URBANA – Camp Kesem, a free overnight summer camp that will run from Aug. 7-12 for children of cancer patients, still has openings for nearly 40 campers.

The deadline for applications is April 22.

Held at Camp Akita near Peoria, Camp Kesem is open to children and teens ages 6 through 16.

Last year, it was attended by 38 youths, and the goal this year is to accommodate 44, said Claire Maddox, one of the camper care coordinators.

Camp Kesem was founded in 2000 at Stanford University.

It provides kids whose parents have cancer a chance to go away to camp and have fun with other kids and college students a chance to make a difference.

The campers take part in such activities as sports, drama, arts and crafts, team-building, scavenger hunts and talent shows.

Campers also get opportunities to talk to each other and counselors about their feelings, which can go unnoticed at school and home because they're not the ones who are sick, say Camp Kesem organizers.

Camp Kesem is a venture of University of Illinois student volunteers working under an advisory committee of local professionals and the parent organization, Camp Kesem International.

College students serve as camp counselors and undergo more than 30 hours of training.

For information or to apply or donate, contact Maddox at 217-521-7837 or camp care coordinator Noah Gadja at 847-269-6341.

Or send an e-mail to campercare@gmail.com.

The camp's website is http://www.campkesem.org/illinois.