Kesem 101
Though opportunities to share will be provided at camp, the purpose of Camp Kesem is NOT to provide clinical therapy for the campers. Why might this be?
We are volunteers, not trained clinicians, liability reasons, parent/family boundaries. WE ARE NOT THERAPISTS!!
Why is it important to be patient at camp?
Sometimes, it may take a little bit of time to identify what the camper in question needs- that’s okay! Be patient and continue to ask questions if you think that there may be a need to address
How might non-verbal communication give us clues to how a camper is feeling?
Facial expressions, body language, eye contact, gestures, tone of voice, change in behavior.
What is Metastasis?
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.
Why is it important to trust your gut while at camp as a counselor?
We are these camper’s parents for the week! It is always better safe than sorry when identifying and checking in on needs.
What are some ways to show approachability as a counselor at camp?
You show with your eye contact and other body language that you are paying attention.
You remain calm.
You ask open ended questions in order to learn more about that person’s experience
What is Kesem's Mission?
Kesem’s mission of supporting children through and beyond a parent’s cancer, and our vision of ensuring that every child impacted by a parent’s cancer is never alone.
How might a young camper express their needs at camp when they are hungry or tired?
Crying
Not participating in activities
Refusing to eat lunch
Refusing to shower
Falling asleep at activities
Lashing out
Why are asking open ended questions important while being a Kesem Counselor.
It can be helpful in mediating a peer-peer conflict. Oftentimes, to get children engaged with decisions or next steps, you have to involve them in the process.
How Might a Parent's Cancer Change a Camper's Daily Routine at Home?
Campers may take on more responsibility, financial strain, altered schedules, changes in caregiver dynamics, and various emotional impacts.
Prior to camp, each unit will receive information about the campers in their unit from the campers’ guardians. Sometimes, this information will indicate different behaviors, needs, or information about the camper, but in some cases, it will not. What are some strategies we can use to ensure they have a good time at camp as well?
Prepare
Paying Attention
Asking Questions
Being Patient
Be Compassionate and Empathetic
Being Open to New Information
Using Environmental Clues
Trusting Your Gut
What are some of the foundational leadership skills discussed in today's training?
Patience
Accessibility
Approachability
Accountability
Team work
Clear communication
Many first-time campers have never been to a summer camp at all before attending Camp Kesem. What might kids be most scared of when going to camp for the first time?
Concern for their parents while they are gone, guilt, isolation, homesickness, a fear of burdening others with their roles at home.
It often depends on the age group!
Why is it important to check our own personal biases before we step foot in camp?
No one camper, child, or person expresses things in the same way, and we need to be open to supporting and meeting the needs of our campers regardless of how they are expressing those needs, or how familiar we are with them
How would you rephrase this close-ended question to seem more open-ended:
What is something that you can do tomorrow that will make your day better?
Can you think of how to make tomorrow better?