Camp Kesem was one of the most meaningful experiences in my personal development and professional growth. This August, I spent a week at camp organized by Kesem of Greater Cleveland, which offers free summer camps and year-round support for children whose lives have been impacted by a parent’s cancer. I arrived as one of two volunteer photographers, expecting to document activities, handle social media posts for the Instagram and Facebook accounts, and enjoy some camp activities. At first, I felt like an outsider entering an emotionally woven community where many campers had returned year after year, some for over 12 years. Everyone seemed to know the group songs, the inside jokes, and the familiar rhythm of the space. Moving across the large campgrounds throughout the day, interacting with each group, slowly chipped away at my energy, but small moments such as asking campers for their names, listening to their stories, sitting next to someone who seemed distant, and sharing small laughs opened the door to more meaningful experiences.

Being a photographer meant more than just taking pictures. It required intentional observation of the scene and an awareness that each selected moment reflects the photographer’s own perception. I felt nervous and unsure about how to approach kids who were going through complex emotions, and I worried that taking photos might interrupt private moments. So instead of taking hundreds of photos just to take them, I focused on creating genuine interactions first: high fives, smiles, small encouragements, and matching kids’ energy, whether that meant excitement or a bit of teenage sass. As I grew closer to more campers, I could casually say, “Hey, can I take a picture? The camera really loves you guys,” and I was able to capture many authentic moments. With only two photographers covering more than 70 campers, my name spread quickly, and some campers even called out to me to capture their “awesome moment” as they climbed or played.

Throughout the week, a major motivation was knowing that every photo would hold meaning for parents and guardians at home who stepped back from contact so their kids could fully experience camp. Capturing small, joyful, and vulnerable moments felt like both a responsibility and a privilege. By the end of the week, I was no longer just documenting an experience; I had been shaped by it. The resilience of the campers, the openness of the community, and the feeling of being welcomed as I was all left a lasting impact. Camp Kesem reminded me how important it is to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves, and that understanding continues to guide how I think about my work and the communities I want to help build.