Camp Kesem

Last week, I had the opportunity to work at Camp Kesem BYU. That definitely wasn't on my original plan for summer, and me getting involved happened so suddenly. I was at EFY in Cedar and heard that the camp needed a therapist in order to happen. And since several different plans I had for that week had fallen through, I decided to go for it.

Anyways, the premise of Camp Kesem is really neat. It's a camp for kids who have a parent who has cancer (whether the parent has died, is currently in treatment, or is in remission). It's run by college students (so it's also a leadership program) and there are multiple camps throughout the nation. It's a basic summer camp, with all sorts of fun and activities (including great things like swimming, crafts, sports, a ropes course, talent show, theme days, and camper names). However, all the kids have one thing in common... having a parent with cancer. And they are able to talk about that at nightly cabin chats and it definitely comes out at the Thursday night "empowerment ceremony" (basically a camp-wide cabin chat that focuses exclusively on cancer). And at the end of the ceremony, a skein of yarn is unraveled and everybody takes hold of it to show we're all connected. It is all then cut up and everybody ties a piece around their wrist. I still have mine on. A nice reminder that we're all in this together.

As for my personal experience, it was a hard week for me. I wasn't feeling well physically during a lot of it, which was really hard. I was also struggling with some other personal stuff. But it was so neat to be there. The counselors and coordinators were all so incredible, as were the kids. I had so much fun with them and learned a lot from them. It was amazing to see these kids just be kids, because so many of them have to grow up so fast in their situation. It was neat to see them realize that they're not alone and that there are others who understand them and their situation. They are so strong and such amazing examples of resiliency and I definitely grew a lot from witnessing that. I learned that I need to appreciate what I have more. I was reminded of how fun and cute little kids can be. I realized that maybe I will be a good mother one day (as that is a worry of mine). And I know that I can be more kind and giving to everybody around me.

Though it was hard while I was there, I am so grateful I went. I highly encourage everyone to get involved, especially since the camp is entirely run by volunteers. Nobody in the camp is paid (including the professional staff, like myself and the nurse). And none of the kids have to pay to go, which is such a blessing, since many families are very strained for cash due to cancer treatments. It's really incredible. However, because of that, they definitely need money and donations to keep going. So if you feel so inclined, a great way to support them is by donating some money so that the camp (and magic!) can continue to happen in these kids' lives.