One of my closest friends, Abby Henry, is super passionate about everything she does. One thing she is always talking about with the most passion of all is Camp Kesem. Because she is always talking so highly of the organization, today I decided to interview Abby to gain some more insight into what the camp is all about. Who knows? Maybe at the end of this article, you will consider joining Camp Kesem, too!
Her Campus (HC): What is Camp Kesem?
Abby Henry (AH): Camp Kesem is a program that provides children affected by a caregiver’s cancer with year-round support and a free week of summer camp. However, Kesem is so much more than that. It is a magical feeling that touches each person involved and leaves a lasting impact on their life.
HC: Why did you join Kesem? How did you hear about it?
AH: I joined because a counselor yelled “Love kids? Hate cancer?” at me when I walked by at the involvement fair and having lost my mom to cancer, I was intrigued to learn more. I went to the first meeting and instantly fell in love with the community I saw and the positivity everyone radiated. I was definitely overwhelmed by how outgoing everyone was, but it has helped me to break out of my shell and evolve into the confident, outgoing person I am today.
HC: What are some of the things you do being a part of the FSU Kesem chapter?
AH: We have monthly Kesem member meetings open to all current and interested members, bi-weekly committee meetings for those who applied and joined committees and weekly coordinator meetings for all on our coordinator board.
Some of the events we have throughout the year include Giving Tuesday in the fall (one of our biggest fundraising days where we aim to raise a certain amount in 24 hours), friends and family days where our campers come for a mini day of camp to catch up and see each other during the school year and make the Magic Gala in the spring where we dress up and have a plated dinner, silent auction and paddle raise. And of course, our week of camp over the summer which comes at no cost to our counselors and campers.
In my role as co-director, I oversee whole chapter operations, manage our 14-member coordinator board, our advisory board of local professionals and assist coordinators with tasks and planning events as needed.
HC: When does the actual camp take place?
AH: This summer our camp will be taking place from July 31 to Aug. 5 at Warren Willis in Fruitland Park, Florida!
HC: What are some of the activities you do at camp?
AH: Some activities we do include lots and lots of camp songs, friendship bracelets, empowerment and messy Olympics.
HC: What’s your favorite part about Kesem?
AH: My favorite part of Kesem is the community and inspiration it has brought into my life. I have made so many lifelong friends that I know I can always count on and that are always there when I need someone. Not only do my peers inspire me to be a better person, but our campers do too. They are some of the strongest and most courageous kids I’ve met, but also, some of the silliest and funniest. They have taught me that life is about balancing the good and the bad, that we all cope differently, and that we all need someone to lean on!
HC: How can I get more involved with Kesem?
AH: Come to one of our FSU Kesem member meetings, follow us on Instagram @kesemfsu or email our volunteer coordinators at fsu.volunteer@kesem.org!
If you haven’t looked into Camp Kesem yet, what are you waiting for?
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