Free Camp for Children Affected by Cancer Kicks Off its 8th Year! (Run by UC Davis students)

Nov. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Camp Kesem is a student-run summer camp for kids who currently have or have had a parent diagnosed with cancer.  Our free overnight camp is a chance for kids to have a fun-filled week and rediscover the magic of childhood.  Camp Kesem is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run by student volunteers.  Our vision is for all children whose parents have faced cancer to enjoy the opportunity to attend a student-run and community based summer camp with peers facing similar challenges.  Camp Kesem is open to all children ages 6 to 16 regardless of race, religion, or financial need. Through Camp Kesem, children discover that they are not alone as they learn new ways to cope, create support systems, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Kesem offers these children a chance to take a break from their adult-like worries and pressures in order to rediscover the magic of childhood.

Dr. Michael Amylon, Pediatric Oncologist at Stanford Hospital, emphasizes the importance of an experience like Kesem.  “These kids have their world knocked right out from under them, and often they have no where to turn to get help and support.  Camp Kesem provides a magical place of respite and play, and a group of other kids in the same situation who understand what it's all about and can offer unique and important peer understanding and friendship.”

Camp Kesem UC Davis is a magical experience that has touched the lives of many children in the Davis region.  Matt was born with nail patella syndrome, which caused his right leg and foot to be twisted backward at birth, but has undergone surgery and therapy to conquer his disability.  Matt’s biological father passed away when he was only nine months old and his mother passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of twelve.  According to his stepfather and grandmother, Matt has never talked about his disability or his mother’s death.  By the fifth day of Camp Kesem UC Davis, Matt shared his life story with the other 70 campers and 35 counselors.  The Hebrew word kesem, means magic, which perfectly describes what our organization is all about.

Since our first week of camp in 2005, Camp Kesem UC Davis has grown every year to engage more student volunteers and to serve more children.  Our goal for Camp Kesem UC Davis 2012 is to take 70 campers and 35 counselors for a five night, six-day experience.  The impact of Camp Kesem extends well beyond the one week in the summer; our campers have developed strong lifetime friendships.

More information about Camp Kesem can be found by visiting http://www.campkesemdavis.org.

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Camp Kesem is a student-run summer camp for kids who currently have or have had a parent diagnosed with cancer. Our free overnight camp is a chance for kids to have a fun-filled week and rediscover the magic of childhood.