Children's Oncology Services, Inc. (COSI) was founded in 1978 by Dr. Edward S. Baum, a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. While Dr. Baum and his associates had been making enormous advances in the treatment of children with cancer, he recognized that these children had needs beyond what could be accomplished in the laboratory or clinic.  Long stays in the hospital and complicated medical needs were keeping them from friends, school and activities. He found that these missed experiences were having social and developmental consequences. And so, with the help of friends and colleagues, Dr. Baum created COSI and began giving children with cancer chance for a little bit of summer fun.

That first summer in 1978, 40 children and 14 volunteer staff members came to the shores of Lake Geneva for the first One Step At A Time summer camp. Together, they challenged themselves in new ways and gave each other hope, strength and understanding through shared experiences. Today, more than 250 children attend the summer camp with a volunteer staff of 175 counselors, medical professionals and administrators. For campers and volunteers alike, it has become the highlight of summer and the source countless precious memories.

Through the years, COSI has expanded its programs and services to further meet the needs of our campers and their families. Additional programs include a Winter Camp and Family Camp, as well COSI sponsored social and educational trips.