CAMP KESEM AT UW-MADISON
100 Men of Dane County 2nd Quarter Winner for 2019
Kesem’s mission of supporting children through and beyond a parent’s cancer, and their vision of ensuring that every child impacted by a parent’s cancer is never alone, can only be realized through an ongoing, steadfast commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in every part of their organization.
CAMP KESEM AT UW-MADISON
Camp Kesem at UW-Madison is an entirely volunteer, student-run summer camp and year round support system for children who are affected by a parent’s cancer. Their goal is to support these children through and beyond their parent's cancer. There are currently no other camps combined with year-round support services offered in Madison for this population to ease the fear, anger, guilt, and sadness that they experience daily. Campers have the unique opportunity to have a week of carefree summer fun, build friendships, and gain strength from peers facing similar challenges.
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Kesem makes the following commitments:
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To continually expand the communities, they support and work with - their camper families, volunteers, staff, alumni, and supporters - with attention to engaging underrepresented communities.
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To strive for equity in delivering a transformative, healing, and empowering experience to those communities that recognizes and embraces our differences in race, religion, ability, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, family structure, cancer stage or type, or socioeconomic status.
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To work to ensure that every member of the Kesem community feels safe, loved, and respected.
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Camp Kesem UW-Madison was the 100 Men of Dane County 2nd quarter grant winner for 2019. With their gift of $88,739, Camp Kesem at UW-Madison funded three fun-filled weeks of camp this summer, including camp programming, in which they created engaging activities for campers of all ages. We are honored to have been able to support this incredible cause and look forward to following along with the progress of Camp Kesem at UW-Madison!
ABOUT CAMP KESEM'S COMMUNITY
Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer.
A program of Kesem, Camp Kesem operates over 100 free summer camps in 40 states for children ages 6 to 18 who have been impacted by a parent’s cancer.
Kesem programs have a lasting impact on children by providing them a peer-support network that understands their unique needs, builds confidence and strengthens their communication skills.
In 2017, Camp Kesem served over 7,200 children coast-to-coast - all funded by generous donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.