When Camp Kesem was founded at Stanford University in 2000 as a part of Hillel at Stanford, it had a mission to provide a positive and free camp experience to children whose parents were dealing with cancer. Over the years, Camp Kesem has grown to more than 130 chapters across the country, and all of them are dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and supportive environment for kids.
At Camp Kesem, kids are able to enjoy a variety of activities, from adventure experiences and creative projects to building trust in themselves and making new friends. Campers often report that Camp Kesem is the best week of the year, and it's easy to see why – it's a chance for them to have a break from the challenges of life and just be a kid again.
Camp Kesem is a unique organization that is focused on providing an experience that can help children facing difficult situations. The campers find a safe, fun, and supportive environment where they can have a break from the real world and just enjoy the moment. Camp Kesem is a special place for these children, and we believe that it is an important part of their journey.
Your camper wakes up early to have one of their three nutritional meals of the day. Later, your child will go with their peers in the same age group to different camp rotations. This may include traditional camp activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and swimming. Morning activities end with “Cabin Time,” a chance for your child to relax with their bunkmates, nap, do crafts, or write letters home.