Camp Kesem, a volunteer student-led organization at Fresno State, is working to expand its reach and recruit more volunteers to support children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis.

The organization has around 14 coordinators and 10-15 volunteers. The club actively seeks new members to support the growing program.

College students can become camp counselors, event volunteers or advisory board members. Additionally, the organization is looking for licensed professionals, such as nurses and mental health specialists, to assist with camp operations.

The Fresno State chapter, part of a nationwide network, provides year-round community support. It also allows children to attend a free summer camp that helps them navigate the emotional challenges of a parent’s illness.

The chapter organizes an annual summer camp, where children can connect with peers who share similar experiences while enjoying fun and engaging activities. Throughout the year, volunteers coordinate fundraising efforts and community events to ensure no family bears the financial burden to attend.

For children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis, Camp Kesem offers more than just a getaway—it provides a lifelong community of support, understanding and fun, offering them a space to connect, heal and enjoy a traditional camp experience free of charge.

“As a coordinator, it’s almost like a part-time job,” said Arthur “Will” Sorsky, co-director of Kesem at Fresno State. “They’re working up to five hours a week on the organization while also balancing jobs, internships and classes. A lot of them are pre-med, which makes it even more challenging.”

Families interested in enrolling their children in Camp Kesem can apply through the organization’s website. The camp has transportation assistance available to ensure accessibility.

“I’d say the biggest issue is that, because we’re student-run, we experience a lot of turnover each year,” Sorsky said. “All of our seniors graduate, and since it’s an undergraduate program, finding new volunteers is a major challenge for us.”.

Beyond the summer camp, Camp Kesem hosts several community events throughout the year, including cancer awareness walks and fundraisers.

Upcoming activities include a booth at Vintage Days, where volunteers will provide face painting and glitter tattoos, and a Friends and Family Day featuring a tour of the Fresno State athletics facility and a softball game.

The chapter is gearing up for Friends and Family Day on March 29, an event designed to bring the Kesem community together. Looking ahead, Camp Kesem 2024 will take place July 12-15, offering a free summer camp experience for children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis.

​​“The main purpose of our camp is to take children’s minds off their situations,” Sorsky said. “Many come from difficult home lives, with parents going through serious challenges, making it harder for them to be fully present. As a result, some kids may experience neglect or have limited access to extracurricular activities.”

For many children, Kesem is more than just a getaway—it’s a place where they can be understood by someone who cares.

“The greatest impact it has on the campers is the community,” Sorsky said. “It’s very cathartic to be with other children to understand what you’re facing. The camp is mostly focused around just having as much fun as possible.”

With thousands of Fresno State students unaware of the club’s mission, organizers hope increased awareness will lead to more volunteers and support for children.

“It can be isolating. Having these serious issues in your life as a young child, schoolmates might not empathize or understand what you’re going through. So this community really helps children feel like their lives are not hopeless, that their lives are not inescapable, that there’s a way for them to move forward with others, and there’s a path that they can actually follow,” Sorsky said.

Students interested in joining Camp Kesem can attend general body meetings, follow the club on social media or email the organization at [email protected]. Families in need of support can also contact the organization.

Another way to connect is at their weekly tabling sessions every Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. in front of The Bucket. Students can stop by to learn more about the organization, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
“I want more people to know that we’re here,” Sorsky said. “We really want to expand. In the valley there are so many children that our programming can impact, and we want everyone to know that they can be part of our programming, be it monetary or volunteering or looking for any support.”
Those interested in volunteering can join the chapter’s Discord server. More information is also available on their Instagram or Kesem Fresno State on Facebook.