Our Mission and Values

5 million children are coping with a
parent's cancer diagnosis.

That’s 5 million children at risk of experiencing increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and/or feelings of hopelessness. And that’s why, at Kesem, we are committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. We support these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community.

Core Values that
Guide Our Work

At Kesem, a set of shared values guide our work and how we conduct ourselves every day.

Continuous Learning
Accountability
Resilience
Empathy

camp kesem campers swim at week long summer camp

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Kesem’s mission of supporting children through and beyond a parent’s cancer, and our 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 our organization.

To that end, Kesem makes the following commitments:

To continually expand the communities we support and work with - our camper families, volunteers, staff, alumni, partners, donors, and boards - with attention to engaging communities we are not currently reaching.
To strive for equity in delivering a transformative, fun, and empowering community that recognizes and embraces our differences.
To aspire to create shared spaces that are safe for every member of the Kesem community to feel valued and respected.
Kesem will engage in continued meaningful learning in order to better support our mission, and our growing Kesem community. To learn more about Kesem’s DEI work, visit our DEI Actions and Initiatives.

“Camp Kesem has been magical for our daughter and family, providing support beyond what we could have imagined and really lifting our daughter up when she needed it. It's an incredible program that we are very grateful for!"

—kesem parent

Our Approach

Mobilizing to support children impacted by a parent’s cancer.

1

Kesem recruits diverse student leader volunteers from college campuses across the country to lead local Kesem chapters.

With oversight and guidance from Kesem, these talented and committed leaders work year-round to deliver programming and services, including Camp Kesem, tailored to the needs of children affected by a parent’s cancer in their community.

leadership skills development at kesem summit

2

Kesem provides college chapter members with ongoing leadership development training and support.

These students are responsible for nearly every aspect of their chapter management. The delivery of our free annual summer program, Camp Kesem, and year-round services requires students to build strategic plans, recruit and train professional volunteers, facilitate family and community outreach, and fundraise to cover all costs.

3

Kesem provides ongoing mission connection.

After leaving college, Kesem provides new opportunities for these graduates (referred to as Kesem Alumni) to support children affected by a parent’s cancer. These engagements allow them to share their Kesem and professional expertise, volunteer in the field, and support organizational priorities.

We know this approach works. A peer-reviewed paper published in January 2026 found that our programs improve well-being and resilience in children impacted by a parent’s cancer. In other words: the magic that Kesem and these passionate students create through connection, community, and joy isn't just nice to have—it truly matters.

“I go to wake them up and every time I get a high-five from alittle seven year-old, I just want to be the person they thinkI am. I want to be that positive light—in the rest of my life andnot just at Camp Kesem. I want to take the Camp Kesem spiritwith me wherever I go."

—kesem parent