Camp Kesem KU

Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. We are the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population – supporting children with innovative, fun-filled programs that foster a lasting community.

Approximately 3 million kids in the United States have a parent affected by cancer. The kids that Camp Kesem serves go through something that no child should ever have to as they watch their parent battle a terrible disease. These kids' lives are often filled with fear and sadness, and Camp Kesem provides a week long escape full of fun, silliness, and joy.

Kesem shows kids that there are other kids and college students who have gone through what they are going through, and provides a community of positive, uplifting people, resulting in friendships and support systems that last year-round. Camp Kesem student leaders and staff do not step back once camp is over. We organize run reunions and socials year round, schedule visits, dinners and care packages if a parent passes away, and makes sure that Camp Kesem is a full time community of support that kids and families can always turn to.

Kesem means "magic" in Hebrew, and camp truly is magical. Camp Kesem changes lives, and adds something truly irreplaceable, invaluable and magical to every single person's life it touches- camper, parent, community supporter and counselor alike.