My sister was diagnosed with cancer as a child and began coming to summer camp. A few years later my mother got involved with summer camp and was a leader for arts and crafts during week 1 of summer camp. Around that time, I started coming to summer camp as well because at that time they did not have a sibling camp and camp would allow some of the program leaders’ kids to attend camp. During one of my summers at camp while in Watersports, I met Amy, a camper diagnosed with cancer as a freshman in high school and we became great friends who later in life got married.  Sometime after college I had the opportunity to be a counselor at Dude Ranch and ever since that experience  I’ve tried to volunteer for 1 or 2 programs per year.

How long have you been involved with the organization?
Since the early/mid-nineties but with a break in time during college and early adulthood.

Counselor for various programs and completed the Chicago Marathon twice for Team One Step with plans for my third this next fall.

The campers and the new friendships that are constantly formed with each new group of campers and staff. That no matter what challenges I may have going on in my life camp always has a way of recharging your spirit.

Try to approach each new challenge with optimism.

Camp One Step campers are some of the most inspiring/determined kids/young adults you will ever meet. Welcome to your family away from home because that’s what Camp One Step feels like and why many of us keep coming back.

Coaching/attending my kid’s various athletic events. Spending time with family and friends, especially long summer days/weekends at the lake.