Bringing Camp Kesem to Campus

By Samantha Nitz

When tragedy strikes in a young child's life, the effects can be traumatic and change their lives for years to come. Luckily for some children who have been affected by cancer in their families, there is a valuable resource for them to deal with their situations: Camp Kesem.

Camp Kesem is a summer camp run by college students, which allows for children aged 6 to 16 whose parent has, or had, cancer. The main goal of the camp is to give children who have been through difficult situations a chance to relax, get the support they need, and have a good time with a week of summer fun.

Sophomore Margret Mendenhall is striving to open a new chapter of Camp Kesem here on campus. This would provide students with a chance to get involved as well as get surrounding businesses involved in this chance to make a difference.

The camp allows for student volunteers to interact with and bring happiness to many children who need emotional relief during their difficult times.

Chapters of Camp Kesem have been opening up on college campuses throughout the U.S., with thousands of students and children involved. But getting involved with Camp Kesem is no small feat. Recently, Mendenhall has been working very hard to make the application deadline.  

The first step alone in applying to open a camp involves finding over 100 businesses that would be willing to donate. The applicant must establish themself as a strong leader and reliable role model, in addition to finding a panel of helpers who are committed to the cause and willing to work hard. 

"Camp Kesem is very important to me because it's important for kids in a stressful situation to have a positive environment that focuses on them," said Mendenhall. "It also lets people our age get the chance to change lives and be role models." 

As an organization, Camp Kesem has grown immensely since it began. In 2001, there was a single chapter that worked with only 37 campers and 40 student leaders. By last year there were 37 chapters of Camp Kesem with 8,489 campers and 5,172 student leaders. 

Now that the application has been submitted, there's nothing for Mendenhall, her board of helpers and the student body to do but wait. Hopefully by next year Santa Clara will be able to be a part of this organization and will begin its journey in helping thousands of children through hardship right here on campus.