The 2010 MIT Camp Kesem Teen Program, Campers and Counselors

Camp Kesem is a free camp for the children of cancer patients, ages 6-13, completely run and fundraised by college students. It has been an amazing way to connect with kids and teens who have illness in their families, and have a simply fun week of camp. These kids are inspiring and their smiles show me that optimism is and can be endless. The other counselors, all MIT students, are awesome in their own right. My fellow counselors for the older boys and I are pictured below.

Working with people like Dan and Spencer (above) has shown me that students can change lives. Further than that, helping out on an individual level really counts. Last year, I was able to help start MIT's Camp Kesem Teen Program for 7 teens ages 14-16. At MIT, I'm taught to affect the world by using product design to create change for many, but Camp Kesem has shown me that the polar opposite is vital. The value of connecting with others on a face to face level is nowhere more evident than in the smile of a child. Kesem is Hebrew for magic (no religious affiliation, though) and it really is that - magic. Feel free to check out our website at http://campkesem.org/mit and donate to the cause.