“Camp Kesem is a nonprofit collegiately run organization that provides a free week of summer camp and year-long support for children who have been affected by a parent's cancer. Over 3 million children are affected by their parents cancer and we are the only organization of its kind that serves this population. Our campers are living through trying times and Camp Kesem is there as a family to comfort them and give them the support to understand their pain and suffering. Kesem means 'magic' in Hebrew, and we try to spread the magic of Kesem to all our campers and families." -Pheph "Phishy" Bernal
Camp Kesem has over 80 chapters nationwide and Florida State University is proud to be one of them. Founded in 2011 and serving the North Florida community, Camp Kesem at FSU, started off small with only 10 campers between the ages of 6 to 16, it has grown each year and now has 65 campers in total! Camp Kesem is organized by 40 dedicated student volunteers who put forth their time and effort to raise money to be able to provide this free week of camp for these deserving children. These students fundraise for them year-round in all different ways from hosting a 5K run to individual fundraising efforts. For this year's camp, a goal had been set of $40,000.
"At the age of 12, my hero and best friend was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. My mom means the world to me and to see her go through such rigorous treatments took a toll on my entire family. I didn’t know anyone who was going through what my family was now faced with. I felt alone and I acted out until my mom found Camp Kesem. This organization means the world to me and I am forever grateful to everyone involved. I would not be where I am today without the love and guidance Camp Kesem has provided me with. Those eight years of being a camper shaped me into who I am today. I am proud to say this is my 10th year involved with this amazing organization. I felt the need to give back to Camp Kesem for all the help they have given me. I joined my freshman year as a counselor and then became one of the outreach coordinators a year later. Transitioning from a camper to a counselor was an amazing experience. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to help children who are going through similar experiences." -Rachael "Trix" Coates
Camp Kesem is hosted every summer. This year Camp will be held August 7 through August 12, and according to both counselors and campers, it is the best week of the summer.
"My mom was diagnosed with cancer my freshman year of college. Camp Kesem has become more than just a one-week camp for me. Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you are going through is something that I think is extremely beneficial in healing, especially for children. The counselors and the campers have become my family. The hard work and fundraising efforts are always worth it in the end, especially after talking to the kids and hearing their excitement about becoming a counselor themselves one day. This to me shows that we are making a positive impact on these wonderful kids through the power of fun, and inspiring them to give back as well." -Michael "SoKo" Oh
Camp Kesem is something greater than a camp for kids to have a summer vacation. It is an opportunity to heal and spend time with those who are going through similar situations to show they are not alone in this battle. For more information on how to become involved, register, donate or volunteer, please visit here's, call (260) 225-3736 / (260) 22-KESEM or send an email through their website. For a glimpse at the fun, check out this link.
“My dad had cancer, so I know what our campers are going through. I know how badly they want someone to understand, give them a big hug and tell them that they're going to be OK. Being that person for them has given me a true sense of purpose. I am eternally grateful to Camp Kesem for giving me that." -Aly "Little Bear" Coleman
