In 2000, four college students decided to make a difference in their community. They wanted to change the lives of children and families coping with cancer. Their solution: to set up the first Camp Kesem – a student-run week-long summer camp for kids that have or have had cancer and their caregivers. In 2001, these Stanford students hosted their first camp and gave 37 children the opportunity to just be kids.

bugkesem

The children who suffer from cancer do not always appear sick, but in reality, they are suffering tremendously and quietly. The effects are numerous – academic, social, emotional, and developmental. Before Camp Kesem, many of these kids were previously unreached and overlooked in their communities.

Camp Kesem is now a national community benefit organization, with 37 other chapters in different universities around the United States. A total of 8,489 kids have been positively affected by Camp Kesem. These positive effects include increasing a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and a network of support.

And now Fresno State has the opportunity to take part!

kidskesem
Kids strategizing in a game with their camp counselor.

Camp Kesem Fresno State is currently a campus club, with the goal of having our first camp in the summer of 2015. As a club, we will manage a budget, market Camp Kesem to our community, develop community partnerships, and recruit counselors. We also have the opportunity to plan the camp program for the children.

In order to accomplish this, we must fundraise thousands of dollars, find a campsite, and work closely with others in the community who are passionate about this cause. 

The last piece of this puzzle is YOU. We want Fresno State students who are passionate about this issue to get involved with Camp Kesem. If you’re interested in Camp Kesem, would like to receive more information about it, and/or would like to join our team, send an email to: amandadelima@mail.fresnostate.edu
~Ambassador Amanda