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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KIDS' CAMP AND TEENS'
CAMP
Q. What are Kids Camp and Teen Camp?
A. Camp Mak-A-Dream is a place where kids can just be kids, have a fantastic time and meet new friends. Our Kids Camp and Teen Camp are unique camp experiences for kids ages 6-13 and teens ages 14-18 who have or have had cancer (we offer age-appropriate weeklong Kids and Teen Camp at different times each summer). The Camps offer an opportunity for kids and teens to connect with others within their own peer group who may be facing similar challenges.
Q. Who attends the Kids & Teen Camps at Camp Mak-A-Dream?
A. Our campers come from all over the U.S. and Canada. The maximum number of campers is 60. About 40% of the campers have been to Camp Mak-A-Dream before.
Q. Can campers who are in the midst of treatment attend?
A. Yes. Our on-site medical team is able to administer advanced treatment such as oral chemotherapy, IV therapy, blood transfusions, platelets, and blood tests. Q. What kind of medical support exists at Camp?
A. Our modern Health Center is staffed with volunteer nurses and doctors during each Camp. They review all medical information about each camper so that they are able to provide the best possible care. Our medical staff is able to provide advanced treatment on site 24 hours a day. The role of the medical staff is non-intrusive, however, to the daily activities at Camp.
Q. How much does it cost to attend?
A. Camp is totally free of cost, thanks to independent donors and other sources of funding. You only need to find a way to get to Missoula, Montana. United, Delta, Northwest, and Alaska airlines fly into Missoula. Fares can be pricey ($250-$500 from most major U.S. cities); we suggest you book as soon as you are
confirmed. We offer a limited number of travel scholarships to help cover the cost of airfare. Preference for travel scholarships is given to new campers. Call the office at (406) 549-5987 to inquire about the Travel Scholarship Application. We must receive the completed application form at least 30 days prior to the date of travel.
Q. What are the facilities like at Camp Mak-A-Dream?
A. Camp Mak-A-Dream is located in Gold Creek, Montana, a small ranching community 60 miles east of Missoula at the foot of the Flint Mountains. Although Camp is nestled in the hills, amongst incredible Montana scenery, it is not a rustic camp. We have beautiful modern cabins, an art studio, health center and main lodge.
Q. Where do the campers sleep?
A. Campers stay in one of four large cabins (two male and two female cabins). Each cabin sleeps up to 12 campers comfortably. Cabin counselors also stay in the cabins with campers at all times. There is a common area with a fireplace, kitchenette, intercom system, as well as two handicapped-accessible bathrooms with showers.
Q. What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
A. To ensure that each camper has a safe, fun and enriching experience, the ratio of camper to staff is 2:1 at Kids Camp and 4:1 at Teen Camp. In some situations, campers may need one-to-one supervision. We do our best to accommodate the needs of each camper. If we have a clear idea of those specific needs before the child or teen reaches Camp, we can better plan and prepare appropriate staff assistance.
Q. Who makes up the Camp Mak-A-Dream staff?
A. Our first priority at Camp Mak-A-Dream is the safety and well-being of each camper. An extremely large number of qualified applicants apply each year to come to work at Camp Mak-A-Dream. We hire only the best! This group is comprised of teachers, counselors, social workers, students, nurses and doctors. They do everything at Camp from cooking the meals to organizing fun activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day to offer encouragement and support in a safe and loving environment.
Q. What activities are offered at Camp?
A. Campers can try new and fun activities at Camp Mak-A-Dream. We offer many opportunities
for outdoor recreation such as: swimming, field sports, ropes course & climbing wall, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and campfires. Campers also enjoy spending time in the art studio with projects ranging from tie-dye to pottery and from weaving to jewelry making. They can learn new musical instruments and perform in the talent show. Each evening we hold special events that enhance community, spirit and friendship — everything from Carnival Night to Camp Out (where we sleep under the stars!) In the evening, each cabin gets together for Cabin Chat — a special time where cabin mates talk about whatever they wish. Cabin Chat is a great way to wind down the day and to reflect on the joyful times shared, friendships formed and challenges faced.
Q. Do the campers get a chance to talk about cancer?
A. Camp Mak-A-Dream is a place for campers to get away from their cancer for a short while and to experience new friendships, opportunities and challenges as any child might. However, each evening during Cabin Chat campers have the opportunity - if they choose - to share, in a safe and supportive environment, the feelings, insights and experiences of living with cancer.
Q. How do I apply?
A. If you don’t already have an application, you can download one by clicking here or by calling our office at (406) 549-5987, and we can mail you one. We encourage you to get your application in as soon as you can so we can confirm you for the session of your choice. We will start confirming campers in April and accept applications until the camps are full. Applications will be processed in the order received, with consideration being given to the current stage of therapy, and the number of times the participant has attended Camp Mak-A-Dream. All applications will be reviewed by our selection committee, which consists of our medical director and foundation staff to determine applicant’s eligibility. Applicants who have attended Camp Mak-A-Dream three or more times, will be put on a waiting list. Anyone selected from the waiting list will be notified at least 30 days prior to the camp session.
Q. Does Camp Mak-A-Dream offer other programs throughout the year?
A. Yes. Each summer, Camp Mak-A-Dream offers unique and separate camp programs for kids, teens, siblings and young adults. In the spring we offer a Young Adult Survivors conference for anyone in their 20s and 30s who have been out of treatment at least two years. We also hold a Winter Young Adult Conference. In the fall, we offer two adult retreats: The Ovarian Cancer Survivors Retreat and the Women’s Cancer Retreat.
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