CAMP KESEM RICE
Camp Kesem Rice Counselor Applications: FAQs
What is a Camp Kesem Rice counselor?
Camp Kesem is a free week-long camp for children with parents affected by cancer. Camp Kesem relies on our volunteer camp counselors to engage with and support our campers. Counselors volunteer for one week of camp (this year: July 29th to August 3rd 2018), spending most of their time with an age-specific unit.
Who is eligible to be a Camp Kesem Rice counselor?
Any student who has been enrolled as an undergraduate student at Rice University during the 2017-2018 school year is eligible to apply. Additionally, all counselors must be 18 years old or older by the start of camp (July 29th 2018). (If you are interested in becoming a Camp Kesem counselor but will not be 18 years old by the time of camp, email rice.volunteer@campkesem.org, and they can handle your concerns on a case-by-case basis.)
How do I apply to be a Camp Kesem Counselor
Instructions are outlined on this document.
When are counselor applications due?
Counselor applications are due December 22nd, 2017.
What does camp look like?
Camp 2018 will be hosted at Forest Glen Springs, a campsite in Rosebud, TX. Approximately 110 campers (ages 6 to 16), 5 counselors-in-training (ages 17 and 18), and 50 counselors will attend camp. Our camp theme this year will be “A Year of Kesem,” where every day’s theme is based on a holiday.
While our Volunteer team recognizes the hard work of those who have volunteered with Kesem throughout the year, previous involvement with Camp Kesem is not a requirement to be a counselor.
Yes. Past experiences at camps are valuable, but personal attributes – like passion for Kesem’s mission, ability to work with teams, expressing compassion for others, etc. – are much more valuable to have on the counselor team.
Camp Kesem seeks to have a balanced and diverse counselor team. However, there are some expectations that all counselors must meet: being able to lead groups, communicating effectively, raising energy levels, etc.
If you want to be a counselor, You should you should absolutely apply. Everyone involved with Kesem was new to the organization at some point, so there is no need to feel intimidated. Let your passion for Kesem’s mission be the driving force in your decision to apply.
Be honest, communicative, and upfront with the Volunteer team with anything that may stop you from being able to attend camp. This is critical for ensuring we have enough counselors and balanced gender ratios for camp.
Unit assignments will be made after the majority of counselor trainings. By seeing how different counselors interact with each other, our Volunteer team will have greater insight for creating balanced teams appropriate for each age group. Any age counselor can work with any age of camper, with the exception that counselors must be 20+ years old to work with the teen units.
Attend the week for camp (July 29th to August 3rd)
Fundraise $500 for Camp Kesem
Attend all spring trainings
Complete all expert online trainings (“EOTs”) over the summer
Attend reunions and other Kesem events in the spring and the following school year
Our Volunteer team selects counselors from all years at college. In the past, we have had new counselors from all years, including a graduating senior who went to camp the first time the summer after he has graduated. Demonstrating enthusiasm and taking initiative are much greater factors for counselor selection than age.