About Camp One Step
Childhood should never be put on hold. At Camp One Step, we refuse to let cancer define childhood. We fight back with adventure and connection by creating spaces where kids can reclaim what cancer tried to take away. Here, they’re not patients; they’re campers, explorers. They get to be kids again. We don’t just offer camps; we create life-changing experiences that empower kids (birth–19) and their families. As the only local organization providing 11 FREE in-person camps, digital camps, and local experiences, we stand beside pediatric cancer patients and survivors every step of the way. Thanks to the passion of over 400 volunteers, including medical professionals, children in all stages of treatment can experience the magic of Camp One Step.
Why Camp One Step Exists
Kids are meant to be kids. Living in the bliss and chaos of birthday parties, soccer games, arts and crafts projects, and picnics at the park. That playful energy comes to a screeching halt when a family hears the word "cancer". Days become increasingly defined by shuffling between appointments—hospital to hospital, treatment to treatment.
But living with cancer is about more than just cancer, especially for kids—vibrant, loving, tenacious, incredible kids. It’s about living. Camp One Step exists to put the joy back into childhood, to bring back the carefree nature of life in a medically supported environment.
We also know that the effects of a pediatric cancer diagnosis don’t end when a child rings the bell. We are here to make sure there is a lifetime of continued emotional support, encouragement, and community.
Let’s celebrate the wins together and lean on each other during the challenging times. That’s what the Camp Family is all about.
More than 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the US each year
Source: American Cancer Society
How Camp One Step Came to Be
Camp One Step was founded in 1978 by Dr. Edward Baum, a pediatric oncologist at Lurie Children’s Hospital (formerly Children’s Memorial). Dr. Baum understood that children battling a cancer diagnosis faced deep pain, isolation, sadness and fear. He used that knowledge to create a safe, nurturing place to bring those children together where they could find support, hope and joy once again. What began under his leadership with a single Summer Camp program in 1978, serving 40 children that first summer, has grown today into year-round camps and resources serving a significantly growing population.
How Camp One Step Came to Be
Camp One Step was founded in 1978 by Dr. Edward Baum, a pediatric oncologist at Lurie Children’s Hospital (formerly Children’s Memorial). Dr. Baum understood that children battling a cancer diagnosis faced deep pain, isolation, sadness and fear. He used that knowledge to create a safe, nurturing place to bring those children together where they could find support, hope and joy once again. What began under his leadership with a single Summer Camp program in 1978, serving 40 children that first summer, has grown today into year-round camps and resources serving a significantly growing population.
Our Fundamental Truths
Childhood is invaluable
We give kids the opportunity to run and play, to laugh and learn, to practice a favorite hobby or try something new.
Community is an Incredible source of strength
We offer kids with cancer and their families a space to meet people and make friends, to share stories and inspiration.
Our campers are unstoppable
Skiing down mountains, riding horses or rock climbing, these challenging activities and new environments give campers the chance at a sense of pride and accomplishment.
What Our Logo Represents
The colors of our logo represent the cancer ribbons of
some of the cancers our campers experience.
The circle form reflects the appearance of intertwined arms, with each dot representing a different member of the camp community (campers, families, volunteers, donors, etc.). We are all together, no one is different, never alone, and incredible friendships are formed.
Representing our Community
The logo’s colors have deep meaning as the official colors of the top pediatric cancer ribbon symbols. Together, the range of colors represents the diversity, inclusion, and openness of our community.
Our Financials
The majority of cancer patients and survivors experience medical debt—nearly all of whom have health care coverage. That is why we remove any possible financial burden.
Camp One Step experiences are free thanks to the generosity of incredible people, foundations, and corporations. We are committed to being the best stewards of our donors’ support.