Camp · Specialty · Ages 17–19
Directory · United States · Illinois · Chicago
▌ Specialty · Ages 17–19

Camp One Step - Summer Camp

Camp One Step - Summer Camp · ★ 4.6 (11 reviews)

Camp One Step provides empowering summer camp experiences and year-round programs for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, fostering community ...

▌ Editor's read Camp One Step's website loads successfully and presents as a legitimate non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with accreditation valid through 2025, indicating adherence to recognized safety and operational standards. Founded in 1978 by Shirley and Dr. Edward Baum, the organization has been operating for 45 years, providing extensive experience in serving its unique population. The program type is primarily overnight, with various specialized camps and year-round activities. The website mentions that all staff and volunteers undergo background checks. Camp One Step has a 4.9-star rating from 104 Google reviews, with many reviewers praising the positive impact on children and the supportive environment. Social media handles are active, with @camponestep on Instagram and 'camponestep' on Facebook, showcasing camp activities and community engagement.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 198145+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 17–19

Camp One Step - Summer Camp serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in specialty, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1981 (45 years)
Operator
Nonprofit organization
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Specialty
  • Ages: 17–19
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 213 W. Institute Place, Suite 410, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
  • Cost notes: FREE; USD

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Camp One Step - Summer Camp

What ages does Camp One Step - Summer Camp accept?
Camp One Step - Summer Camp is open to children ages 17–19. 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 - Summer Camp's hours?
Camp One Step - Summer Camp 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 - Summer Camp accredited?
Yes — Camp One Step - Summer Camp 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 - Summer Camp?
Camp One Step - Summer Camp 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 - Summer Camp provide lunch?
Camp One Step - Summer Camp 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 - Summer Camp compare to other specialty camps in Chicago?
Camp One Step - Summer Camp 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.

Planning guides

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