Courtesy of Kesem at Pitt
PITTSBURGH — Student volunteers at the University of Pittsburgh are making a difference in the lives of children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis through Camp Kesem, a free summer camp program that provides both emotional support and much-needed escape.
“Kesem is a national nonprofit organization that benefits children affected by parents’ cancer diagnosis,” said Jerek Stegman, a University of Pittsburgh volunteer who goes by the camp name “Beef.” “The main thing we do here at Pitt is a week-long, free of cost summer camp for the families, where the kids can go and escape their life at home.”
The camp atmosphere is intentionally playful, featuring activities that help children temporarily forget about difficult situations at home.
“We do funny camp names,” Stegman explained. “It just adds to the escape and lets the kids be themselves without having to feel any pressure to be someone that they are at home.”
One counselor, Alexandra Charlton, who goes by “Little Red,” brings personal experience to her role. She first attended Camp Kesem after losing her father to lung cancer when she was 12 years old.
“I learned about Kesem when he was in treatment through a cancer support community,” Charlton said. “It happened to be after he passed away, that that was my first year of camp. And from then on, I’ve been so involved in Kesem. It’s been my life.”
The impact was so significant that it influenced her college decision process.
“When I was applying to schools, I made it a mission to pick a school with a Kesem,” she said. “I was on the Kesem website, looking up schools that had a chapter of Kesem, and that’s how I made my college list.”
Though Camp Kesem primarily offers recreational activities, it also provides a safe space for children to discuss their experiences with others who understand.
“We have one day called empowerment day that is all dedicated to letting the kids share their story and share their emotions,” Stegman said. “We have mental health professionals at camp that can also talk to the kids if they need.”
Beyond the summer program, the Pitt chapter hosts regular events throughout the academic year.
“We also do friends and family days throughout the year,” Stegman said. “We just did one this weekend where we went to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.”
To keep the camp free for participants, volunteers engage in fundraising activities year-round.
“The camp is free of cost for the families, and that is done through fundraising,” Stegman said. “Coming up on March 21 we have our Make the Magic Gala.”
For Charlton, the most meaningful aspects of Camp Kesem extend beyond the fun activities.
“I think that the most rewarding part of Camp is empowerment,” she said. “The impact of knowing that you’re not alone, that you’re with someone who knows what you’re going through without even having to talk about it, is truly the experience I take out of camp every year.”
The program has profoundly affected not only the children who attend but also the college students who volunteer.
“I think the most rewarding part of being a part of Kesem is just the person that it’s helped me to become myself,” Stegman said. “It’s taught me how to love a lot harder than I did before.”
For more information about Camp Kesem, visit their national website or contact the University of Pittsburgh chapter.