New Names for the Kesem Programs You Love

Kesem has grown a lot in our 25 years. In 2026 we welcomed our 100,000th camper to Camp Kesem, and we have ambitious goals to serve 50% more children across all our programs by 2028.

This kind of growth isn’t possible without self-reflection - and that’s why we’re excited to announce that after receiving feedback from many constituents through many different formats we’re changing the names of some of our non-camp programs so they're easier to understand.

The life-changing community and support that we are offering families is not actually changing - we are just simplifying how we talk about our programs. Families that have been part of Kesem for many years (and have the friendship bracelet piles to prove it!) and families going to their first Kesem program will still receive the same Kesem support we have provided since 2000.

Here are our current program offerings:

🏕️ Camp Kesem 

No changes here! We look forward to welcoming you to camp as always!

Camp Kesem is a free, overnight summer camp for children ages 6-18 who are facing a parent’s cancer. This unique camp experience provides days of fun-filled activities and a supportive community of other kids and counselors who understand what they’re going through. Camp Kesem helps kids navigate anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty, reminding them they are never alone. 

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👥 Kesem Together 

Programs previously called Friends + Family Days will now be called Kesem Together, and you will see this change reflected as we head into our fall 2026 program registration season.

Kesem Together brings children and families facing a parent's cancer together through free, in-person day programs held throughout the year. Depending on where you live, Kesem Together will be hosted by Kesem’s national organization in partnership with local community groups or by your local Kesem chapter. Kesem Together takes place at parks, community centers, cancer centers, conferences, bowling alleys, pumpkin patches, and other welcoming community spaces. 

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💻 Club Kesem 

Club Kesem now includes the programs previously known as Virtual Cabin Chat, which are hosted by Camp Kesem chapters. Club Kesem dates are on our website now - register today!

Club Kesem brings together kids ages 6–18 who are facing a parent's cancer through free virtual gatherings held throughout the year. Kids and families can join a national Club Kesem that connects kids from across the country or, where available, a local chapter’s Club Kesem that brings together chapter volunteers and families from the same local area. Led by trained Kesem program alumni and student volunteers, Club Kesem offers a welcoming space where kids build friendships, explore new interests, play fun games, and connect with peers who understand what they're going through, all while finding year-round support and community from wherever they are.

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💙 Kesem By Your Side 

Kesem By Your Side provides customized, personal support for children through the many challenges associated with a parent or guardian’s cancer journey including difficult news, recurrence, loss, birthdays, and anniversaries. This opt-in support is developed on a case-by-case basis in a collaborative partnership between parents/guardians and local chapters.

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As always, all Kesem programs remain free of charge for all families, and you are invited to participate in as many programs as you’d like. You can explore the programs near you here, and register for programs in CampSite when you're ready.

We hope to see you this at Club Kesem and one of our local Kesem Together programs (previously Friends + Family Day) this fall, and at Camp Kesem in summer 2027!

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