Courtesy of Camp Kesem
Feeling out of place as a freshman at Saint Louis University, Mackenzie Sullivan considered transferring to another school. Then, a faculty member suggested she get involved with SLU’s newly founded chapter of Camp Kesem.
This national network of summer camps run by college students allows young people who have had at least one parent diagnosed with cancer to attend a free, weeklong camp session. It also provides year-round support for campers and their families. The SLU chapter serves nearly 90 campers ages 6 to 16.
Since following that faculty member's advice in 2013, Sullivan has become deeply involved with Camp Kesem, and sees many campers all year long, often serving as a babysitter or attending special events. This year, she’ll be one of SLU’s Camp Kesem co-directors, as the chapter prepares for its fourth summer camp.
“It’s what makes me happiest,” she says of her work there. “It’s become the biggest part of my life.”
This year’s camp will have a “wild” theme, with each day featuring a different take on the word “wild." For example, one day will feature animals and another named “In Your Wildest Dreams” is set to become a pajama party for kids and camp volunteers. And, like every year, there will be an Empowerment Ceremony that lets kids share their thoughts and feelings on how cancer has impacted them.
Photos courtesy of Camp Kesem
Nightly Cabin Chats also offer the opportunity to open up, but Camp Kesem isn’t a weeklong counseling session. “It’s really centered around fun and providing a support network,” Sullivan says.
And she feels the students involved in operating the camp get just as much from the experience as their younger campers.
“I think when you’re in college, it’s easy to get wrapped up in petty concerns,” Sullivan says. “Seeing the resilience, how these kids are able to bounce back and still have fun—just be kids—it puts all those concerns into perspective.”
Applications for this year’s summer session are currently open to returning campers and first-time applicants who have had a parent diagnosed with cancer. SLU’s chapter of Camp Kesem is also hosting its Make the Magic fundraising event April 22 at Vue 17 (1034 S. Brentwood).
