I recently got involved with the Camp Kesem organization at Ohio State and so far it’s the best decision while attending Ohio State. Camp Kesem is a student-run organization where students fundraise money to send children who are affected by a parents’ cancer to camp for a week, and then volunteer as counselors at the camp.

For a week during the summer, children affected by a parents’ cancer have the opportunity to forget about the hardships they deal with at home, and just have fun. They’re able to meet others in similar situations as them, and experience adventures that they’ve never experienced before.

Each child and counselor is given a camp name. They are given a camp name so that they can use camp as a chance to be someone other than themselves. Camp names are often creative and random like “Christmas,” “Oatmeal,” and “Tree,” each with their own unique story.

During a typical camp day, campers have the opportunity to do different activities such as archery, rock climbing, and swimming. There are also giant games involving the whole camp, like capture the flag. Before bedtime every night, each cabin has something called cabin chats. During cabin chats, the children are able to talk about why they come to camp, or what they enjoyed about their day, or different things like that.

Camp Kesem is an amazing opportunity for both the campers and counselors involved. Campers have the ability to escape whatever’s going on at home for a week and have fun with kids their age that actually understand them and what they’re going through. They’re able to try new things, have fun, and grow as people. The counselors also have an opportunity to grow and learn. Many counselors are affected by cancer in someway, but some counselors may not be. Either way, Camp Kesem gives all the chance to just let go and have fun. There are fashion shows, paint fights, guys wearing makeup, and anything imaginable. It’s an unforgettable experience for all involved.