim of the organization is to provide a supportive space for these children to have fun, make friends, and gain the tools to cope with their parent's illness. The magical moments created at Camp Kesem are carefully designed to give each child a break from the stresses that come with having a parent with cancer. From the moment the children arrive at camp, they are surrounded by a community of empathetic and understanding counselors who are there to support them through the journey. These counselors are often college students who have experienced cancer in their own families and can relate to the struggles these children face. During their time at camp, the children engage in a wide range of activities that promote personal growth, resilience, and empowerment.
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After his chapter learned more about his struggle with cancer and passion for Camp Kesem, the executive board made a decision that would impact the way Rodriquez viewed his brotherhood forever. Kimberly Hundley, whose husband is now in remission after battling leukemia, will be sending her 15-year-old daughter Ty Garland and 12-year-old son Cameron back to Camp Kesem for the third time this summer.
During their time at camp, the children engage in a wide range of activities that promote personal growth, resilience, and empowerment. They participate in team-building exercises, artistic projects, outdoor adventures, and games that help them bond with their peers and build a support network. These activities also teach them important life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and self-confidence.
Camp Kesem: a place for magic
They may not have wands or spells, but William & Mary students make magic happen for children every summer through Camp Kesem.
Camp Kesem – literally ‘magic’ in Hebrew – is a national organization run by college students that hosts free summer camps for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. W&M camp co-director Hannah Zarnich ’18 says that magic is exactly what happens each year as worries are tossed aside, stress is relieved, lasting bonds are formed and unforgettable memories are made.
“You kind of just see things that take place . and there is no other way to describe it besides magical,” said Zarnich.
This year’s W&M camp is taking place August 14-20 at Camp Piankatank in Heartfield, Virginia, just about an hour away from the university’s campus. But planning and fundraising efforts have been ongoing since last year’s camp ended.
The national organization was founded at Stanford University in 2000 and has grown to include more than 80 chapters across the country. The W&M chapter of Camp Kesem was founded in 2013 after student leaders applied for a $10,000 LIVESTRONG grant and hosted 30 campers. Now Camp Kesem at W&M has grown to accommodate 80 campers this summer.
The W&M camp counselors set an annual goal for the number of campers they’d like to accommodate each year. Then they fundraise to try to meet the goal. Each of the more than two dozen counselors commit to raising at least $500. Probably the largest fundraiser in the past year was Giving Tuesday right after Thanksgiving, during which the counselors leveraged their relationships with friends and family through social media.
“We set a goal to raise $2,000 that day collectively, and we raised over $11,000 just from that one day” said Zarnich.
Not only is Camp Kesem funded by the efforts of W&M students, but it is entirely organized and operated by them. Each year, W&M students volunteer to provide support and an outlet to the campers who face the difficult reality of their parents’ diagnosis.
“It’s serving a group of people that are often overlooked, and I’m just lucky to be able to help them,” said co-director Casey Douma ’16.
Although Camp Kesem is designed for kids whose parents have cancer, it is hardly the focus of the weeklong camp.
“The main priority is just to give them a week where they can be a kid again,” said Zarnich.
In fact, Camp Kesem operates just like any other summer camp. Campers ranging in age from 6 to 16 participate in the usual camp activities including canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, games and singing good old-fashioned camp songs. However, the support of the counselors and the newfound friends are what make Camp Kesem special, said the student directors.
Kimberly Hundley, whose husband is now in remission after battling leukemia, will be sending her 15-year-old daughter Ty Garland and 12-year-old son Cameron back to Camp Kesem for the third time this summer.
Although their initial summer at Camp Kesem was the first time that they had ever spent the night away from home for a week, Hundley was amazed to hear them say they wanted to go back again the following year.
“I think being with kids whose parents are at different stages of cancer was an eye-opener for them,” said Hundley.
Ty Garland felt a connection to the counselors whom she found to be very caring and relatable and was inspired to return to Camp Kesem in the future as a junior counselor.
She also found she was able to connect with others that were going through the same things she was experiencing.
“Knowing other kids my age and even kids younger than me have been through this too and were even stronger than I was,” is what she found helpful in dealing with her dad’s diagnosis, she said.
According to Zarnich, “They all can relate to one another in a way that they may not necessarily get from their peers at school.”
They can also rely on the care and compassion of the W&M students that will always lend an ear to listen and encourage.
“I think our camp is special because they support everyone,” said Duoma.
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One of the key elements of Camp Kesem is the emphasis on open and honest communication about the challenges of cancer. Through group discussions and activities, the children are encouraged to share their thoughts, fears, and experiences. This creates a safe space where they can express their emotions and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. The impact of Camp Kesem extends far beyond the week-long summer camp. The organization offers year-round support for the children and their families through a network of local chapters across the United States. These chapters organize reunions, mentorship programs, and other events to ensure that the magical moments continue long after camp ends. In conclusion, Camp Kesem manufactures magical moments for children affected by a parent's cancer. Through a range of activities, peer support, and open communication, the organization creates a safe and empowering space for these children to heal and grow. The impact of Camp Kesem extends beyond the camp experience, providing ongoing support and connections that last a lifetime..
Reviews for "The Magic of Camp Kesem: Providing Healing and Support for Children Affected by Cancer"
1. John Doe - 2 stars:
I attended the Camp Kesem event and was left feeling extremely disappointed. The organizers tried their best to manufacture magical moments, but it all felt forced and contrived. I could see right through their attempts to create an emotional atmosphere, and it just didn't resonate with me. The activities were generic and lacked creativity, and the counselors seemed more interested in putting on a show than genuinely connecting with the campers. Overall, the event fell short of delivering the promised enchantment, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and meaningful experience.
2. Sarah Smith - 1 star:
Camp Kesem's attempt at manufacturing magical moments was an utter failure in my opinion. Everything felt scripted and rehearsed, and it seemed like the counselors were following a specific checklist rather than fostering genuine connections with the campers. The activities lacked spontaneity and were overly focused on creating picture-perfect moments for social media. It felt more like a staged production rather than an opportunity for children to truly find solace and support. I found the whole experience insincere and disingenuous, and I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this event.
3. Robert Johnson - 2 stars:
I understand that Camp Kesem aims to create magical moments for children affected by cancer, but their attempts felt over-the-top and artificial. The event was clearly meticulously planned, with every minute accounted for, leaving little room for genuine interactions. It seemed like the counselors were more focused on sticking to the schedule than on truly connecting with the campers. The activities lacked spontaneity and felt heavily orchestrated. Instead of naturally occurring magical moments, it felt like we were being force-fed a manufactured version of what they thought would be memorable. I left the camp feeling underwhelmed and unconvinced by their efforts.