The University of Toledo chapter of Camp Kesem — a national nonprofit that provides programs and services to children ages 6 to 18 whose parents have or have had cancer — is back for another summer — but in a new location.
Organized five years ago, the UToledo chapter of Camp Kesem has scheduled this year’s weeklong camp from Sunday, June 8, through Friday, June 13, at YMCA Camp Wilson, 2732 County Road 11 in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
The UToledo chapter of Camp Kesem runs Sunday, June 8, through Friday, June 13, at YMCA Camp Wilson, 2732 County Road 11 in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
“In past years we have had many fun activities including swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, archery, zip-lining, arts and crafts, dodgeball and so much more,” said Rahil Patel, 20, a junior studying bioengineering from Naperville, Illinois, who is a co-director of the student-led UToledo chapter along with Jayden Chacko, 20, a junior studying biological sciences from Portland, Oregon.
“Also, one of our traditions at camp is ‘cabin chat,’ where each cabin sits down together each night to talk about the best and worst parts or moments from that day. It serves as an integral part of Kesem as it allows the kids to voice how they are feeling and provides them a platform to share their emotions regarding camp or anything else they may be facing.”
Patel joined Kesem as a freshman and served on the committee for the Make The Magic event, an annual fundraising dinner that brings together camp alumni, supporters and sponsors. Chacko also joined as a freshman and last year served as the co-development coordinator.
This is the first time either of them has attended the camp.
“We hope to put together a magical camp this summer where all of our campers have a chance to enjoy, have fun and just be kids,” Chacko said. “We want to connect directly with each of our campers and work to get to know each and every one of the kids attending our camp. We currently have 22 kids signed up for camp this summer from June 8 though June 13, but are aiming for at least 30. We successfully raised approximately $50,000 this past year, and we want to provide an opportunity for as many kids to attend our camp as possible.”
“We have 15 camp counselors including myself and Jayden who are all student volunteers from The University of Toledo and are either coordinators, committee members or general body members within our Camp Kesem chapter,” Patel added. “In addition, we have nurses and mental health professionals who will also be volunteering alongside us to make sure all bases are covered in preparation for camp.”
Families can sign up via this online enrollment form.
And Rockets can get involved with the UToledo Camp Kesem chapter by following the organization on Instagram at @kesemutoledo where updates are continuously posted about its programs, and ways to get involved with the organization. The national Kesem website is another resource to learn more about the organization and what it does.
“Camp Kesem is an amazing opportunity for kids and families who have been impacted by a parent’s cancer to meet and connect with others facing similar circumstances,” Patel said. “It allows the kids to be kids again and temporarily unburdens them from the weight of seeing their loved ones face an unrelenting cancer diagnosis. In its core, Kesem brings people together and creates experiences and connections to allow kids to have fun but also help deal with their emotions and grief at the same time.
“Kesem means ‘magic’ in Hebrew,” he added, “and that is exactly what it is.”
