Looking for Something to brighten your day?

Do you need something to brighten your day?  Maybe you just need a good idea, something to laugh at, or learn something you never knew before.  Topteneverythinglist.com has dozens of entries on plenty of different topics.  Looking for ideas for something to do this weekend in Utah or Provo more specifically?  Maybe you're looking for a bit of humor and want to relate with pet peeves, chatting with acquaintances you haven't seen in a long time, or learn about weird holidays and useless facts?  Have you ever wanted to see the wanders of the world but just couldn't afford it?  Do so now from the comforts of your own home and check out these amazing places you won't believe exist!  These are only a few of the many lists contained within topteneverythinglist.com.  I bet you won't be able to check out just one list.

Words from our past director, Rev

"I sat in school and got a degree, I served in Camp Kesem and got an education."

I don't mean to belittle my college professors, the prestige of the university, or undermine the things I learned in class, but ultimately my education has come from experiences-one in particular- far beyond the classroom. 

I worked a ton through college, and most of it wasn't on class assignments. Instead, I had a full time job as well as being fairly committed to other responsibilities as a husband, father, Boy Scout leader and too many other things to list I share this because it puts into perspective how vital Camp Kesem was to my education and development. I couldn't let go of it no matter how busy I got or how many commitments I felt already were on my plate. There was always time for CK, even if "time" meant at 11:59pm. 

I participated in CK from January 2011 to August 2013, and on my last day I cried, and wept. I cried because I was completely exhausted and I wept because I felt a joy that is best expressed in a moment with no words, just the pure emotion of tears that tell a tale of what has been seen, accomplished, and experienced. 

Beyond the tears, what did I gain from CK? In a literal sense, I exchanged dozens of hours a week for a leadership development course on the front lines. I lived and breathed organizational leadership, financial management, event planning, peer coaching, nonprofit management, training and development, and all the other pretty topics you read about in your college business book. Not only that, but I experienced it all while falling in love with over 100 children and university students. It was glorious and as I mentioned already an education beyond anything I could have anticipated day 1 of freshman year. 

I love my CK family. I love that while many students spent their hours in the library getting A's, I was out in the streets getting as many C's as possible. C's as in "children whose parent has/had cancer". (Honestly, I got C's in the classroom too, but that is a topic better addressed later.) I love that my last week of summer for 3 years was a 24/7 service activity making magic for kids who needed their childhood back. I love that all I could talk about the first month of the semester was "lemon head" and "Minnie" and "purple star" and "sporty" and "el guapito". While everyone else talked about the relaxing summer, I loved talking about the $2000 donation that came I right before camp. I loved sharing what a camper or a counselor shared about how cancer affected them. I loved remembering (daydreaming in class) what I saw in the eyes of children who lost their mom, their strength, their love, their bold commitment to live life without excuses, their compassion, their pain, and often their tears of sadness but more importantly (and often) of joy. 

As you can tell, I am very biased. Camp Kesem wasn't just a service activity, it was a life. A monthly, weekly, daily, even hourly commitment to providing even a moment's worth of strength to families suffering from the cold hearted and evil doer---cancer. I didn't just volunteer to babysit some kids for a week of summer. I lived out each day for over two years planning, preparing, funding, and executing an experience parents desperately wanted their kids to have...fun, despite the circumstances. 

Camp Kesem stays with me even though I am past the day to day activities of preparing for camp. There is not a single skill, trait, attribute, bit of knowledge that I have today that didn't pass through the CK filter. I look back on CK and see it as the petri dish for everything good that came of my college years. My concern today, even without being directly responsible, is that as many cancer patients and survivors as possible can get their kids to Camp Kesem.

What is it like to be a Camp Kesem counselor?

In honor of our new counselor applications opening this week, it is only fit that this week’s blog post be about what it is like to be a counselor.

     Each counselor is put in charge of a certain group of campers arranged by age: 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-17.  They share the responsibility of looking over their designated campers.  At the beginning of the week when the campers arrive, all the counselors are full of energy and ready to give it their all.  By the end of the week, every counselor is still giving it their all and full of energy, but also suppressing sleep loss and how they really shouldn’t have any energy left but it’s coming from somewhere (If you don’t feel like this by the end of the week, you’re doing it wrong).  But for some reason, this feeling is a great feeling.

     Each day, you as a counselor will have the opportunity to become a kid again.  This may include (but is not limited to) putting on wigs during drama, playing field games, dancing spontaneously on the spot multiple times a day, losing your manners during meal time, and playing Marco Polo during swim time.  Perhaps the most rewarding characteristic of being a counselor is acting as a mentor and seeing each child interact with the others.  Each night around 11 o’clock, all the counselors meet in the lodge to talk about the lows and highs of the day.   Even though every person may be dead-beat tired by that point, when the meeting usually ends around midnight, everyone is always ready for a late-night game of Frisbee or Basketball, putting on a movie, assembling a puzzle, or just talking.

     Even as you selflessly give of yourself for the week, I like to think that you get more than you give.  To me, one of the best rewards I have received from Camp Kesem over the past 2 years are the friendships I have made in that time.  You won’t find harder working, fun loving, diligent people than those at Camp Kesem BYU. 

The following are blurbs from current counselors about what Camp Kesem means to them:

“Being a counselor makes the whole year of planning worth every minute. The kids faces light up and I love knowing that I had a small part in that. The memories that I have from that one week inspire me for the next 51 weeks of the year. You really can't anticipate the change that this kids will bring to your life, but I promise you it's life-changing.“ – Ginger Snap

“Being a counselor at Camp Kesem is all about being a friend. You get to spend the whole week trying to find ways in which to make the campers have more fun, feel more comfortable, be more excited, etc. You get to listen to them when they talk to better get to know them and ask them questions so they can tell you what they need to. You get to make them laugh and laugh with them. You get to be their cheerleader and help them overcome their fears. It really is such an amazing and unbelievable experience that will change your life forever because you get to focus on these wonderful kids who struggle so much and just make their week that of magic.“ – Glinda

“Being a counselor at Camp Kesem means giving up a little, but receiving a lot. As a counselor, you give up one week of your summer. But, once you arrive at camp, and once you interact with these awesome kids, you realize that giving up a week of your summer was one of the best things that you could have done. These kids are at camp to forget about their hard times at home, in the “real-world.” They are at camp to have fun. You get to help them do that. As a counselor, you get to be the craziest you’ve ever been, and don’t have to worry about what other people think when you run around, scream cheers, act like a dinosaur, or even get down on the dance floor. You also get to listen to and learn about the amazing and brave stories these kids have, and even share your own sometimes. Together you laugh, together you cry, together you grow, and together, you get to forget about the world.“ – Baloo

So what are you waiting for?  Applications are open now!  Sign up for a life-changing and rewarding week this summer!

https://campscui.active.com/orgs/CampKesem#/selectSessions/448702

Camp Kesem - A magical week for children whose parents have cancer

The start of a new year brings many new opportunities.  It may be the resolve to eat less, eat more, keep up the gym habit at least a week longer than last year, or just being an all around better person.  Beginning January 1st, we were thrilled to open registration for brand new campers wanting to enroll in Camp Kesem BYU's 2014 session!  We are already excited with the new families who have signed up and look forward to getting to know them.  This year, we are expanding our enrollment from 75 to 100 children, so almost a fourth of our campers will be new faces.  Leaving home for a week can be tough on many people (not just for kids, but adults too).  Our purpose is to create a fun, magical, and comfortable environment in order for these children to forget their worries.  The aim of this post is to take you, whether young or old (even after attending for so many years, many parents probably STILL don't know what happens at camp), on a virtual tour of camp for the week.

Monday - Campers arrive!  Probably one of the most looked forward to days of the year (even more than Disneyland or Christmas say some of our campers).  Old friends are reunited, new friends are made, and luggage is everywhere!  What happens that night?  Skits and opening ceremonies!  Everyone digs into the costume boxes and dresses up the counselors who then put on a fashion show.  As night falls, we gather around a warm, toasty fire and roast marshmallows.

 Tuesday - Wake up, shower, EAT, show everyone how to get down (ask a camper how they get down).  Tuesday begins our themed days.  This year, we lived nobly for MEDIEVAL DAY!  Swords were drawn and shields were brandished as the lads and lasses braved activities, hunted dragons, and ate some more.  After a hot day, we enjoy a swim in the pool to cool off.  SNACK!  At night, we play a crowd favorite, the magic chair game.  Everyone brings every random item they can think of down to the field, in hopes that the magic chair will call them up.  Closing circle.  Smores.  Cabin chat.  Bed (but not really).

Wednesday - Superhero day.  Who is your hero?  EAT! Do karate, build marshmallow guns and go on top secret missions.  We had a special guest presentation by Sub Zero Ice Cream as they showed us how to make ice cream from dry ice.  Since we didn't get wet enough from swimming, we held our annual WATER WAR.  This war had everything: super soakers, 1000+ water balloons, red buckets and not a single dry person!  We also welcomed the teen group back from their 3 day camping trip.  At night we had the best dance party you've never been too!  Snack.  Shower.  More snacks.  Lights out (but not really).

Thursday - We take a page out of the Harry Potter books for our magic day.  We create different "houses"  made up of all different age groups.  EAT!  We do drama activities, swim, and the awesome ropes course!  Will you conquer your fears?  Night brings our empowerment ceremony.  The one night where we openly talk with one another about how we deal with cancer.  It is a very powerful night for everyone.  Lights out (not really).

Friday - Today we live our dreams and be whatever we want to be.  EAT AND GET DOWN! Arts and crafts, more snacks, drama, outdoor adventure.  But it is really that night that everyone looks forward to: the talent show!  Both campers and counselors get to show off their skills from singing to playing an instrument to riding a magic carpet.  We share one last closing circle as our last night together.  Scary stories.  Sleep (not really).

Saturday - We clean up and await the arrival of the parents.  Awards are given out to every camper.  EAT!  Say goodbye for another year.






We hope to share this magical week with so many more people this year.  If you or someone you know would like to be a part of Camp Kesem BYU, you can follow the link to our registration page:
http://campkesem.org/camper-application

If you would like to help support Camp Kesem BYU with fundraising or donations, you can follow this link:
https://campkesem.givebig.org/c/CK13/a/campkesem-byu/

How our campers take Camp back home with them

     We enjoy being with our campers for a whole week at camp.  We play.  We have fun.  We enjoy each other’s company.  At the end of the week, everyone says their tearful goodbyes as we bid adieu to camp for the year.  But is that the last time we see our campers for the year? NO!

     Throughout the year, we get excited every time we open our mailbox (yes we have a mailbox! Send us something  fun at P.O. Box 7173, University Station, Provo, UT 84604) and find an invitation to a camper’s event.  Over the years, this has ranged from band concerts and school plays, to Eagle Scout Court of Honors and baptisms.  We do our best to make it to as many as we can to support our campers and their accomplishments.  At the same time, we have become more familiar with Northern Utah!  So if you ever want to go up north, we can show you the way!

But more than simply a night of entertainment, what these children are accomplishing runs so much deeper.  At camp, Camp Kesem provides children with the opportunity to be kids for the week.  To leave problems and burdens back home.  For a week, they run, jump, eat, play, make, swim, climb, eat, shout, fish, hide, eat, and sometimes sleep if there is time.  But what of the other 51 weeks in the year?  When we attend these activities the kids are a part of, we are able to see them take home the mission of Camp Kesem: to be kids.  They refuse to let cancer take a hold of their lives and continue to keep doing what makes them happy.

     A few weeks ago, we were able to hold our Fall Reunion, and were very pleased with such a large turnout.  We were able see many of our campers and catch up on what they had been up to since camp.  School, crushes, dang homework, and eating would frequent these conversations.  We see these kids succeeding and achieving and know that they will overcome the presence of cancer within their families. They have already shown us how.

                  

Why are You Grateful for Camp Kesem?

Every year, it seems that we seem to become busier and busier during the holiday season while fretting about what to get for others while, at the same time, getting a little something for ourselves along the way.  There is an e-card that humorously states concerning this week: "Because only in America do people trample others over sales exactly a day after being grateful for what they already have."  While we should pat ourselves on the back for continually thinking of others this season, we would be mindful to take a step back and look at what has already positively filled our lives.

This past weekend, Camp Kesem BYU held our much anticipated Fall Reunion where we were able to see many of our campers and their families.  Much was accomplished at this reunion; parents mingled with other parents while our counselors met with them to discuss future CK projects, over 20 donated pizzas were, 3 lucky campers won the coveted jars of candy for guessing the correct amount, and one counselor spent the day playing hide and seek (mostly hide) from the many campers seeking to TAKE DOWN THE DRAGON (figuratively).  Needless to say, much fun was had and memories were made.

One activity we asked the parents and some of the campers to participate in was writing down what Camp Kesem has done for their family.  The responses are so different from each other, but each card reminds us why each of us Kesem.  Here are some of the responses we received:

• "I am so thankful for Camp Kesem.  Camp Kesem saved my children.  Cancer has been rough not only on my husband & I, but it has been so rough on our children as well.  Camp Kesem has helped my children survive the emotional toll that cancer takes on the family.  They know they have a support system & know that they have people that understand and care."
• "We are thankful for Camp Kesem because it helps our kids realize they are not alone in all they have gone thru (and continue to) Thanks"
• "The Gunthers are thankful for Camp Kesem for so many reasons!  My kids LOVE the week of camp.  Even though they only see these kiddos a few times a year, the bond between them is so strong.  The positive attention and unending energy given by the counselors is  literally life changing.  We cannot say enough wonderful things about CKBYU!"
• "We are thankful for CK because...Going to camp gave our kids hope for a brighter tomorrow and an amazing support system to help them through the dark days that come along with a cancer diagnosis.  CK means magic.  CK is love!"
• "I am thankful for Camp Kesem because...I love seeing how my daughter always wants to tell people about Camp Kesem because she feels comfortable and understood by her counselors and fellow campers."
• "The smile on my daughters face says it all at the end of the week.  Big shout out to all the volunteers that make it happen."
• "You give our kids something to look forward to all year long.  You are totally positive in their lives.
• "Camp Kesem means my kids get a week to hang out with other kids that know what it feels like to have a parent with cancer."
• "We're thankful for Camp Kesem because I recently read through a texting thread and saw my 12-year-old daughter's words of encouragement, comfort, and strength to a friend who just found out her mom has cancer.  The same encouragement, comfort, and strength she learned at Camp Kesem!"
• "I'm so thankful for all of your hard work and "time."  That's what its all about and our boys love the time they get to spend at Camp Kesem."
• I am thankful for Camp Kesem because I don't have to act like an adult.  I can be a kid at Kesem."
• I am thankful for Camp Kesem because I am more comfortable being myself now."
• I am thankful for Camp Kesem because of how much the counselors love and support my children.  I am also thankful for how much confidence my kids have since attending camp.  Double T is looking forward to being a counselor when he is is college."

Everyone Kesem's for one reason or another.  Why are you grateful for Camp Kesem?

Summit!!

National Camp Kesem Summit 2013

This last weekend the Camp Kesem BYU Coord Board went to the National Camp Kesem Summit in Detroit Michigan! While we were there we met other incredibly passionate people who love Kesem just as much as we do, learned how to do our jobs better, ate more food than you might think possible, played four square until 3 AM both nights, did the Saltine challenge (Baloo actually completed it!) and learned how to better serve our families.

While at #cksummit2013 we heard from some amazing Camper families who go to Camp Kesem in Michigan. They were asked a series of questions about how they felt about Camp Kesem, what was their favorite memory, etc. But one of the most important questions asked was this:

How can you be the best Camp Kesem Counselor?

Their answers:

1. Always share.

2. NEVER say no.

3. Bring a large bag of Jolly Ranchers.

4. Be fun.

5. Be yourself.

6. Realize how much campers idolize you. You are their role models. They take that love you give them and then give it to everyone else.

7. They look up to you.

8. Be PREPARED.

9. Show you how to make friends.

10. Have fun. Don’t take yourself seriously.

11. Pretend like you know what you’re doing.

12. Take a HUGE nap before you come, you won’t get any sleep during camp.

13. Talk to the parents about their kids on the last day.

Now, we do a lot of training before camp starts, but this advice is priceless and should be put into the curriculum. So thank you campers!

We were just a little tired…