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…