During my senior year, I sought to make my final year at UNC Greensboro impactful to myself and my peers. When I signed up to be a camp counselor for Camp Kesem, I was eagerly looking forward to being part of this passionate community, which truly lives by its purpose. Camp Kesem is a non-profit organization that provides a free week of summer camp for children, supporting them through and beyond by their parents’ cancer. There are over 100+ chapters nationwide, entirely run by college students. Kesem has by far been one of the best things I have ever experienced during college, and I can not explain my new profound love for the organization. If it was prior to Kesem, I would be reluctant to attend summer camps, being oblivious to its primary purpose. I never partook in any camps as a child, nor had been a camp counselor. As camp days approached, I was hesitant to be part of the camp, having a vague picture of what to expect.

However, I feel so fortunate to spend my time as a counselor, bonding with kids of all ages and other colleagues. It is captivating when you understand all the campers and counselors resonates amongst each other on ‘why they Kesem’. I lost track of the days; I felt like I was on a vacation out in the woods with my family. Having depression and anxiety for the past five years, I am really particular about who I share it with. By being part of the Kesem family, I felt supported instantly. There was one particular time when all the kids and counselors gathered around to talk about ‘Why We All Kesem?’. It was incredibly empowering to listen to the kids’ stories. I was touched and was not able to resist my tears when I realized that some of them are just as confused and anxious. They have difficulty acknowledging the gravity of their situation; and so, they mask their confusion by playing and laughing. Kesem opened my eyes to find there are some kids forced to grow up and mature at a young age after the loss of a parent or when they find about their parents’ cancer.

On our last night, we gathered around a campfire to sing the camp song one last time. We were all handed a pine cone to symbolize any fear we have. As I tossed the pine cone into the fire and watched the fire turn blue, I felt as if the weight around my neck lifted off. I surrendered myself to the moment between the tides, finding peace within the tumult that is to come. I felt liberated when I saw that my fears were ignited, reminding myself to not dwell on the past and to live in the present. I am not even sure if I’ll be able to be part of camp next summer, but I am never going to let go of this life experience. I am uncertain what the future holds for me, but I will carry the spirit of Kesem in my endeavors. Being part of the Kesem family has motivated me to prioritize my values, happiness and to foster my relationship with my family. It’s remarkably inspiring when you are able to forget all your worries and feel rejuvenated by being a kid again for a week. The camp forced me to be vulnerable and provided me with a different outlook on life. I walked into Kesem desired to bring a change in the kids’ lives, but Kesem has also transformed me for the better by nurturing my creativity and leadership skills.