SOUTH BEND — Camp Kesem, a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer, is pleased to kick off its 14th annual season of camp in the Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan area.

In the summer of 2015, over 5,000 children attended free summer camps during over 70 week-long sessions of Camp Kesem held at fun and exciting sites from coast-to-coast. Camp Kesem is organized locally in Michiana area by dedicated students from the University of Notre Dame. This summer, Camp Kesem at Notre Dame will host 80 campers from July 31 to Aug. 5 at YMCA Camp Storer in Jackson, MI.

With 1.7 million cancer cases a year in the United States, over 3 million children have been touched by a parent’s cancer. Camp Kesem is the only national organization dedicated to this unique population. Because they don’t appear sick, their needs are often overlooked and they suffer quietly, leading to academic, social, emotional and developmental problems. Camp Kesem helps these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer by providing a carefree and fun environment in which they can interact and bond with peers who face similar struggles at home.

Children that attend Camp Kesem Notre Dame will participate in a host of fun activities including sports, drama, arts & crafts, adventurous scavenger hunts and talent shows. Camp Kesem Notre Dame also hosts an annual capture the flag game, as well as an empowerment ceremony to reflect on camper’s experiences and hardships. Nightly “Cabin Chats” allow campers to open up to their peers and counselors.

“Camp Kesem is really a life changing experience for our family. My two teenagers come back happy, excited and confident that they can handle what may come because they have developed such a strong support system from camp. The counselors are amazing and should feel so good about what they do. The friendships the kids made will last and get them through tough times. As a mother, it is wonderful to know that my children feel better and happy as a result of going to Camp Kesem.,”  said a Camp Kesem parent.

Camp Kesem Notre Dame is organized by dedicated students at University of Notre Dame who work year long to plan and fundraise for an impactful week of camp. Student volunteers and counselors experience leadership development and undergo twenty hours of extensive training prior to camp. Camp Kesem is provided free of charge to all participating families and is therefore supported by private donations and community support.

“What makes Camp Kesem so special are all of the relationships that are formed along the way. The campers and counselors I have been lucky enough to share Kesem with are my second family, and we are all united in our goal of giving the most amazing kids a week they’ll never forget,” said David Reed (Camp Name: Chewy), Camp Kesem Notre Dame Co-Director

For more information about the camp, please visit online.