Program Coordinator Valerie Prelee
How did you get involved with Camp One Step?
I learned about it through my graduate program in Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University.
How long have you been involved with the organization?
Wow, going on 4 years!
What volunteer roles have you held?
I started as a volunteer for Sibling Camp then took on program coordinating for teenagers/seniors at Sibling Camp. I’ve also been thankful to volunteer with Brain Tumor Family Camp and will be running the Chicago Marathon this year on behalf of Camp One Step!
What keeps you coming back to Camp One Step?
The community and the joy I have getting to work with the campers! I love summer camp and getting to spend the time having fun and being silly.
What do you love the most about the program you lead?
I love that there is a place for siblings to go for camp to have fun and be themselves. As a kid, I had a parent with cancer and would have loved to have had a program like this to have fun and be around those who understand.
What are some words of wisdom or advice that you would give campers?
Don’t be afraid to be silly and be yourself! Everyone at camp is here to support you and help you be the best you can be.
What are some words of wisdom or advice that you would give new or interested volunteers?
Just do it! When else do you have the time to be a kid again and have fun at camp?? It’s the most fun and tiring work I have done and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
What is your current professional work/role?
I am currently a doctoral student in clinical psychology.
What are some of your interests outside of camp?
Outside of camp, you can find me lifting some weights, playing board games, and handing out with my lovely spouse and two cats.
