Coby Bassin
Medical and Fundraising
Coby (Jacob W. Bassin) is a nationally certified emergency nurse and thru-hiker who lives and works as a travel RN across the U.S., rotating through emergency departments every few months. A skilled outdoorsman with a strong foundation in wilderness and swiftwater safety, he brings clinical expertise, logistical coordination, and a deep commitment to youth empowerment through his work with Camp One Step.
"This camp gave me 12 summers of joy, healing, and friendship—completely free for my family. I’m honored to use this expedition as a platform to give that same gift to the next generation of kids. Every paddle stroke down the Mississippi is a step toward that goal"
My Story
Coby (Jacob W. Bassin) is a travel emergency nurse and lifelong outdoorsman serving as the fundraising lead for the Drift South Expedition. A 2021 graduate of Saint Louis University with a B.S. in Nursing, he rotates through trauma centers across the country while living in a self-converted van. His mobile lifestyle has given him a rare, nationwide perspective on emergency care—blending adaptability, resilience, and sharp decision-making under pressure.
Beyond the hospital, Coby has years of experience in whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, and swiftwater rescue. He brings that same outdoor focus to the river, where calm under pressure and technical know-how are vital to the team’s safety and cohesion. His wilderness expertise is backed by multiple emergency medical certifications, including Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC).
Coby is also deeply involved with Camp One Step by Children’s Oncology Services, a nonprofit that provides transformational camp experiences for children with cancer. A former camper himself, he has served as an adventure camp counselor since 2020, planning and executing programs for groups of 20–50 children and volunteers.
As part of the Drift South Expedition, Coby is spearheading a fundraising initiative to raise $10,000—enough to send 10 children to camp for a week, free of charge. His personal connection to Camp One Step drives his passion for giving back, and he hopes to use this journey to both elevate the camp’s mission and inspire others to take action.
Contact
Whether it's questions on fundraising for Camp One Step or our partners. I'm happy to answer!
847-990-0008