“Krazy Kesem week is a week full of bonding activities for our members and it helps get our name and mission out on campus and into the community,” social work junior and MSU’s Camp Kesem's marketing and public relations coordinator Eliza Doll said, via Facebook message.

Camp Kesem is a non-profit, free summer camp run by college students. MSU’s chapter of Camp Kesem is one of more than 70 college chapters located throughout the United States. MSU’s chapter was started in 2006.

The kids who attend Camp Kesem every summer also share a unique thing in common with each other — they all have a parent who has or who has had cancer.

Last year MSU’s Camp Kesem invited 120 children to their camp from all across the state of Michigan. According to their website, the numbers have increased every year. 

“Being a kid of a parent who has cancer can make you feel alone,” packaging junior and Camp Kesem counselor Gerald Perreault said via text message. “Kesem surrounds them with other kids in similar situations, providing a perfect support group.”

By providing a support group, kids are able to process their thoughts and feelings with other children and students who understand their situation. Both the children and counselors develop friendships that last well beyond the one-week camp and take lasting memories back with them.

“As a counselor you see how strong the kids can be in the face of some truly trying circumstances, which in turn gives yourself strength,” Perreault said.

Doll said Krazy Kesem week includes activities that are open to any students who are interested in becoming apart of the Camp Kesem family. Events this week include bowling at the Union on Tuesday and a cider and donut hangout at the rock on Farm Lane on Wednesday that will lead into painting the rock.

“There are so many opportunities to get involved and make the magic for deserving children,” Doll said. “Coming to our meetings to learn more about how we support these kids is a great start.”

According to the Camp Kesem website, 80 percent of every dollar raised goes towards the programming of Camp Kesem. MSU’s Camp Kesem will be hosting a fundraiser Thursday at Champps Kitchen + Bar located by Eastwood Towne Center. 10 percent of the total proceeds all day will go towards their cause.

“Camp Kesem has absolutely changed my life and made me a better person,” Doll said. “Most of the time, I feel like I learn more from my campers than I could ever teach them.”