“Kesem” is Hebrew for “magic,” and it’s unmistakably magic that takes place for the kids involved in the UNC chapter of Camp Kesem.
Founded at Stanford in 2000, Camp Kesem now has many chapters nationwide, serving about 6,000 kids each year. Ryan Herrera and Sarah Cline are involved in the UNC chapter as PR coordinator and fundraising chair, respectively, and these two UNC students are this week’s WCHL Hometown Heroes!
“Camp Kesem is a student-led organization that serves children whose parents have been affected by cancer,” said Herrera. “There are 80 chapters in over 38 states across the country, including at NC State and Duke … Our camp takes in August for a week at Camp Keyauwee in Sophia, North Carolina.”
The UNC Chapter of Camp Kesem was founded in 2003, and is operated by around 70 student volunteers and serves over 100 campers per year.
Camp Kesem at UNC-Chapel Hill was founded in 2003 and supports children in the North Carolina community by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-long peer support. Camp Kesem at UNC-Chapel Hill is operated by 75 student volunteers and serves 110 campers ages 6-16 per year.
“The name ‘Kesem’ is Hebrew for ‘magic’,” said Herrera. “It kind of goes with the whole magical week we try to provide for these kids who are so special and so strong, and who go through such a formative experience. We really just want to foster a supportive and magical week for them.”
Kids ages six to 16 are invited to the camp, and over a week have access to activities, both in open play and structured events. Climbing walls, a pool, pick-up games of basketball and other sports and even access to a lake, complete with canoes.
“There’s also lots of special events that go on, like an empowerment circle and opportunities for them to bond with each otehr and talk about their experiences. To support each other,” said Herrera.
The peer-support network formed at the camp understands the unique needs of these kids who have been touched by the cancer of a parent. Confidence building and the strengthening of communication skills are central tenants of the Camp Kesem experience.
On Friday, April 21, the UNC chapter will be holding a fundraiser event, called “Make the Magic,” at the NC Botanical Garden.
“We are so excited about it,” said Cline. “It’s going to be a beautiful night … This is really just a chance for us to make a lot of money in hopes of expanding to two weeks next year to help more kids, eventually doubling our reach, but it’s also a chance just to celebrate what this organization means to the counselors, the kids, and their families. It’s just a celebration of the magic of Kasem.”
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