Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. They are the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population. There are more than 100 Kesem chapters in the country. Dr. Kerri Ashurst has served as the UK Chapter Student Advisor for Camp Kesem since its formation in 2016. Camp Kesem KY had their first camp in July 2017 with 19 children attending and their second camp in June 2018 with 28 children attending. A camp was held in July 2019 with 31 campers with the help of 19 student volunteers from UK. In 2020, the pandemic forced us to modify our camp program and create "Kesem at Home." Kesem at Home was piloted nationally in 2020 and served over 8,600 children across the country through over 140 virtual sessions. UK held Kesem at Home programs in both 2020 and 2021. Areas of greatest impact during the Kesem at Home programs included: 

- Improved self-esteem
- Enhanced coping skills
- Increased self-confidence
- Stronger emotional intelligence ‍

Now that 5 years of camps have been held, UK's Camp Kesem chapter is holding annual "Friends and family days" where former campers come together to reunite, have fun, and share their experiences. This was done virtually in 2020 and was held in-person at Shillito Park in 2021.  Approval was received to hold an in-person camp again in 2022 (July 17-22, 2022). We held a "Make the Magic" virtual fundraising event in April 2022, where over $11,000 was raised for the 2022 camp.