Camp Kesem

Our Mission:
At our core, we are driven by the mission to provide unwavering support to children navigating the challenges of their parent’s cancer journey and beyond. Our commitment is realized through the implementation of innovative, fun-filled programs that not only uplift but also cultivate a lasting sense of community.

Our Activities:

  1. Friends and Family Day:
    Immerse yourself in the warmth of camaraderie at our Friends and Family Day—an extraordinary event tailored for Camp Kesem campers. Set against the backdrop of Yale’s campus, this day offers a perfect opportunity to reunite with familiar faces, forge new friendships, and engage in a plethora of activities. From games and sports to team-bonding exercises, the day is brimming with joy. Our dedicated volunteers, including both returning and prospective Camp Kesem counselors, are instrumental in creating an atmosphere where laughter and connection thrive.
  2. Giving Tuesday:
    Step into the heartbeat of Kesem’s largest fundraiser—Giving Tuesday. This event is not just about fundraising; it’s a vibrant showcase of our commitment to making a difference. Our presence on campus is marked by engaging fundraising events and community activities that transcend the ordinary. Every penny raised during Giving Tuesday is a step towards our goal of ensuring that Camp Kesem remains a haven, accessible to all campers without any financial barriers.

Student Leaders:

Meet the passionate leaders steering the ship:

  • Melanie Nguyen: Co-Coordinator/Co-President
  • Shea Hinojosa: Co-Coordinator/Co-President
  • Victoria Gasca: Co-Coordinator/Co-President

Together, we are united in our dedication to creating a supportive and empowering environment for children facing the challenges of a parent’s cancer journey. Join us on this impactful journey of resilience, compassion, and community building.

More Groups and Programs

Our Mission:

To support children through and beyond their parent's cancer with innovative, fun-filled programs that foster a lasting community.



Our Activities:

Kesem Mixer Direct Service This is a social event to welcome new members to the Kesem community. Outreach to campers, donors, and community partners Direct Service Because we aim to put on a free camp for all campers (over 130, with camp costing ~$500 per camper), we rely heavily on support from community foundations, sponsors, and individual donors. To maintain and steward these relationship for future years, we send personalized updates and thank you cards to larger and corporate donors. Our Through and Beyond programming also supports campers as they navigate the parents' diagnoses - we send care packages, birthday cards, and other personalized support to campers throughout the year, especially during notable events (parent's first diagnosis, treatment milestones, parent's passing). Our main community partners is Infinite Strength (nonprofit serving single mothers with metastatic breast cancer), whose conference we volunteer at each semester. Kesem Mixer Direct Service This is a social event to give members the opportunity to get to know one another outside of camp activities. Weekly Coordinator Board Meeting Advocacy or Activism These are meeting that we host for the entire board to discuss plans for the upcoming week - service events, member meetings, and our progress towards planning camp. Kesem Member Meeting Advocacy or Activism Members will be able to get to know others in the Kesem community, learn about our mission, and find out ways to get more involved with the cause. Kesem Member Meeting Advocacy or Activism Members can attend this meeting to get to know others in the Kesem community, learn more about Kesem's mission, and find out how to get involved with our chapter.



Student Leaders:

Anjali Dhanekula - Co-Coordinator/Co-President Nicole Campbell - Co-Coordinator/Co-President Brooklyn Brauner - Co-Coordinator/Co-President

How others get involved:

Volunteers can sign up to join our mailing list or attend our monthly Kesem Member Meetings!

About the Author

Dwight Hall