Camp Kesem is a student-run nonprofit that supports children through and beyond their parents' cancer. We fundraise all year to be able to put on a week of free summer camp for children in the community we serve.
We strive to build a community where these children can meet peers with similar experiences and make lifelong memories and friendships. Camp Kesem at UC Santa Cruz gives campers the opportunity to rediscover their childhood and creates a safe space for them to share their stories.
In July and August 2021, we hosted our second virtual camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In previous years, camp has been an in person event, and we hope to return to in person as soon as it is safe to do so. However, by mailing supplies to campers and creating engaging virtual programming, we were able to host two weeks of Kesem at Home!
We rely on fundraising all year to fully fund our weeks of camp. We have a goal of raising $5,000 on Giving Day to go towards our upcoming year of Kesem magic. Any donation makes a huge impact on the campers and camper families that we serve.
In order to make camp happen, we rely on fundraising efforts and donations. The money raised is used to purchase camp supplies for things such as arts, sports, drama, and other virtual and in person programming. It is also used to make camp kesem completely free to each and every one of our kesem families.
Below are some testimonies from the families we serve:
“Tigger was coming off the calls so happy. Last night after the escape room, she was so proud of herself (this level proud was rare). The support she got from everyone on the call and help from them, just made her night. She was telling us how great everyone was and how fun the challenge was. Have not seen her that confident in a long time. You guys are amazing!” - Tigger’s Mom
“Squirtle definitely enjoys every day from Camp Kesem. This is the best camp we have joined so far. Squirtle still remembers most of his counselors from last year. He was so excited every day from the moment he woke up. He couldn’t wait to turn on the zoom meet to join all activities. Hopefully we have the opportunity to join you guys live next year. We are so looking forward to it. He was smiling and happy when he was at the zoom meeting. :-) Really appreciate everything you guys have done for this camp! Amazing team members and amazing care from everyone!” - Squirtle’s Mom
“I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in May of 2018 and started chemo shortly after surgery. My kids were 17 and 13 at the time and a social worker told me about Camp Kesem. … We had no idea what to expect, but as soon as I turned into the [campsite] driveway I knew that this was going to be amazing for Road Runner! The tears were flowing as we pulled past all of the cheering counselors welcoming kids to camp! … She attended again in 2019 and then this year with Camp Kesem at Home. I was surprised, honestly, that my 15 year old would want to be on Zoom all week at camp, but she had the best time, and every day she was smiling and laughing and just had so much fun! … Camp Kesem has changed our lives and has brought us so much joy. My cancer is in remission and we are doing great, and part of our peace comes from our Kesem family!” - Road Runner’s Mom
Follow us on social media
https://www.facebook.com/campkesem.ucsc/
https://www.instagram.com/campkesem_ucsc/
| Rank | State | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CA | 12 |
| 2 | AK | 1 |
| 2 | AZ | 1 |
