Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem provides free, fun-filled summer camps and year-round support for children aged 6-18 whose parents have or have had cancer, fostering a supportive...
▌ Editor's read The website https://www.kesem.org/ loads successfully and details Camp Kesem's mission to support children through and beyond a parent's cancer. Founded in 2000, the organization has been operating for 24 years, as stated on their 'About Us' page. They are a nonprofit organization, offering free overnight camps for children aged 6-18. The website mentions that all volunteers undergo a thorough background check process, including criminal background checks. While not explicitly listed in the ACA directory, Camp Kesem operates through a network of university student-led chapters across the United States. Google reviews for 'Camp Kesem' generally show high satisfaction, with many chapters having ratings around 4.9 stars based on hundreds of reviews, praising the supportive environment and positive impact on children. Social media handles are active, with @campkesem on Instagram and 'CampKesem' on Facebook, showcasing camp activities and community engagement.
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Since 200224+ years operating
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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. specialty 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
- 2002 (24 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Specialty
- Ages: 6–18
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Address: 440 N Barranca Ave #2273, Covina, CA 91723, USA
- Cost notes: Camp Kesem is free for all families. 2026 pricing TBD as of 2026-04-16.
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. Camp Kesem is free for all families. 2026 pricing TBD as of 2026-04-16. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- What are Camp Kesem's hours?
- Camp Kesem runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Camp Kesem?
- Camp Kesem is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 24 years of operating history. 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.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Kesem.
- Camp Kesem · Nationwide (various chapters) · Ages 6–18
- City of Covina · Hollenbeck Park · Ages 3–14 · $120/week