Camp One Step

Dr. Edward Baum, a pediatric oncologist at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, founded Children's Oncology Services, Inc., in 1978. Dr. Baum recognized that isolation from school, activities, and peers had negative social and developmental consequences for his patients. With the help of friends and colleagues, Dr. Baum created COSI. The first summer, he and 14 volunteers welcomed 40 children with cancer to a life-changing week of hope, strength and support.

Today, COSI continues to be volunteer-driven, relying on more than 400 volunteers (including many former campers), an active Board of Directors and a small professional staff to plan and operate a wide portfolio of camping, recreational, and educational programs for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. From the popular two-week Summer Camp, which now serves nearly 300 children, to skiing excursions and education programs, COSI is a leader in providing empowering and fun experiences to young people facing cancer.