Camp Volunteer

Camp Volunteer

Become a Camp Volunteer

Come join our incredible team of volunteers that help make a positive impact on children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Whether you have a weekend, week or flexible schedule throughout the year, our camps offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. Camp volunteers are the key part of making Camp One Step programs happen.

Camp One Step began through the hard work of dedicated volunteers, and continues to be volunteer-driven as we have the support of more than 400 volunteers (including many former campers). In fact, approximately 1 in 5 camp counselors are former campers themselves. Individuals from all professions and backgrounds volunteer in our programs. Many local nurses, doctors, research staff and social workers volunteer from organizations including Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

FAQs

Is there an age requirement in order to volunteer?

We require that all of our camp volunteers be at least 21 years of age by the start of the camp for which they are volunteering.

You mention that Camp One Step is a volunteer driven organization. What does that mean?

We have a small management team that is fortunate to have the support of more than 400 volunteers (including many former campers). In fact, approximately 1 in 5 of our volunteers are former campers themselves. Individuals for all professions and backgrounds. Our volunteer medical staff is made up of doctors and nurses from local area hospitals.

How do I complete an application to volunteer?

Click the name of the camp for which you are interested in volunteering for (full camp list under drop-down menu for “Camps”).

If a camp is currently accepting applications, an application button will be available.

What kind of screening is done?

After you submit your application and supporting materials, first-time camp volunteers will receive an interview. In addition to an interview, applicants must be able to pass a background screening.

If I volunteer for a camp, do I have to stay for the entire time?

We do ask that our counselors stay for the entire duration of the camp. There are exceptions to Summer Camp, whereas some volunteers will lead what are known as “mini-camps” for one or two days.

Will I receive training to prepare me for my role?

Each camp volunteer will receive pertinent information and training, which will be relevant to their role and position for that camp. In addition to this, you may receive information about mandatory online webinar training, as appropriate to your role.

You mention webinar training, what is that?

Webinar training is a tool that we use to educate and prepare volunteers. It serves the dual purpose of both allowing us to present the same, consistent training and information to all applicants and volunteers, regardless of their location. You may complete the training in the comfort of your home.

The other purpose is that it allows us to have the documentation necessary to illustrate that we are training our staff with a regulated set of standards, to ensure that we are providing a safe environment for both our campers and volunteers.

Mandatory training webinars are required once per calendar year. This means that you must complete them once per calendar year, for every year that you choose to volunteer your time.

Are there system requirements to complete webinars?

You will need a device with internet access (Smartphone, tablet, or computer), so that you can view the information and answer the questions.

Ready to Volunteer?

To begin, click here to go to our “Camps” page, and see a list of camps and dates. If we are currently accepting applications, Click here to fill out an application online

For more information, contact one of the Directors of Programs Operations: Devin Ryan ([email protected]) or Jessica Hopper ([email protected])