At Camp Kesem, Brian Shelton goes by Cookie Monster.
The nickname for the UF senior and co-chairman is one of many lighthearted names for volunteers at the camp for families dealing with cancer. Other counselors go by Fity, Mr. Snuffy and Blue Cheese.
Located on 22 college campuses, Camp Kesem is a national, student-run organization that focuses on the emotional needs of children, ages 6 through 13, whose parents have had or currently have cancer, said Carly Blustein, UF senior and co-chairwoman of the organization.
Camp Kesem at UF began in April 2007 and will host its second overnight camp in Orange Springs, Fla., Sunday through Aug. 14. The camp is free for families and allows the children to be around other kids who are going through the same experiences, Blustein said.
It is a week for kids to just be kids, she said.
For example, Shelton said the male counselors once allowed the little girls to dress them as princesses, placing glittery crowns on their heads and gluing paper hearts to their faces.
"The camp is a great opportunity for the children to escape from the stress and enjoy themselves without being away from their families for too long," Shelton said.
He added that he can relate to the campers because his mother was diagnosed with cancer when he was 12 years old. He said he thinks the camp offers support and care, which is important for children who are coping with their parents' illnesses.
Stephanie Parks, who is battling breast cancer, will have three children attending camp this summer. Her son Matthew, 10, and daughter Taylor, 11, will return for their second year.
But for her 9-year-old daughter, Catie, this year's camp will be a new experience.
Parks, 42, said Catie did not accompany her siblings last year because Catie was worried that her mother would die while she was away.
Parks was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. The cancer returned in 2007, and she has stage IV breast cancer.
"The camp is amazing because it allows my children to meet other kids who are in the same position," she said. "They were able to see that our situation could be worse."
Parks said the camp environment is positive for her children and believes it helps them cope with her illness.
"Matthew came home last summer and said he forgot that I had cancer," she said. "It is such a huge part of our lives, and to know that he hadn't worried about it made me feel great."
Throughout the year, the student-members of Camp Kesem organize advertising, camp activities and fundraising.
"The camp is funded through donations and fundraisers," Blustein said. "We work tirelessly throughout the year to raise enough money to hold the camp,"
The organization must raise about $11,000 to offer the free retreat to families.
The raised money covers the costs of a nurse and child therapist, food, arts and crafts and many other necessities.
The organization is always searching for student counselors, Blustein said.
The more awareness there is, the more children the organization can help, she said.
"I want to know dedicated people will be here when I leave. This camp means so much to me," Blustein said.
