The Spring 2024 class selected Camp Kesem at University of Nebraska as a recipient of a $5,000 grant to support their summer camp serving children coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis.
What does it mean to “just get to be a kid?” For participants in a local nonprofit’s camp, it means a safe escape from the trials and unknowns of having a parent with cancer. Camp Kesem, a nationwide nonprofit with a chapter at UNL, provides an impactful camp for children to attend. In the midst of a life event that would be stressful for anyone, let alone children, the opportunity of “just getting to be a kid” is what Camp Kesem strives to provide.
In the U.S., 5 million children are coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. Camp Kesem is trying to reach as many of those as possible. Nationally, they hope to serve over 8,000 kids this summer. “Magic,” the translation of “Kesem” from Hebrew, is what happens at this camp for all involved.
Camp Kesem at the University of Nebraska is special. Not only are they a nonprofit, but also a registered student organization. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln chapter was founded in 2012 and is run mostly by college students, an impressive feat. According to chapter Director Rohan Tatineni, UNL students lead the organization through a variety of roles, including fundraising, camp operations, and camp counselors.
Class member Joestin Watson says of this organization: “Camp Kesem and those who dedicate their time to volunteer with them work diligently to enrich and provide safety to those whose families have faced the immense challenges of cancer. We hope this grant will support their ongoing efforts to offer these courageous children a place to heal, connect, and simply be kids.”
When it comes to creating a fun, safe space for kids at camp, it’s not only the culture and activities but the physical environment that creates this feeling. A lot goes into that – whether it’s decorating the talent show stage or being able to provide adequate supplies for meaningful activities – these campers deserve the best experience possible. Additional camp activities include campers being split into smaller groups and participating in crafts, the “Messy Olympics”, Gaga ball, a spa day, "Capture the Counselor," and more. However, Tatineni shares that one of the most impactful activities is Empowerment. This intentional reflection time helps campers share or listen to other stories about cancer. As they bond with each other, camp becomes family.
In the months leading up to camp, Camp Kesem and volunteers take part in extensive fundraising efforts in order to make camp a reality. Our class is excited about the $5,000 grant to be able to aid this process, making summer camp the best it can be. Tatineni anticipates the Strive to Thrive Lincoln grant will be used to purchase camp supplies that are running low and will enable additional camp activities that did not previously fit into their budget.
In addition to the week-long camp that takes place in the summer, Camp Kesem offers additional programming. As many as three Friends and Family Days per year allow families and Kesem members to see each other outside of camp. At these gatherings, families come to campus and play football and soccer, watch movies, make friendship bracelets, tackle an obstacle course, and create paintings with Kesem members.
MNGT 411 student Eric Schainost had the opportunity to go on a service project to Camp Kesem Friends and Family Day during the semester. He explained that, at camp, “every camper and camp counselor has a unique camp name - to help with confidentiality and to allow kids to take on a second alias. It also adds to the fun environment.” While volunteering at Friends and Family Day, “everyone formed a naming circle around me, and I started listing things I liked and enjoyed doing. I am currently taking a scuba diving class here at UNL, and one of the campers shouted out, 'Scuba!' I thought that was a great name, and for the remainder of the day, my name was no longer Eric, but Scuba.”
Strive to Thrive Lincoln developed a special connection with this organization’s mission, and we are grateful to be able to contribute to such a fantastic group like Camp Kesem.
Learn more about Camp Kesem at the University of Nebraska and their recent camp at their Facebook and Instagram pages:
https://www.facebook.com/KesemNebraska
https://www.instagram.com/kesem_unl
Article authored by Katelyn Mullinax, marketing team member.