Uc Davis Student-run Camp For Families Affected By Cancer Now Accepting Camper Applications!

March 15, 2012 - 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 Davis 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.  This camp experience is available to all children ages 6 to 16 regardless of race, religion, or financial need; any child with a parent who has or had cancer may attend.  Camp Kesem not only creates a support system, but also gives our campers the chance to develop strong lifetime friendships.  Camp Kesem offers children a chance to take a break from their adult-like worries and pressures in order to rediscover the magic of childhood.

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 63 campers and 34 counselors.  The Hebrew word kesem, means magic, which perfectly describes what our organization is all about.

This year, Camp Kesem UC Davis would like to open our arms to 80 campers.  Our camper application is now available on our website, http://www.campkesemdavis.org, and will be open until positions are filled (usually mid-April).  Families that are affected by cancer in the greater Sacramento region will have first priority; others will be considered on our wait list.

Think Camp Kesem is a great cause and you would like to contribute?  Camp Kesem UC Davis is run completely by volunteer college students who work countless hours every week to make camp happen.  Our current fundraising goal is $55,000 in order to take 80 campers and 45 counselors to camp for this amazing five night, six-day experience.  Please visit our website, http://www.campkesemdavis.org, to find out how you can help!

“Camp Kesem allows children to simply be kids and also creates a support system – what I like to call a ‘Kesem Family.’  Being part of this family is indescribable.  Not only does it amaze me to see how much each camper grows throughout the week, but also how I am forever changed by each camper that touches my heart.”
-  Camp Kesem Alumni

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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.