Local Leadership

Camp Kesem BYU Leaders

This is a completely student run organization, yet these positions are of a professional responsibility. The second emphasis of the Camp Kesem mission is to develop student leaders. More than any organization, possibly in the world, Camp Kesem expects these leaders to rise to the challenge and cause.

In 2012-2013 Camp Kesem BYU celebrates 6 years of continued dedication among its student leaders. These students are the foundation of success for the organization. They are self-directed grassroots leaders committed to serving the children and families in the Mountain West battling cancer. Take a few minutes to learn what makes them worth supporting. If you want to join our team, learn about becoming a counselor by emailing: campkesem@byu.edu.

2013 Local Leadership

Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Griff!

Camp Name: Rev (aka: Brian) 2013 Co-Chair

Who am I? My camp name comes from my favorite movie and favorite character “Rev” of Remember the Titians. If you haven’t seen it then call me up, I watch it every other month. I am in my 3rd year at BYU and after much internal debate I am studying Organization Behavior. I love the outdoors, especially sunrise over the Wasatch mountains. I ride my road bike everywhere! I am happily married to the only girl I ever kissed and we just had our first baby (Oct 2012). My wife is the one who got me involved in CK back in 2010, so she is obviously amazing!   Favorite Camp Song: Get Loose    Memorable Camp Experience: Three boys in my “green group” who caught the coveted “white fish” have two years of earnest effort and unyielding hope. It was an unforgettable moment of joy for each of us. See the picture!    Why Camp Kesem? My wife convinced me to go after she had gone a year already. I remember not having any idea what to expect. It was amazing to feel so much joy around children that have/are experiencing debilitating sorrow. Their persistent happiness and willingness to see the good in the world drives me to dedicate my life year-round to one week of bringing this magical group of youth together.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Rev!

Camp Name:     Curious George         (aka: Chris) 2013 Student Support

Who am I? Not an actualmonkey, sadly. The name was the first thing that came to my mind, and it stuck (and now I love being called “Curious George”, who would’ve thought?). I love sports (maybe sometimes a little too much), singing, and Camp Kesem. I’m the youngest of 5 kids and the only single one left, so I get to play the role of fun uncle for the 11 (soon to be 12) cutest nieces and nephews on Planet Earth. I’m studying Organizational Behavior and Human Resources at BYU and hoping to go into Educational Leadership or work with Non-Profit Organizations. I love life and like to be busy. And I may use parentheses a little more than is socially acceptable (sue me).Favorite Camp Song: “You can’t ride in my little red wagon!” gets me going every time, especially when led by Sunshine. Memorable Camp Experience: Chowder successfully hiding behind a 2-inch wide tree during the game Commando. Ninja skills like I have never seen! Why Camp Kesem? I was so lucky to learn about Camp Kesem through my friend “Green Monster” just a few weeks before camp, and they still needed some more counselors. When she told me about what it was, I was sold. My mom passed away from brain cancer two and a half years ago, so it definitely hits close to home, and I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to go through all of that at such a young age. These kids are incredible. They inspire me, they help me with my coping, they are great examples of acceptance, strength, and love. And they’re so much fun to be with! I am hooked on Camp Kesem for good.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Curious George!

CampName: Elmo                                            (aka: Matt)

About me:  While working at another summer camp for kids over the summer, they brought out my uncanny ability to impersonate the beloved sesame street character, so that name just sort of stuck.  I am in my third year at BYU studying business and medicine.  I would consider myself an adrenaline junkie and love to do anything outdoors including (but not limited to): hiking, rock-climbing, and cycling. Fond Camp Experience: the epic camp water war with over 1000 balloons which were depleted within minutes! Doing Camp Kesem: I heard about camp from my cousin only a few months before and decided to participate, which was one of the best things I could have ever done.  I am excited to get next year underway.  I can’t think of a better place to volunteer at that offers kids the chance to make lasting friendships with those who share their same concerns and help each other to come out on top of their problems.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Elmo!

Camp Name: Buttercup               (aka: Shannon) 2013 Student Support

Who am I?  My name is Buttercup and I love Camp Kesem!!! Great, now that the most important things about me are out of the way I can tell you a little about myself. I am from the good ol’ town of Pleasant Grove Utah and I currently work for an organization called United Way. I believe Cinnabon is the greatest desert ever made and that country music makes everything better (if you tell me you don’t like country music I won’t believe you). I love to belt out singing in the car and pretend I am Celine Dion even though I can’t sing on key for the life of me. Also my favorite thing to do in the summer is lay at the beach. However, since there is not a beach near by I try to make due at Seven Peaks and imagine I’m at Waikiki.Favorite camp game: Rock Paper Scissors (Gang Train) Memorable camp experience:Cabin Chat with my 9-11 yr old girls and listening to all their boy crazy stories. I’ve never laughed so hard! Why Camp Kesem?  I learned about Camp Kesem through my roommate Griff. I LOVED camp and couldn’t wait to get involved even more this next year. It was so much fun and it was awesome to see how happy the kids were at camp! These kids are the strongest people I’ve ever met and Camp Kesem is such a wonderful experience for everyone involved. It changed my life.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Buttercup!

Camp Name:         Cookie Monster (aka: Janette) 2013 Student Support

Who am I?  “You are what you eat!” as the saying goes, and my camp name was inspired by my favorite food—cookies!  Luckily, I get to couple that with my favorite thing to do—Camp Kesem!  I love getting to know the campers and finding out what they’re favorite cookie flavor is. I’ll be expecting to hear yours at camp.  See ya then!Favorite Camp Song: I love learning new songs! My favorite is probably always the one I learned most recently. Memorable Camp Experience: One of my favorite camp memories was the outdoor adventures we did as a group.  From pirate tag, to Harry Potter incantations and panning for gold to super power competitions—everyday was an adventure at Camp Kesem! And the best part? 2013 is going to be even better! Why Camp Kesem? I learned about Camp Kesem while I was working at a copy center on BYU campus.  I immediately identified with the mission and message and decided to join the Camp Kesem crew.  Camp Kesem changes lives—not only for the children and families involved, but also for the counselors and coordinators, as we love and learn from these incredible kids!

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Cookie Monster!

Camp Name: Squishy                 (aka: Tamara)

Why Squishy? If you recall, squishy is that tiny white jelly fish in Finding Nemo that floats in the ocean just off of the EAC. I don’t exactly know what provoked me to use this as my camp name but apparently it fits me well (refer to Griffs favorite moment at camp). I guess I find myself similar to that little white jelly fish; I’m rare to find, if you poke me in the wrong way I may give you a bit of a shock, I’m a little bit squishy and I don’t say much (that’s a lie)  and when it comes down to it I’d love nothing more than to chill in the EAC just off the shore of Australia, so Squishy it is! About me: I’m a senior at BYU studying Public Health. I’m from the pleasant land of Pleasant Grove Utah and loved growing up there. I love to be outside and believe that there is nothing better than watching a firework show to country music on a summer night. I love fishing and shopping, polar opposites I know. I hope to visit all 50 states one day and be front row to a Michael Buble concert. Why Camp Kesem? Griff got me involved in Camp Kesem, shes my cousin whom I share a birthday with. I have enjoyed every minute of camp…minus head lice (don’t worry that is an extremely rare  occurrence). I’m excited to continue working with Camp Kesem and feel honored that I get to associate with kids and counselors that I consider by friends and heroes. Favorite Camp Game: The one where we make a wagon of 8 or a camp fire of 4 etc. I can’t remember the official name but its da best! Favorite Camp Memory: Watching Mr. Incredible chase Harry Potter all day every day for 6 days.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Squishy!

Camp Name: Glinda                   (aka: Ellen) 2013 Fundraising

Who am I? Glinda comes from the musical Wicked. It’s actually Galinda but I shortened it to Glinda J If you haven’t seen the musical Glinda is a little out of control, okay a lot, but she loves pink, shoes, giving makeovers, and singing. I love all of those things too! It seemed to fit. When I started telling people that’s what I was thinking they all agreed it was perfect. Yay! I’m the oldest of four kids, my mom is my best friend, and I am a big time daddy’s girl. I love to watch football, read, cook for people I love, and laugh. Performing and teaching are my true loves. I am currently studying at BYU to be a theatre teacher.  And I am obsessed with Camp Kesem!Favorite Camp Song: Curious George stole mine. (Scroll up) Memorable Camp Experience: Watching the campers in my “green group” perform in the talent show. They all worked so hard to get prepared and they rocked the house! I was so proud. Good job Archuleta, Green Girls, Lemonhead, Snoozer, Chowder, Steele, and Oddish. You guys are amazing. Why Camp Kesem? A really good friend of mine participated in Camp Kesem University of Illinois and told me about it. Because I LOVE working with kids and had a lot of experience at summer camps she thought I would love it. She told me it would change my life and that it was the best thing she had ever done. I will be honest, I was skeptical. But it is true. These kids changed my life. They are so strong and so good, I love them and I am so grateful to have been able to work with this great organization. I can’t wait to help make next year’s camp possible. These kids deserve it and so much more!

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Glinda!

Camp Name:      Mr. Incredible              (aka: Adam)

MR. Incredible is busy thinking too hard about what to say. Updates coming soon!

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Mr. Incredible!

Camp Name: Pete                   (aka: Brittany) 2013 Social Media

Who am I? My camp name comes from the nickname my Grandpa Warnock used to call me and my aunt. He was one of my favorite people in the world and I was one of his! I have no idea why he called us Pete – I never thought to ask.  I grew up in Southern California and went to college at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now I am a graduate student at BYU, working on my Master’s degree in communication and media studies. I have two amazing parents and one brother who I think is the coolest person on the planet and he thinks I am the most annoying. I am obsessed with traveling, eating out, music, movies, TV, theatre, reading, blogging and anything pop culture.  But my favorite thing in the whole world is spending time with my family and friends.  I also collect magnets and hoard old magazines.Favorite Camp Song: Ride That Pony Memorable Camp Experience:I have so many, it’s hard to choose! One would be eavesdropping on my “Blue Crew” girls while they talked about boys in the cabin at night. Another would be seeing all the kids’ smiling faces for every meal when I was a cook this year! Why Camp Kesem: Two years ago my roommate and good friend got me and our other roommate involved and we were hooked on camp. I was amazed by how fast and deeply I fell in love with all of the kids and had so much fun being a part of their lives for that short time.  I love seeing the campers bond with and support each other and discover that they are not alone. Their ability to lift each other and their counselors and to just have huge amounts of fun amazes me and is really what Camp Kesem is all about.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Pete!

Camp Name: Chalky         (aka: Brian) 2013 Alumni Coordinator

Who Am I?  I am Chalky, and I love Camp Kesem.  It has been the highlight of my year every year for the past 3 years.  I have even missed my wedding anniversary 3 years in a row to attend camp (let’s make it 4!).  I graduated from BYU and currently work at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray UT as an endoscopy tech.  I am going to be attending medical school beginning in the fall of 2013.  I have a 2 year old boy who has made appearances at camp the last two years (Baby Dino) and a 2 month old baby girl. Favorite Camp Song:  Tarzan and Hey Burrito! Memorable Camp Experience:  During last year’s talent show, Optimus and I dressed up as Beauty and the Beast (he was the Beast and I was Beauty) and we danced together as all the boy counselors sang the theme song from Beauty and the Beast.  At the end of the song, we moved in to kiss each other, and the lights were turned off right before our lips touched.  All of the kids asked us if we really kissed.  I guess we’ll never know… Why Camp Kesem:  There is nothing greater than bringing joy to the kids and the families at Camp Kesem.  When I first became involved 4 years ago, I thought it was something that sounded like fun.  I had no idea that camp would change my life forever.  There really is a magic at Camp Kesem.  Seeing how amazing these kids are and all their strength makes my heart swell.  If you love fun and hate cancer, this is the greatest place on earth.

 Want to know more about my Camp Kesem experience? Email: byu@campkesem.org Specify in subject: Tell me more Chalky!

If you would like to apply for an available leadership position please review responsibilities below. To be accepted please email a resume (with references) and completed application to buy@campkesem.org. We will contact you for an interview. 

2013 Open Positions: 

(NEED ONE MORE) Admin- Camp Programming:

• Work as a co-coordinator with Admin-Camper/Public Relations leader
•  Organize a daily schedule for the summer camp
• Coordinate with Activity Leaders to assure proper supplies, facilities secured for week’s activities
• Create and maintain a camp supplies list, budget, and wish list
• Attend weekly coordinator meetings, organize bi-weekly committee meetings, and attend monthly mass meetings with all committee members
• Recruit committee members, delegate responsibilities, and provide support to committee members
• Participate in general Camp Kesem fundraising activities
• Attend camp and serve as a “floating leader” of camp activities
• Attend Camp Kesem Nation-wide Conference November 2nd – 4th in Michigan (secure sponsors to pay your way)

(NEED ONE MORE) Admin- Camp/Public Relations: 

• Position filled.

(1) Student Support- Activities:

• Position filled.

(1) Student Support- Training:

• Position filled.

(1) Camper Care -Family Relations: 

• Position filled.

(1) Camper Care- Actvities, Reunions:

• Postion filled.

(NEED ONE MORE) Finances- Sponsor Relations & Fundraising: 

• Work as a co-coordinators
• Contact and create contact among local community for sponsorship
• Organize a Fall and Spring “Make the Magic” auction event
• Oversee fundraising activities involving community partners
• Use creativity to involve local community, families, students in small but worthwhile fundraising activities
• Attend weekly coordinator meetings, organize bi-weekly committee meetings, and attend monthly mass meetings with all committee members
• Recruit committee members, delegate responsibilities, and provide support to committee members
• Participate in general Camp Kesem fundraising activities
• Attend camp and serve as a counselor or possible leader of camp staff
• Attend Camp Kesem Nation-wide Conference November 2nd – 4th in Michigan (secure sponsors to pay your way)

(1) Alumni Coordinator:

• Position Filled

(NEED ONE MORE) Teen Camper Advisors:

• Work as a co-coordinators
• Assisting Student Support in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting Teen Group Counselors
• Organize a two-night camping experience away from general camp
• Plan and prepare a food menu, supply list, etc for two-night experience
• Create wish-list for necessary camping supplies and contact past donors to loan or donate supplies.
• Contact and secure a charter company to transport teens away from camp
• Send out necessary communication to teen camper families regarding overnight camping experience
• Assisting in specialized training of Teen Group counselors with Student Support leaders
• Attend weekly coordinator meetings, organize bi-weekly committee meetings, and attend monthly mass meetings with all committee members
• Recruit committee members, delegate responsibilities, and provide support to committee members
• Participate in general Camp Kesem fundraising activities
• Attend camp and serve as a counselor or possible leader of camp staff
• Attend Camp Kesem Nation-wide Conference November 2nd – 4th in Michigan (secure sponsors to pay your way)