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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SIBLINGS CAMP
Q. What is Siblings’ Camp?
A. Camp Mak-A-Dream is a place where kids can just be kids, have a fantastic time and meet new friends.
Our Siblings’ Camp is a unique camp experience for kids and teens ages 6-17 who have a brother, sister or parent with cancer. The Camp offers an opportunity for these kids and teens to connect with others within their own peer group who may share similar stories. The focus at Camp Mak-A-Dream Siblings’ Camp is fun, adventure, community and friendship.
Q. Who may attend the Siblings’ Camp at Camp Mak-A-Dream?
A. Any child, aged 6-17, who has or has had a brother or sister with cancer may attend Siblings’ Camp. We also extend the Siblings’ Camp to kids and teens who have or have had a parent with cancer. Our sibling 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. 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.
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, graduate students, nurses and doctors. They do everything at Camp from cooking the meals to organizing fun activities. Staff is available at Camp 24 hours a day to offer encouragement and support in a safe and loving environment.
Q. What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
A. To ensure that each camper has a safe, fun and enriching experience, the ratio of campers to staff is 3:1 at Siblings’ 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 camper reaches Camp, we can better plan and prepare appropriate staff assistance.
Q. What kind of medical support exists at Camp?
A. Our modern Health Center is staffed with volunteer nurses during Siblings’ Camp. They review all medical information about each camper so that they are able to provide the best possible care. They are available on site 24 hours a day.
Q. Do campers get a chance to talk about their sibling or parent with cancer?
A. Yes. Each evening during Cabin Chat campers have the opportunity if they choose to share feelings, insights and experiences surrounding living with a sibling or parent with cancer. However, we believe that Camp Mak-A-Dream is a place for the campers to get away from being only recognized as the brother or sister of a child, or as the child of a parent, with cancer for a short while and to focus attention on their own individuality, growth and self-esteem.
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. In addition, there is a swimming pool, ropes course and climbing wall, sports fields, and hiking trails.
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 and kitchenette, intercom system, as well as two handicapped-accessible bathrooms with showers.
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 and climbing wall, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and campfires. Campers also enjoy spending time in the art studio with projects ranging from tye-die to pottery and from weaving to jewelry making. They can learn a new musical instrument and participate 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!) Before bedtime, each cabin gets together for Cabin Chat — a special time each night 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. 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 and 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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