Camp Kesem: Empowering Kids Affected by a Parent's Cancer

Tallahassee, FL, - Camp Kesem, a national organization that provides a life-long peer support network to help children, ages 6 to 16, through and beyond their parent’s cancer, is pleased to kick off its 4th annual season of camp in Hawthorne, FL

Anchored in a network of free programs that are led by passionate college student volunteers across the country, Camp Kesem is organized locally in Tallahassee, FL by dedicated students from Florida State University. This summer, Camp Kesem at FSU will host 60+ campers from August 2-August 7, 2015 at Camp Kateri, located in Hawthorne, FL. 

With 1.7 million cancer cases a year in the United States, there are more than 3 million children impacted by a parent’s cancer and Camp Kesem recognizes and embraces this often-overlooked population. Because they don’t appear sick, their needs are often over looked and they suffer quietly, leading to academic, social, emotional, and developmental problems. Camp Kesem helps these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer by providing a care-free and fun environment in which they can interact and bond with peers who face similar struggles at home.

Children that attend Camp Kesem at FSU will participate in a host of fun activities including sports, drama, arts & crafts, adventurous scavenger hunts, and talent shows. Nightly “Cabin Chats” allow campers to open up to their peers and counselors. 

Quotes from camper parents: 

​​“She has never had someone her age who understands how it feels. It's all still so new she cant wait to go to camp and just have a break!”

“It was wonderful to lie in bed nursing my chemo pain, and listening to my boys telling me what they did at camp. They really had a great time. They even told me they love it more than the Disney cruise.”

Camp Kesem at FSU is organized by dedicated students at Florida State University who work year long to plan and fundraise for an impactful week of camp. Student volunteers and counselors experience leadership development and undergo twenty hours of extensive training prior to camp. Camp Kesem is provided free of charge to all participating families and is therefore supported by private donations and community support. 

For more information about the camp and how to register, please visit:

www.campkesem.org/FSU

ABOUT CAMP KESEM

Camp Kesem provides children affected by a parent’s cancer with a life-long, peer-support network that recognizes and understands their unique needs. This summer, Camp Kesem will serve nearly 4,000 children, ages 6-16, with critical support through free summer camps led by passionate college students empowered with life & leadership skills. Camp Kesem currently exists at 63 chapters in 29 states and operates off donations and community support. For more information on Camp Kesem, please visit www.campkesem.org, Facebook.com/CampKesem, and @CampKesem on Twitter & Instagram.

ABOUT CAMP KESEM AT FSU


Camp Kesem FSU was founded in 2011 and supports children in the North Florida community by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-long peer support. Camp Kesem FSU is operated by 35 student volunteers and serves 60 campers ages 6-16 per year. For more information about Camp Kesem at FSU please visit www.campkesem.org/fsu, Facebook.com/campkesemfsu and @campkesemfsu on Twitter.