What is Kesem?

• Kesem is a national nonprofit organization that supports children through and beyond a parent’s cancer. It provides year-round programs and services to support these children, ages 6–18, at no cost to families.

What is Camp Kesem?

• Camp Kesem is a subset of Kesem run by various colleges across the nation, providing a free week-long summer camp for children whose parents have, have had, or have passed away from cancer. Student leaders volunteer to create a welcoming space for children who have experienced similar struggles to come together for a week of fun, activities, and Kesem magic. 

Want to learn more about our impact? Watch these videos!

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGgE6BHlOjw
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOreYCrIY1g
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYV_LbS6wAI

Our Coordinator Team

Directors – Mindy “Peppermint” Tran & Ana “Banana” De la Rosa

Operations – Halle “Otter” Dolce & Emme “Meatball” Slaughter

TLP (Teen Leadership) – Ethan “Big Mac” MacCormack & Evan “LaPrizzle” LaPrade

Volunteer – Gaby “Boba” Vega & Cesar “Rio” Cantos

Make the Magic – Cassidy “Muffin” Verville & Dylan “Pickle” Howington

Outreach – Adriana “Peaches” Peña & Olivia “Lobster” Barreca

Development – Fred “Ice Tea” D’Ariano & Matthew “Milkshake” Shake

AMP – Isabella “Mushu” Armendariz

Treasurer – Tiffani “Turtle” Plummer

Social – Brian “Churro” Borrego

Requirements

1. You must be an undergraduate OR graduate student
2. You must have some photography experience/interest
3. You must be willing to attend the entire duration of camp (see below)

Our Camp

When: August 4-8, 2025 OVERNIGHT Monday – Friday 

Where: Camp Anderson Anchored – 536 NE 168th Ave, Old Town, FL 32680

Who: 50-60 Campers, 20-30 Counselors, 2  Camp Advisors 2 Nurses, 1 MHP

What We Would Provide:

1. Overnight cabin stay (with other Kesem volunteers)
2. 3 meals p/day + daily snack
3. SD Cards

What YOU Would Provide:

1. Your time: you will be responsible for taking photos of our entire camp throughout all activities for the entire duration of the camp
2. Camera: you will use your own professional camera
3. A device: to upload the photos to
4. Transportation to & from camp (or Gainesville).  Carpool rides will be available from the UF campus by other student volunteers. Therefore, you can either drive yourself to camp or find a ride to Gainesville the night before!

Our Expectations:

Campers are electronically disconnected for the entire week of camp, and counselors are strongly encouraged to do the same. With that being said, we have limited opportunity to document the fun and magic created at Camp Kesem. Families and friends would love to see their campers thriving in the Kesem space, and that’s where you come in!

We are looking for a creative and energetic photographer to capture the fun and spirit of our Camp Kesem session. As a camp photographer, you will be responsible for documenting campers’ activities, special events, group photos, and the overall camp experience (both posed and unposed). This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an amazing team and preserve lasting memories for campers and their families.

Some activities you could anticipate to take photos of are arts & crafts, camp songs, archery, laser tag, messy games, meal times, kickball, gaga ball, volleyball, pool swimming, blob swimming, and campfire s’mores. We would expect the photos back to us within 1 week of the end of camp.

We would also like to introduce our photographer to our Camp Kesem UF chapter before camp, whether that be through attending one of our GBMs or any of our activities/socials. 

How You Benefit:

1. Gain portfolio experience: as a volunteer photographer, you’ll build your portfolio with unique, high-quality images that showcase your ability to work in diverse environments. This can be useful for your career or future freelance work.
2. Earn volunteer hours: if you are a student in need of service hours for academic requirements, attending our overnight camp session can help you fulfill that!
3. Develop your photography skills: working in various camp environments (outdoors, with groups, and fast-paced activities) offers valuable opportunities to improve your technical skills, such as lighting, action shots, and portrait photography.
4. Make a positive impact: your work helps raise awareness about Camp Kesem’s mission, highlighting the joy and support the camp provides to kids whose parents have been affected by cancer.

What You Would Have to Do:

1. Fill out Google Form Application
2. Interview with our Operations Coordinators
3. If selected, complete the official Kesem Volunteer Application
4. Complete Kesem Volunteer Training Videos/Courses and Background Check (more information provided upon selection)
5. Attend Camp!

Questions?

• Contact Halle “Otter Dolce
  • (954)540-5605
  • uflorida.operations@kesem.org