About Us

Camp Kesem is a weeklong, sleep-away camp for children aged 6-18 who are affected by a parent or caregiver's cancer. It is free for the campers and is designed to provide a week of support, community, and fun for Camp Kesem campers. In addition to camp, we offer support to families throughout the year in the form of birthday cards, virtual cabin chat meetings, one in-person event for camper families each semester, and connection to resources. The Kesem chapter at Duke University, is one of the largest of 137 chapters nationwide committed to serving children affected by a parent's cancer diagnosis. Who Are We Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond a parent's cancer. Kesem's flagship program, Camp Kesem, operates 137 free summer camps across the country for children ages 6 to 18 who have been impacted by a parent's cancer. Vision: To ensure that every child impacted by a parent's cancer is never alone. Mission: To support children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community. Tagline: A child's friend through and beyond a parent's cancer.