Some may consider Camp Kesem counselors’ nicknames silly—they pick names like “KitKat,” “Banjo” and “Queso” to go by all week—but the monikers serve an important purpose: boosting the fun atmosphere of the summer camp.
Every year, this group of Case Western Reserve University students hosts a summer camp for children whose parents are struggling with or have succumbed to cancer. This year’s camp will take place from Sunday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Aug. 11.
Camp Kesem counselors strive to be friends for their campers, creating a community that is both fun and supportive. Camp Kesem is completely free for campers, so the counselors fundraise throughout the year for both supplies and monetary donations. Some of the organization’s large, annual events are the CK Pageant, a talent show put on by counselors; Camp Kesem Carnival, an event with numerous carnival games; and the Make the Magic fundraising dinner. Several of these events are a part of Krazy Kesem Week, the organization’s primary fundraising drive in April.
And while the work they do is serious and important, they have a lot of fun, too. Camp Kesem features such activities as tie-dye, campfires and slip n’ slides, ensuring that campers enjoy an exciting week.
For more information, visit the CWRU organization’s website or Facebook page.