Dude Ranch

Dude Ranch

Dude Ranch
Living, working and participating in real ranch life

CAMP DATES
September 22nd – 28th, 2024

AGE
11 – 16

LOCATION
Check back soon for more info!

APPLY
Be on the lookout for applications to open in the summer!

VOLUNTEER
Be on the lookout for applications to open in the summer!

Please reach out to Devin Ryan-Holanda ([email protected]) if you have any questions!

Dude Ranch gives campers the chance to have an authentic experience like no other — living, working and participating in real ranch life. Campers learn horsemanship as they brush, saddle, and then ride horses. We take campers ages 11-16 with all levels of experience, from those who have never touched a horse to experienced riders. Even though campers will be away from school for the week, they will have built in homework time each day!

Camp will take place where kids may participate in horsemanship classes and other activities such as horseshoes, miniature golf, tennis, pony rides, nature hikes, basketball, volleyball, and line-dancing. Besides all of the fun and activities, our campers also get the chance to just hang out together– which can be as much fun as anything they do.

After Submitting Your Application2023-01-17T08:46:32-05:00

After registering you will begin to receive the following information from Program Leaders

  • Camper Welcome notification
  • Packing list & “What to expect”
  • Pick up/Drop off times
  • Bus transportation information if applicable

Paperwork will be required for each program and may include:

  • Physical exam form
  • Health insurance information (front and back of insurance card)
  • Immunization Records
Current Safety Strategies2024-01-09T16:17:11-05:00

Camp One Step is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the individuals who participate in our camps.  With our camper and volunteer wellbeing in mind, the following safety strategies are in place for all in-person camps:

  • Routine childhood vaccinations, which include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and chicken pox, are required.  Medical exemptions for campers may be requested and will be reviewed by the Medical Director and Physician Advisor.  COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are recommended, but not required.
  • Pre- and post-camp health screening is required
  • Pre-camp COVID-19 testing is required
  • Masking is optional. Masks will be available for those desiring one.  For travel programs that include air travel, masks will be required when traveling through the airport and when on the plane.
  • HEPA filters will be used in shared sleeping rooms (HEPA filters will only be available at local programs, not travel programs)

Camp One Step encourages any individuals at an increased risk of infection to consult with their healthcare team prior to attending camp to ensure that an in-person camp is a good fit.  If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please send questions to Medical Director, Susie Burke at [email protected].

Camp One Step is so grateful to the community for continuing to put health and safety at the forefront of all that we do.  We hope to see you at camp!

 

Meet your Program Directors

Kris Riley, Program Director

Kris is the parent of a childhood cancer survivor and former Camp One Step camper and has been involved with Camp One Step since 2000. She has volunteered as a counselor, program leader, medical staff and was involved in the Milwaukee Board when it was up and running.  Kris has participated in the Utah Ski Program, Washington, D.C. Program, Brain Tumor Family Camp, Summer Camp, Seabees Leadership Program, Family Camp, Dude Ranch Program, Springfield Advocacy Program, and Winter Camp. To learn more about Kris, click here.

Mark Peterson, Program Director

Mark started volunteering with Camp One Step in 2008. His nephew had battled cancer and he and his brothers became counselors at camp. They were counselors for a couple years when Mark decided he wanted to volunteer too. Mark has been a counselor for Summer Camp (Excursion, WaterSports, Excel), Winter Camp, Sibling Camp, Brain Tumor Family Camp, Family Camp, Utah Ski Camp, Chicago Day Camp, and Dude Ranch. He has also been a group leader for Winter Camp and a Program Leader for WaterSports during Summer Camp.

Dude Ranch Testimonials

“[My camper] was afraid to attend camps and has separation anxiety but Camp One Step has been able to help her overcome those fears. Going to Dude ranch helped her be less afraid and more independent.”
-Camper parent

“I loved the horses and being able to hangout with my friends and make new ones.”
-Camper

“(My camper) said she had the most amazing time at Dude Ranch. She said she couldn’t imagine that she would be able to do all the things she did if it wasn’t for Dude Ranch. She had an amazing time.”
-Camper parent

Video from past camps

Photos from past camps

Our Medical Team

Camp One Step’s Medical Director, Susie Burke, leads our volunteer medical team. The Camp One Step medical team is comprised of volunteer health care professionals who have a passion for working with children and adolescents who are or have experienced the challenges of a life threatening illness. Even though it is important to have staff with pediatric oncology experience, we also welcome staff with other clinical backgrounds such as general pediatrics, adult oncology, emergency, and ICU to name a few. The medical staff work closely together in teams to address the medical needs of each camper. Our goal is to promote the health and well-being of the campers in an atmosphere of fun.

Have any Questions?

About our camps
Devin Ryan-Holanda Vice President Camps & Programs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 312.924.4220

Jessica Hopper Director of Program Operations
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 312.924.4220

Madeline Brown Programs Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 312.924.4220

About our CONNECTED programs
Devin Ryan-Holanda Vice President Camps & Programs
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 312.924.4220

About our medical team
Susie Burke Medical Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 312.924.4220

FAQs & Resources

New to Camp?
Start Here

Camper & Family FAQs

Volunteer
FAQs

Medical Volunteers photo in William Bay on the walking trail

Support &
Resources

2024-01-23T15:04:24-05:00
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