Program Coordinator Lexi Chopp

Lexi Chopp

Lexi Chopp
Program Coordinator

How did you get involved with Camp One Step?

I got involved with Camp One Step as a camper. After years of encouragement from my Nurse Practitioner, and now dear friend, I reluctantly went to Summer Camp. My world changed that summer in the very best way, and I jumped at opportunities to try new camps throughout the year after that.

How long have you been involved with our organization?

I’ve been involved with camp since 2004 – first as a camper, then counselor, program leader, and program coordinator for various camps and programs throughout the year.

What volunteer roles have you held?

I’ve been a counselor at Summer Camp and Dude Ranch, Program Coordinator for Winter Camp and CONNECTED Programs, and Program Leader for Stepping Up at Summer Camp.

What keeps you coming back to Camp One Step?

I keep coming back to Camp One Step because I truly couldn’t imagine my life without it. I’ve met so many of my very best friends (including my husband!) at camp, and I want to do everything I can to provide opportunities for other kids with cancer and their families to do the same. It’s such an incredible gift to get to witness those bonds form and flourish.

What do you love the most about the program you lead?

What I love most about each camp and program I’m involved in is watching others light up through learning new skills and making new connections. Camp One Step provides so many opportunities to try new things, and watching campers try something new for the first time is magical. It gives me so much joy to watch them bond with longtime friends and cement new relationships while having so much fun.

What are some words of wisdom or advice that you would give campers?

Go all-in on the experience – at whatever level that is for you. Try things that are new or different, or a little outside your comfort zone. Let yourself shine at the things you know you’re great at. Camp will bring out a different version of *you* if you let it, and others are so excited to see that and get to know you!

What are some words of wisdom or advice that you would give new or interested volunteers?

Set aside any hesitation you have about volunteering because this is an oncology-based organization. Cancer is the thing that brings Camp One Step together, but that’s truly all it has to be. It’s rarely even talked about because our campers understand it’s their unspoken common thread. And when it does come up, it’s wrapped in care and understanding. Cancer isn’t the focus, the camp experience is.

What are some of your interests outside of camp?

I love cooking and baking, going for walks (especially on the Lake Michigan shore), and spending time in the northwoods of Wisconsin paddleboarding, kayaking, and reading in the sunshine. I spend lots of time with my family, and many of these favorite things are shared with them.