Camp is Gold Day
When: September 2026 date coming soon!
Where: To be announced
Who: Campers and their families!
Camp is Gold Day is Camp One Step’s special celebration during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a day dedicated to bringing our entire pediatric cancer community together. Families, siblings, patients, and survivors are all welcome to join us as we honor the strength, courage, and resilience of every child and family touched by cancer.
This day is about connection, celebration, and community, because together, we shine brighter.
Sign up is currently closed. Please check back soon!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Colleen McGrath at cmcgrath@camponestep.org
Dude Ranch Camp
When: September 20th – 26th, 2026
Where: Double JJ Ranch - Rothbury, Michigan
Who: Diagnosed campers & survivors ages 11-16
Get ready for a one‑of‑a‑kind camp experience! Dude Ranch is where campers ages 11–16 (diagnosed and survivors) step into the thrill of real ranch life. Whether you’ve never ridden a horse or you’re already an experienced rider, this camp is designed to make you feel like a true ranch hero. Campers brush, saddle, and ride horses while learning authentic ranch skills, with opportunities for all levels to shine. Built‑in homework time ensures campers stay on track throughout the week while still enjoying the full camp experience.
Beyond horseback riding, there is mini golf, an arcade, waterpark fun, karaoke nights, and line‑dancing led by Double JJ Ranch wranglers. There’s plenty of time to laugh, bond, and create lasting friendships. More than just activities, Dude Ranch is about living the ranch lifestyle, building confidence, and memories that will stay with you forever.
Applications are currently closed. Please check back soon!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Lucy Burzynski at lburzynski@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.
Meet Your Leaders
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 Camp. He has also been a group leader for Winter Camp and a Program Leader for WaterSports during Summer Camp.
Family Camp
When: October 16th – 18th, 2026
Where: Conference Point Center - Williams Bay, WI
Who: Families with a diagnosed child age 19 and younger
Facing a childhood cancer diagnosis impacts every member of the family, and it changes routines, brings challenges, and often leaves families searching for connection and understanding. At Camp One Step’s Family Camp, we provide a space where families can step away from the stress of daily life, celebrate each other, and meet others who truly understand what they’re going through. Family Camp is more than just a break - it’s a chance to recharge together and feel the support of a community where every parent, sibling, and child is seen, valued, and embraced.
We welcome all families with a child age 19 or younger diagnosed with any form of cancer to a weekend of inclusive and engaging activities for all ability levels. Families enjoy interactive fun through games, workshops, and camp traditions, while building friendships with others who understand the trials and triumphs of having a child diagnosed with cancer. With time to reconnect and relax, Family Camp is where healing happens through laughter, connection, and community. It’s not just camp—it’s a place where families discover they are never alone, and where every member feels celebrated, supported, and loved.
Thank you to Silent Events for their support of our Family Camp dance!
Applications are currently closed. Please check back soon!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jessica Hopper at jhopper@camponestep.org
Meet Your Leaders
Danielle and Terrell are the parents of a camper who was diagnosed with cancer at age three. They learned about Camp One Step through their hospital and first became involved with Camp in 2015 when they attended their very first Family Camp. Since then they have become regulars at Family Camp and their children have participated in multiple camps over the years. In 2019, Danielle and Terrell became Program Directors for the Family Camp program continuing to develop and expand this amazing program for the entire family.
Meet Your Leaders
Martha learned about Camp One Step from her daughter’s Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin who thought it would be a great fit for her family. She became involved when her and her family attended their first Family Camp in 2018. Martha then started volunteering for Family Camp in 2020 and hopes to run the Chicago Marathon as part of Team One Step in the near future!
Digital Camper &
Sibling Camp
When: November 19th - 22nd, 2026
Where: Online - Zoom!
Who: Diagnosed campers, survivors, and siblings ages 8-19
Wanting s’more Camp before the year ends? Our Digital Camper and Sibling Camp brings the joy, connection, and activities of Camp One Step right to your home, hospital, or wherever you may be! With interactive activities designed to spark laughter, creativity, and connection, this long weekend of fun is inclusive for all ability levels, flexible so you can join at your own pace, and complete with all supplies and materials provided, making it easy to dive right in.
From arts & crafts and games to bonding activities with siblings ages 8-19, the Digital Camper and Sibling Camp captures the magic of our community in a way that fits with every schedule. It’s your chance to feel connected to the Camp One Step community all from the comfort of home.
Applications are currently closed. Please check back soon!
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!
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!
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
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!