Case Study: Working with Kesem

Some camps stay with us longer than others. For us at NaCoMe, our time working with Kesem is one of those experiences.

Camp Kesem sponsors summer camps, day programs, and virtual meet-ups for kids and teens who have a parent with cancer. Their programs give young people a chance to be with others who truly understand what they’re going through: to have fun, feel supported, and just be kids for a while.

From the start, we knew hosting Kesem wasn’t just about providing a place to stay. It was about creating an environment where campers felt safe, cared for, and supported in every way.

Starting with Trust

Kesem has clear standards for how its camps run, especially when it comes to safety and camper well-being. We worked closely with their team ahead of time to make sure we were on the same page, talking through things like weather plans, meal needs, and daily flow.

Our goal was simple: make things easy for their staff, so they could focus on the campers.

That preparation paid off when the unexpected happened.

When Plans Change

During one of the camp sessions, a sudden thunderstorm rolled in while campers were already settled in their cabins. Out of caution, Kesem decided to keep everyone inside. It was the right call, but it meant campers couldn’t come out for meals as planned.

Our team jumped in right away. We quickly prepared over 170 meals to go, making sure every camper was fed safely and on time. We double-checked food allergies and special diets, just like we always do.

Later that week, the same thing happened again. Another round of thunder, another quick shift in plans. Once again, meals were packed up and delivered without disrupting the campers’ day. From the campers’ point of view, things just worked. And that’s exactly how it should feel.

Making Space for Meaningful Moments

Not every challenge at camp is about logistics. Some moments matter because of how they feel.

Toward the end of the week, Kesem wanted to create a special closing experience where all the campers could be together at the swimming area at the same time. It took some coordination, but it was important to them and the campers.

We worked together to adjust the schedule and make it happen. It became a shared, joyful way to wrap up the week. One last moment of connection before campers headed home.

What This Partnership Means to Us

Providing a campground for Kesem has reminded us why flexibility and communication matter so much in a camp setting. Things don’t always go exactly as planned, especially when you’re caring for kids. What matters is how you respond.

For parents considering camp, we know trust is everything. You’re trusting a whole team, not just counselors, but everyone behind the scenes, to take care of your child. Our role at NaCoMe is to support that care by handling the details, adapting when needed, and making sure camps can focus on what they do best.

Whether it’s adjusting plans because of weather, accommodating food needs, or working together to create meaningful moments, we’re here to support each camp and every camper.

That’s what our partnership with Kesem was built on, and it’s how we approach every camp we host.

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