Not Just Meetings, Caterpillars Too!

Have you ever been in a meeting, actively listening but still having the energy to do more? For SC, true professional engagement extends far beyond conference halls, technical sessions, and network architecture. It means making a tangible, positive impact on the surrounding community. During SC26 planning meetings in Chicago, volunteers put that principle into action, proving that technical collaboration and community service can go hand in hand.

While listening to speakers discuss conference logistics and network strawmen, the SC crew of dedicated volunteers stuffed caterpillars for Camp Kesem. Kesem is a nonprofit organization with chapters across the United States and a steadfast mission of supporting children whose parents are fighting cancer. Kesem understands that it is not just the affected patient who needs support, but their families as well. Every summer, Kesem hosts several camps, called Camp Kesem, for children ages 6-18, providing an opportunity for kids simply to be kids.

“Karl” the Caterpillar is the Camp Kesem mascot and represents the transformative experiences of the kids who attend the camp. Kesem’s “The Stuff of Magic” program allows organizations to donate their time to stuffing Karl the Caterpillar plushies, which are gifted to every child who attends Camp Kesem. During the two-day June meetings, SC26 volunteers were able to meet the goal of stuffing 1,000 Karl the Caterpillars that were gifted to Camp Kesem kids this summer.  

“SC26 is about more than advancing computing. It is about supporting the communities our work and research ultimately serve,” said SC26 General Chair Kevin Hayden.

Taking time during our planning meeting to build Karl the Caterpillars gave volunteers the opportunity to be part of the community while making a meaningful difference for children facing some of life’s toughest circumstances. It’s a powerful example of how collaboration, compassion, and innovation are all part of the SC experience.

SC26 GENERAL CHAIR KEVIN HAYDEN

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Learn more about Kesem’s Stuff of Magic events:

Kesem.org