Morrow County takes pride in serving the community.

Whether that support is extended to residents of the county, or the Ohio community at large, people here are always willing to help.

Two Highland grads have taken the principle of community outreach with them during their time at The Ohio State University.

Samantha Denman and Eleni Conners, both of Marengo, are current OSU students and staff members at the Buckeye’s branch of Camp Kesem, a nationwide community outreach program that supports children whose parents’ have cancer.

Denman is in her third year of service with the program. She was promoted to the student director position of the organization this year.

“After graduating from Highland, coming to Ohio State was a bit of a change in size and it was hard for me to find my niche at first,” Denman explained. “Then I found Camp Kesem OSU, an amazing organization filled with the most passionate and loving individuals I have ever met.”

Conners currently serves as a camp operations coordinator.

The Ohio State extension of the nationwide program located in Oregonia, OH. It is now in its fifth season of helping children from across the Buckeye State.

“Camp Kesem is an organization which provides a free week-long summer camp to children (ages 6-16) whose parents have or have had cancer,” Camp Kesem Coordinator Alexandra Wright said. “Each college’s chapter is entirely run by over student volunteers and a board of student coordinators.Since the services we provide to camper families are free, all costs are covered by generous donations and community support.”

The camp aims to help children through and beyond their parent’s cancer by providing an environment in which they can interact with peers who face similar situations.

Participants in the program undertake an activity schedule complete with sports, drama, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and talent shows throughout their two-week stay.

“Camp is aimed at giving our campers their childhood back, and that’s exactly what it did,” Denman said. “The campers are so incredibly brave and inspiring.”

For more information about the Ohio State extension of the nationwide non-profit visit its website at www.campkesem.org/ohio-state.

Courtesy photo Marengo natives and The Ohio State University students Samantha Denman and Eleni Conners stand with a Camp Kesem participant from Morrow County.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/08/web1_thumb_122A8493_1024.jpgCourtesy photo Marengo natives and The Ohio State University students Samantha Denman and Eleni Conners stand with a Camp Kesem participant from Morrow County.

By Zach Jones

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Reach Jones at 419-946-3010