Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem provides free, fun-filled week-long summer camps and year-round support to children aged 6-18 whose parents have or have had cancer.
▌ Editor's read The provided URL loads as a legitimate website for Camp Kesem, a national nonprofit organization. Camp Kesem offers free, week-long summer camps and year-round support for children aged 6-18 whose parents have or have had cancer. The organization operates through over 130 chapters across the United States, primarily run by college student leaders. While not individually listed in the ACA directory, the national organization emphasizes safety, stating that all volunteers undergo extensive training and background checks. Google reviews for various Camp Kesem chapters generally show high ratings, often above 4.5 stars, with parents and volunteers praising the supportive environment and positive impact on children. The website features Instagram (@campkesem) and Facebook (CampKesem) handles. The program type is overnight, and the organization is clearly a nonprofit. The website mentions that volunteers undergo background checks, indicating a commitment to safety.
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 6–18
Camp Kesem is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 6–18
- Address: 440 N Barranca Ave #2273, Covina, CA 91723
- Cost notes: Free of charge
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Kesem
- What ages does Camp Kesem accept?
- Camp Kesem is open to children ages 6–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Kesem cost?
- Camp Kesem doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Free of charge Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- Who runs Camp Kesem?
- Camp Kesem is operated by a nonprofit organization. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Kesem provide lunch?
- Camp Kesem does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Kesem with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Kesem.
- Camp Kesem · Nationwide, USA · Ages 6–18
- City of Covina · Hollenbeck Park · Ages 3–14 · $120/week