Camp Kesem creates the magic by providing a safe and supportive community for children affected by a parent's cancer. The organization recognizes that these children often carry a heavy emotional burden and need a space where they can just be kids. Through their week-long summer camps and year-round programs, Camp Kesem offers these children a chance to play, laugh, and connect with peers who understand their unique experiences. One of the main ways that Camp Kesem creates the magic is through the power of empathy. The counselors and volunteers at Camp Kesem are all college students who have been personally impacted by a parent's cancer. This shared experience allows them to fully understand and relate to the campers' feelings and challenges.
Breaking the news to your children that you have cancer can be one of the most challenging conversations to have with your children. Worrying about how they’ll react and cope with the news is natural. They may feel scared, confused, and worried about your health and their future.
Whether you know of a possible camper or otherwise wish to learn more about this effort, we invite you to check out the Camp Kesem Rice website or to contact the group via rice campkesem. Their goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment for some of the nearly 2 million children age 6 to 16 whose lives are affected by having a parent with cancer.
This shared experience allows them to fully understand and relate to the campers' feelings and challenges. They are able to provide a level of understanding and support that is unmatched by other organizations. This empathy creates a sense of belonging for the campers, as they know they are not alone in their struggles.
Thank You for a Magical Summer
One thing is for sure—there is nothing quite like the positive impact that a summer of Camp Kesem leaves on every member of our community. Read below for some of the incredible testimonies of various members of Kesem and how much being back at camp this summer (and beyond) has meant to them.
KESEM COUNSELOR: "I think it's hard to put into words the impact that Kesem has had on me…Without Kesem, I wouldn't have had all of these opportunities to grow as a person and a leader. I found myself through Kesem and more importantly, I found the person I want to continue to be. “Mushu” is my best self and I strive to bring Mushu to every situation I encounter. I can't thank Kesem enough for giving me the confidence to be the person I am today. I wrote my medical school admissions essay about why I Kesem and how that ultimately solidified my decision to pursue medicine. I cannot thank this organization, each and every one of you at CKN, for giving me the opportunity to have this life-changing experience. You make magic for our campers and each and every person that joins our community. I will love Kesem dearly for the rest of my life."
KESEM PARENT: “I cannot even express how wonderful this program is. We've been a part of it since 2020 but this was our first year of in person camp and my children found so much JOY at Kesem. I have dealt with cancer since I was diagnosed while pregnant with my youngest—my kids only know a mom with cancer. For them to find this group with cancer as a common factor—but takes it and changes the narrative and only brings them joy—is truly priceless. We are so thankful for this program, for the student leaders and counselors, and everyone who makes this so magical for the kids.”
KESEM CAMPER: “Hi Kesem, I wanted to say how grateful I am for such a strong and supportive program that you have created. I go to [Kesem Chapter] and this week was the best week of my life. I have been multiple times and every time I go I am able to enjoy life, be a kid, and also process my feelings with kids who have gone through the same thing as me. You guys give me hope and make me feel like I can get through anything. My brothers and I have been going for 7 years… And soon I will get to be a counselor and help kids who go through this program. I know Kesem will always be a second home to me and I have never felt safer being there. I hope you guys know that you truly have helped me in life and I will always be grateful for you.”
We welcome children coping with a parent's cancer into a supportive community where they find caring volunteers, exemplary role models in our college student leaders, and friends that they can relate to. This new environment leads to more positive outcomes for them, including:
Improved self-esteem
Enhanced coping skills
Increased self-confidence
Stronger emotional intelligence
In addition to empathy, Camp Kesem creates magic through a wide range of activities and programs that cater to the campers' emotional and physical well-being. The campers engage in traditional camp activities such as swimming, hiking, crafts, and campfire songs. These activities allow them to let loose, have fun, and forget about the difficulties they are facing at home. Additionally, the organization provides specialized programs that help children process their emotions and build resilience. These programs include grief counseling, therapeutic art sessions, and group discussions where campers can share their experiences and support one another. Perhaps the most magical aspect of Camp Kesem is the lasting impact it has on the campers' lives. Through the camp experience, children learn important life skills such as resilience, empathy, and problem-solving. They build friendships and support networks that extend beyond their time at camp. Many campers continue to stay involved with Camp Kesem as they grow up, becoming counselors themselves and giving back to the organization that helped them through a difficult time in their lives. Overall, Camp Kesem creates the magic by providing a safe and empowering space for children affected by a parent's cancer. Through empathy, support, and a wide range of activities, the organization helps these children find joy and strength in the face of adversity. The impact of Camp Kesem extends far beyond the summer camp experience, creating a lifelong support network for campers and changing their lives for the better..
Reviews for "The Healing Power of Magic: Camp Kesem and the Children of Cancer Patients"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Camp Kesem Creates the Magic". The story felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was also quite simple and lacked the sophistication that I expect from a novel. Overall, I found this book to be lacking in substance and would not recommend it.
2. John - 1/5 stars - "Camp Kesem Creates the Magic" was a complete waste of time. The plot was predictable and uninteresting. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I struggled to connect with any of the characters as they all felt shallow and unrelatable. I expected so much more from this book and it really let me down. I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Camp Kesem Creates the Magic" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story lacked depth and the pacing felt off. The characters were not well-developed, making it difficult to invest in their journeys. Additionally, the writing style was lacking in descriptive language and failed to evoke any emotional response. Overall, I found this book to be quite underwhelming and would not recommend it.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Camp Kesem Creates the Magic" was a complete letdown. The storyline was unoriginal and filled with clichés. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real depth or development. The writing style was also quite dull and uninspiring. I was hoping for a captivating and engaging read, but instead, this book was a boring and forgettable experience. I do not recommend it to others.