Applications are being accepted for Camp Kesem, a free sleep-away camp for children with a parent who has died from cancer, is currently in treatment for cancer or is in remission from cancer. The camp will be held July 22-27 at Camp NaCoMe in Pleasantville, Tenn.
The mission of Camp Kesem is to provide a student-run summer camp program for children who have or have had a parent with cancer, in which campers build self-esteem and gain support from peers facing similar challenges. With a camper-counselor ratio of 2:1, campers receive the special attention and support that they would not receive at a regular summer camp.
Twenty volunteer counselors from Vanderbilt University will staff the camp and undergo extensive training prior to camp. The professional staff will include a nurse, a psychotherapist and a camp adviser.
Camp Kesem is open to all children in the Middle Tennessee area between the ages of 6 and 13 regardless of race, religion, color, national origin or financial status. Due to the financial burden experienced by families coping with cancer, Camp Kesem is provided free of charge to all families.
Camp Kesem will accept 40 children this year. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with consideration to ensure appropriate balances of age and gender. The application deadline is May 1.
Camp Kesem is a national program, and this is the first year it will be held in Middle Tennessee completely organized and run by Vanderbilt students. For an application or more information, visit the Vanderbilt Camp Kesem website.
Contact: Brittany Cowfer, (904) 504-4800
brittany.a.cowfer@vanderbilt.edu