Spring Camps and Experiences

Outdoor camping, fire, pine trees, nature, wilderness, adventure, tent, camping site, camping experience, outdoor activities.
1. Smiling family baking dinosaur-shaped cookies at Camp One Step, outdoor fun with kids.

Digital Family Camp

When: March 26th - 29th, 2026
Where: Online! - Zoom
Who: Families with a diagnosed camper ages 0-19

Can’t make it to camp in person? No problem, we’ll bring camp to YOU! Digital Family Camp is an online experience designed for campers (whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in remission) and their families who may not be able to attend in person right now. Families can enjoy camp right from home, the hospital, or wherever they are, with online and offline activities throughout 4 days of digital camp to keep the fun going all year long.

From arts, crafts, and games to learning sessions and family bonding activities, Digital Family Camp delivers the spirit, laughter, and connection of camp without needing to pack a bag. It’s more than just online activities, it’s a way for families to share joy, build memories, and feel the support of the Camp One Step community no matter the distance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Devin Ryan-Holanda at dryan@camponestep.org

Meet Your Leaders

Kaelyn started coming to camp when she was twelve years old after having been diagnosed with Leukemia earlier that year. Her very first program was one that her doctor had recommended, the Washington D.C. Experience. It was there that Kaelyn says she met some amazing people, now lifelong friends, that convinced her to try Summer Camp that following year and the rest is history! Kaelyn has been involved with Camp One Step since 2006 – first as a camper, then as a camp counselor and now as a Program Director for Digital Camps. She has been a camp counselor for Summer Camp, Winter Camp, Washington D.C., Family Camp, Utah Ski, Brain Tumor Family Camp, Chicago Day Camp, and almost all of the Digital Camp programming done since its inception. She is now super excited to step into a leadership volunteer role with Digital Camps. Kaelyn says what keeps her coming back is the magic that camp creates when we all come together!

Click here to learn more about Kaelyn!
Kaelyn
Kaelyn Beberdick
Program Director

Meet Your Leaders

During her own time in the hospital, child life specialists introduced Donna to Camp One Step. She says she knew once she was old enough she wanted to volunteer and grow within an organization dedicated to childhood cancer.

Donna has been involved with Camp One Step for 7 years in various volunteer roles including Summer Camp Counselor, Digital Camps Counselor, and Digital Camps Program Coordinator. She says seeing the smiles of the kids who she gets to interact with and share normalcy with continues to bring her back to camp!

Click here to learn more about Donna!
Donna
Donna Eads
Program Director
Colorful kite flying outdoors at Camp One Step with vibrant sky background.
Happy children at Camp One Step smiling for a photo in colorful tie-dye shirts.

Day Camp

When: April 17th - 19th, 2026
Where: JCC Milwaukee - Whitefish Bay, WI
(Chicago, IL in odd years, Milwaukee, WI in even years)
Who: Diagnosed campers, survivors, & siblings 5-10 years old

Day Camp is unlike any other Camp One Step experience as it’s specially designed for some of our youngest campers! Pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings ages 5 to 10 get to dive into the magic of camp all day long, then head out to cozy up with family in the evening. Every day is a brand-new adventure! Our campers will explore fascinating museums filled with wonder, create masterpieces with arts & crafts, meet amazing animals at the zoo, and play games, laugh, and make new friends. From hands-on learning to pure fun, we’ve packed the schedule with activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and joy.

Parents drop off their campers in the morning, and when the day wraps up, they’ll pick up happy kids bursting with stories about their adventures. Day Camp is the perfect mix of exploration, friendship, and fun—all in a safe, supportive environment where kids can just be kids.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Lucy Burzynski at lburzynski@camponestep.org.

Meet Your Leaders

Through a good friend who held a fundraiser for Camp One Step every year, Julie learned about Camp One Step. She asked him to tell her more about the camp and the next thing she knew she was volunteering as a counselor! Julie began volunteering with camp in 2002 and is currently the Program Director for Day Camp. Over the years she has also volunteered with Summer Camp, Sibling Camp, Dude Ranch, Family Camp, Winter Camp Virtual, the Washington D.C. program and Brain Tumor Family Camp. Julie considers camp a second family and the joy and laughter keep her coming back.

Click here to learn more about Julie!
Julie
Julie Hecktman
Program Director

Meet Your Leaders

Erica learned about Camp One Step from her Dad who was a first year camper in 1978 and then went on to be a counselor. He always told Erica and her sister about how much Camp One Step meant to him and how fun it was! It was Erica’s dream growing up to follow in his footsteps and spend as much time as she could volunteering for their happy place. Since starting volunteering in 2021 Erica has volunteered with Winter Camp (virtual 2021), Digital Camps, and is a Program Coordinator for Sibling Camp. The joy that camp brings keeps her coming back!

Click here to learn more about Erica!
Erica
Erica Sieck
Assistant Program Director

Meet Your Leaders

Amanda was first introduced to camp by Susie Burke, who was her Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin at the time and who currently serves as Camp One Step’s Medical Director. Susie recommended camp to Amanda when she was on treatment, and it took a few years for her to come around to the idea, but she finally decided to give it a try and has been coming ever since! Amanda started coming to camp in 2013 at 18 years old and was a camper in Excel for 2 years before moving onto the mentorship program (One Step Further) and then became a counselor. She has since served as a volunteer in Summer Camp (One Step Further, Stepping Up, Camp Craft, ACE, Excursion, and Excel), Dude Ranch, Family Camp, and Winter Camp and now serves as our Day Camp Assistant Program Director!

Click here to learn more about Amanda!
Amanda
Amanda Rohde
Assistant Program Director
Colorful butterfly logo for Camp One Step charity.
Happy family enjoying a day outdoors with kids and a colorful plush unicorn toy.

Brain Tumor
Family Camp

When: May 1st - 3rd, 2026
Where: Conference Point Center - Williams Bay, WI
Who: Campers 19 and younger and their families

Brain Tumor Family Camp is more than just a getaway; it’s a weekend of understanding, support, and togetherness for families who have a child 19 years or younger diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor. This camp isn’t just about activities; it’s a special place where families can step away from daily stress, share experiences, and find strength in one another. Parents connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of caring for a child with a brain tumor, while children and siblings discover friendships with peers who truly “get it,” all in a safe and welcoming environment.

The weekend is filled with laughter, games, and activities for all ages, with adaptive and inclusive programming to ensure every child can participate and feel celebrated. Families enjoy a supportive space to relax, recharge, and build lasting bonds that extend far beyond camp. More than just fun, Brain Tumor Family Camp is where healing happens through connection, community, and shared understanding.

Thanks to The Marks Family Foundation for supporting 2025 Brain Tumor Family Camp.

Bright-eyed child smiling during outdoor camp activity at Camp One Step.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Madeline Brown at mbrown@camponestep.org

Meet Your Leaders

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.

Click here to learn more about Kris!
Kris
Kris Riley
Program Director

Meet Your Leaders

Bonnie learned about Camp One Step from a friend and has been involved with camp since 2009. She has volunteered as a counselor in several in-person camps including Summer Camp (Excel, Excursion, and Water Sports), Brain Tumor Family Camp, Chicago Day Camp, and Family Camp. Bonnie has also been a counselor in EVERY digital program since CONNECTED was established.

Click here to learn more about Bonnie!
Bonnie
Bonnie Bodenheimer
Staff Coordinator

I want to apply, what happens next?

Apply Online

3-5 Months Before Camp

  • Confirmation of application sent immediately from UltraCamp.
  • Camp communication about application status & next steps within 1-2 weeks of registration closing.
  • Start collecting materials to complete application.

Submit Materials

1-2 Months Before Camp

  • Work with your medical team to complete physical exam & obtain immunization records.
  • Send in physical, immunizations, & insurance information to Camp.
  • Explore transportation options.

Get Ready for Camp!

1-2 Weeks Before Camp

  • If on waitlist, get updates leading up to camp.
  • Receive packing list and important schedule details.
  • Learn about check in/out & drop off/pick up details & times.

A Day in the Life of a Camper

Bright summer camp schedule for kids and teens at Camp One Step.

We know no two days of camp are the same, but many of our overnight experiences offer a similar day in the life of a camper!