2014 ANNUAL REPORT 1

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Jeremy Bradford
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1 2014 ANNUAL REPORT 1

2 Kesem (n.): magic; the ability to change a life; an agent of growth; the unique power that transforms kids into Camp Kesem campers. Camp Kesem supports the often-overlooked population of children affected by a parent s cancer through a national network of summer camps run by passionate college student leaders. There are over 3 million kids affected by a parent s cancer in the United States alone. Because they don t appear sick, their needs are often not addressed and they suffer quietly, which can have long-lasting effects. Camp Kesem is the only national organization currently supporting their unique needs. We create a peer support network for these kids which has a life-long impact. 2

FROM OUR CHAPTER DIRECTORS Dear Friends of Camp Kesem, Since 2009, Camp Kesem University of Richmond (CKUR) has brought hope and magic to the lives of children affected by a parent s cancer.

community. That optimism and love is what has guided our work for the past six years.

3 FROM OUR CHAPTER DIRECTORS Dear Friends of Camp Kesem, Since 2009, Camp Kesem University of Richmond (CKUR) has brought hope and magic to the lives of children affected by a parent s cancer. Even in life s darkest moments we work towards creating an environment that allows our campers to see beyond life s challenges, tap into their inner power, and find support in a life-long camp community. That optimism and love is what has guided our work for the past six years. In our first ever annual report you will find a holistic snapshot of CKUR s approach to providing these children with the opportunity to simply be kids again in a supportive and empathetic camp environment. While in the following pages you will read of our many exciting financial achievements and our impressive expansion this past year, these numbers tell only a fraction of the story. The true testament to our work is found in the words of our campers and their families sprinkled throughout the following pages. After the last camp song has been sung and the sun sets gently across the James River, the love that camp represents lives on, because while camp may only last for one week, just like the sunset, the friendships formed will always be there, tomorrow, the next day, and the day after. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for helping us create these relationships and for making a true difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for always believing in our dedicated student volunteers and most importantly our campers! While cancer takes so much, you ve helped us prove that it cannot conquer the spirit, shatter hope, or cripple love. All our CK Love, Marissa Maple Parker & Dinesh Danish Lal Co-Directors 3

4 How do we fulfill our mission? Camp Kesem UR is run under the leadership of undergraduate students at the University of Richmond. In FY 2014 our leadership team consisted of two Co-Directors and eleven coordinators who worked throughout the year to plan, fundraise for, and carry out camp programming. 35+ hours Amount of time each counselor spends in pre -camp training sessions to prepare for camp In 2014, we expanded our camper age range from 6-16 to include 17 and 18-year-olds in our inaugural Counselor-in-Training Program. Other new programming included an all-camp Carnival and teen service project. $342 Average amount of money raised by each 2014 counselor 4

arts and crafts, archery, cooking, sports, drama, or adventure-nature.

to get ready for the remainder of the day. From there they headed to their fourth and final rotation.

share their stories and further build our camp community.

5 An average day at camp. WAKE UP! Each day of camp started with a 7:30 am wake up followed by breakfast and the first three rotations for the day: arts and crafts, archery, cooking, sports, drama, or adventure-nature. LUNCH, FOB, ROTATION FOUR After building up an appetite, our campers headed to lunch and feet-onbed, or rest, time to get ready for the remainder of the day. From there they headed to their fourth and final rotation. LAKE SWIMMING/SPECIAL ACTIVITY Following their fourth rotation, campers headed to the lake to swim, canoe, zip-line, and jump on the BLOB! CLOSING ACTIVITES/EMPOWERMENT Each day ended with a delicious dinner at Westview s dining hall followed by a series of closing activities. One evening during the week we hold an Empowerment Ceremony during which our campers are given the opportunity to share their stories and further build our camp community. I I originally volunteered for Camp Kesem in the hopes that I could aide in providing an outlet of creative expression and emotional healing for youth. However, I never could have imagined that it would leave such a lasting impression on me. As a counselor for the younger girls cabin, I was constantly inspired by the way these 8 and 9 year old girls remained so compassionate in the face of such overwhelming personal battles. Why do I Kesem? Why do I breathe? - Camp Kesem UR Counselor 5

Children served We serve campers primarily from the Central Virginia area, but our reach extends throughout all of Virginia including the Tidewater region.

6 Children served We serve campers primarily from the Central Virginia area, but our reach extends throughout all of Virginia including the Tidewater region. Each year we strive to expand our services to more children. After taking a year to rebuild our chapter, camp, and year-round programming in 2013, we expanded by 35% to 66 campers in

7 Just walk beside me and be my friend... Together we are here at Camp Kesem. 7

8 I Kesem for the love that the Kesem family shares and the smiles that come even in the dark times. -CKUR Counselor 8

9 Joining Camp Kesem was the best decision I made this year and will always be one of the highlights of my four years here at the University of Richmond. -CKUR Counselor 9

10 Where does our money come from? University Funding 25% 2014 TOTAL FUNDS RECEIVED Chapter Events 12% Private Donations 34% Grants 29% FY 2014 proved a very successful year in terms of fundraising for Camp Kesem University of Richmond. We exceeded our goal of raising $40,000 by raising over $42,426, $6,000 more than we raised in

11 Where does our money go? In FY 2014, 96% of every dollar raised by our chapter went towards direct programming costs, a rarity in the non-profit industry. These programming costs included: Our camp site payment Arts and crafts supplies Color Wars supplies Snacks Gaga ball pit materials (teen community service project) 2014 FUNDING ALLOCATION Administrative Expenses 4% Direct Programming Costs 96% 11

Testimonials I like to say that Camp Kesem

-Parent of CKUR Camper You ve lifted the

a parent My experience at camp in 2013 was

I would love to see it continue for many

12 Testimonials I like to say that Camp Kesem has been the silver lining of my having had cancer. My kids LOVE it. It has been an amazing blessing for them! -Parent of CKUR Camper You ve lifted the emotional backpack associated with cancer off of [my daughter s] shoulders. -Parent of first-year CKUR Camper Camp Kesem holds a special place in my heart because I know how difficult it is to lose a parent My experience at camp in 2013 was nothing short of amazing. I met some of the sweetest and funniest children at camp. -CKUR Counselor Camp Kesem has been an amazing blessing to our family. I would love to see it continue for many years to come! I think it makes a huge impact in the community sometimes the children who are indirectly affected get looked over. I m so glad Camp Kesem is there to address the issue in such a fun and positive manner. -Parent of CKUR Camper 12

13 LAUGHTER SMILES LOVE FAMILY 13

Camp Kesem UR gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations who helped create Kesem magic through their generous donations during the 2014 FY. *Please contact richmond@campkesem.

14 Camp Kesem UR gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations who helped create Kesem magic through their generous donations during the 2014 FY. *Please contact if you wish to be removed from this list. Leadership Circle (gifts of $5,000 or more) University of Richmond SOBAC/Center for Student Involvement Bon Secours Richmond Health Systems Cabin Builders ($3,000-$4,999) Deep Run Marathon Dance Camp Fire Circle ($1,000-$2,999) Learning by Giving Foundation Song Leaders ($600-$999) Vanquish Restaurant & Cigar Lounge Richmond, VA Camper Sponsors (gifts of $500-$599) Nancy Bossidy David Fundakowski Kathy Mulhern Southeastern Virginia Oncology Nursing Society Camp Program Sponsors (gifts of $250-$499) Chipotle Mexican Grill Willow Lawn, Richmond, VA Alice Clark Chelsea Gray Donna McGrath Richmond Area Oncology Nursing Society Toast, New American Gastropub Richmond, VA Joana Underwood 14

FY 2014 Staff and Advisory Board STAFF Lauren Marzi Ellis, Senior Program Director, Southeast Region ADVISORY BOARD Barbie Quick Dinesh Danish Lal, Director Marissa Maple Parker, Director Erica

15 FY 2014 Staff and Advisory Board STAFF Lauren Marzi Ellis, Senior Program Director, Southeast Region ADVISORY BOARD Barbie Quick Dinesh Danish Lal, Director Marissa Maple Parker, Director Erica Volley Fitchett, Operations Coordinator Jenna Cheddar Taylor, Operations Coordinator Caroline Mayberry Merritt, Outreach Coordinator Carrie Schaeffer Meg Helsley Ryan Allred Christine Tauchen William Maixner Hema Pringles Pingali, Outreach Coordinator Laura Curly Masson, Volunteer Coordinator Savannah Tiki McAmis, Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Bambi Confair, PR/Marketing Coordinator Sarthak Skout Soni, PR/Marketing Coordinator Valeria Grapefruit Gonzales, Development Coordinator Skylar Hippo Gray, Development Coordinator Dwight Comet Ramseran, Development Coordinator 15

of Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond@CampKesem.

16 Contact Us! Camp Kesem Richmond UR Westhampton Way Univ. of Richmond, VA No child should have to face a parent s cancer. At Camp Kesem, no child faces it alone. CampKesem.org/Richmond

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