From an early age, Sidney Atkins has kept a special place in his heart for Camp Kesem.

Camp Kesem is a national non-profit that provides free, fun-filled, supportive programs, including week-long summer camps, for children and adolescents (ages 6-18) affected by a parent's cancer diagnosis.

“Being in a camp with kids with similar experiences helps build a sense of community. You do not feel like you are alone.”

Atkins first attended Camp Kesem as a fourth-grade student after his father, Mark, lost his battle with colon cancer. Fast-forward to summer 2026, Atkins, a senior at the University of Iowa and a student web assistant at the Graduate College, will begin his fourth year as a camp counselor, while also volunteering as camp treasurer for Camp Kesem’s only Iowa Chapter.

“(Camp Kesem) was helpful for me, because growing up with that experience (parent who died of cancer) is not something that most kids my age had gone through,” says Atkins, who spent a decade as a camper. “Being in a camp with kids with similar experiences helps build a sense of community. You do not feel like you are alone.”

A special camp

Camp Kesem, with university-based chapters across the U.S., helps kids connect with peers, who all are coping with a parent’s cancer diagnosis, process their experiences of anxiety and emotional isolation, and simply enjoy being kids.

These kids connect during a free, overnight summer camp where they can participate in traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, sports, and nature, while also having dedicated times to share and bond with peers.

The camps are staffed by college student volunteers, like Atkins, who undergo extensive training, background checks, and a competitive hiring process. 

“The goal is to put on a good week-long camp where kids can get away from the stress,” Atkins says. “Parents dealing with a cancer diagnosis also can have a break from their kids for a week.”

Life-altering interaction

As a camp counselor, Atkins ensures that campers have a fun time. By creating a safe space, he connects with campers on an individual basis.

Atkins’ interaction with one specific camper stands out. A young boy wore a bandana on his face for most of the week-long camp and mostly kept to himself.

“I figured out his needs, which required back-and-forth communication between us,” Atkins says. “I could tell when he was uncomfortable. Then, I found something that would make him happy.”

Atkins quickly learned that his camper loved photography.

“He was grinning when we let him take pictures,” Atkins says. “He also loved looking for four-leaf clovers. By the end of the week, he took his bandana off and was grinning and smiling. That was cool to see.”

Atkins’ Kesem experience

Atkins has become more emotionally mature by serving as a camp counselor. Each summer, he has had a memorable experience.

“I’ve never had a bad year going to camp,” Atkins says. “People who volunteer are very selfless. It feels like a life-changing week, because you get close to the counselors and campers and make cool memories.”

“People who volunteer are very selfless. It feels like a life-changing week, because you get close to the counselors and campers and make cool memories.”

Atkins made a great decision for himself by choosing to become involved with Camp Kesem as a camper and now a counselor.

“The Kesem community is wholesome and positive,” Atkins says. “Going to camp always has been a good experience.”

Join Camp Kesem

Are you interested in joining the Camp Kesem family?

All graduate students are welcome to attend the Iowa City chapter’s Kesem Member Meeting on September 25 from 6-7 p.m. in Schaeffer Hall, Room 60.

For more information, please email iowa.volunteer@kesem.org. You also can follow the Iowa City chapter on social media at @kesemiowa.