Camp One Step

Frequently asked about Camp One Step

What ages does Camp One Step accept?

Camp One Step is open to children ages 7–19. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

What are Camp One Step's hours?

Camp One Step runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Is Camp One Step accredited?

Yes — Camp One Step is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 45 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.

Who runs Camp One Step?

Camp One Step is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 45 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.

Does Camp One Step provide lunch?

Camp One Step does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

How does Camp One Step compare to other specialty camps in Chicago?

Camp One Step is one of 11 specialty camps in Chicago that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.