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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryUK Camp Kesem 2025



UK Camp Kesem 2025

Author: Kerri Ashurst

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Family Development General

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

amp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders working with children and families who are coping with the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis of a parent. They are the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population with over 100 college chapters in the country. There are 5 million children coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis.  Kesem supports these children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free and creative programs, helpful resources, meaningful connects, and a consistent community of support. 

Dr. Kerri Ashurst has served as the UK Chapter Student Advisor for Camp Kesem since its formation in 2016. Camp Kesem KY has held 8 camps:

1) July 2017 with 19 children attending

2) June 2018 with 28 children attending

3) July 2019 with 31 children attending

4) 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. 

5) July 2022 with 29 children attending

6) July 2023 with 38 campers attending

7) June 2024 with 46 campers attending

8) June 2025 with 52 campers attending

For the new school year (August 2024 - June 2025), our UK Kesem Chapter set a goal to raise raise of $42,000. The UK Kesem student board was able to raise nearly $45,000. We surpassed our goal to have 50 campers register for our 2025 camp and had over 50 campers for our first time. It has been the most successful year we have had since our UK chapter was founded in 2016.  







Stories by Kerri Ashurst


Children, Youth and Families at Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance

about 12 hours ago by Kerri Ashurst

Dr. Ashurst has been a Federal Coach for USDAs Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Professi... Read More


UK Camp Kesem 2025

about 12 hours ago by Kerri Ashurst

amp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders working with child... Read More


Stories by Family and Consumer Sciences


Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

Celebrating Cultural Connections: Embracing Heritage Through Food and Nutrition Education

about 2 days ago by LaToya Drake

One-size-fits-all nutrition advice doesnt always capture the rich cultural traditions and meaningful... Read More


Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

about 3 days ago by LaToya Drake

When Kentuckians choose to purchase locally grown food, studies show that up to$7 out of every $10sp... Read More


Stories by Family Development General


Ohana Day brings families and Community together

Ohana Day brings families and Community together

about 4 days ago by Rebecca Woodall

There is a local park in a disadvantaged neighborhood. In the summer, a lot of kids hang out there ... Read More


Hardin & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Promoting Healthy Choices for New Moms and Families -(June 2025)

Hardin & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Promoting Healthy Choices for New Moms and Families -(June 2025)

about 5 days ago by Chandra DeRamus

Within Hardin County, a disproportionate number of Kentucky families live in economically distressed... Read More