Camp Kesem to come to MSU

Children and youth whose lives have been affected by cancer will soon have a new opportunity to share experiences with others in similar situations.

This week Mississippi State University was picked as the location for Camp Kesem's newest chapter after garnering the most votes of 12 colleges. Camp Kesem was founded at Stanford University in 2000, and provides a summer camp experience for children and youth between 6 and 18 years old who have been impacted by a parent's cancer. Currently, there are more than 110 Camp Kesem chapters nationwide, with more than 5,000 college students volunteering.

The effort to bring a chapter to MSU began with freshman psychology major, Madelyn Slaten. The Savannah, Tennessee native had attended Camp Kesem herself while her mother underwent treatments for breast cancer.

“I think it's pretty amazing that we get to be a part of something that's special in so many lives,” Slaten said. “I think it's going to be amazing.”

Slaten first attended Camp Kesem at Vanderbilt University when she was 14.

“I fell in love with it, and I just found so many people through it that are just so supportive in this situation and in other situations. My counselors are the ones who pushed me and kind of guided me through this process.”

To gain the votes necessary, Slaten and other volunteers canvassed the community, encouraging customers at several businesses to vote. The process of acquiring a chapter began in October 2018. Slaten contacted one of her professors who put her in contact with Chris and Susan Brooks. Chris is an associate professor of biological sciences and Susan is business manager in MSU'S Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President. Both have recently been affected by cancer. Their son Justin Crenshaw also became involved in the efforts.

“We were interested in it, not