Camp Kesem Berkeley is the UC Berkeley chapter of Kesem, a national nonprofit where college students volunteer year-round to support children ages 6-18 whose parents have cancer. Members organize and run a free overnight summer camp, Friends and Family Day events, and year-round outreach for local families. As a student leader, you handle real nonprofit work: fundraising, marketing, programming, and counseling at camp, while building close friendships with a mission-driven team.
5,300
More than 5,300 in the national student leader network
13,000
More than 13,000 in the national alumni network
115
Over 115 college chapters nationwide
2x6
Two sessions of 6 days of sleepaway camp!
6-18
Camper age range
100,000
More than 100,000 children served (cumulative, national, as of July 2026)
Events They Host
Camp Kesem (annual overnight summer camp)
Free overnight summer camp for children ages 6-18 whose parents have cancer, typically lasting 3 to 5 nights. Student leaders serve as counselors and run all programming.
Friends and Family Day
One-day community events held at venues like parks, bowling alleys, or pumpkin patches, bringing together Kesem families for fun activities and peer connection. Typically held twice a year and free for families.
Make the Magic
An annual spring fundraising gala hosted by each chapter where local campers and families share their Kesem stories with community supporters. Funds raised support the local chapter.
National Leadership Summit
Annual gathering of over 700 Kesem student volunteers for networking and tailored leadership training. Open to students in leadership positions.
Member Experiences
Fall Training
Primary training event for all student leaders at the start of the academic year, providing guidance on chapter management and volunteer roles.
Spring Training
Weekly trainings focused on topics including best practices for camp counseling, working with grief & loss, and situational awareness.