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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YAC
Q. What is YAC?
A. Our Young Adult Conference (YAC) is a unique program designed to provide an opportunity for young adults ages 19-25 with cancer to connect with others in their age group going through similar experiences. YAC offers a place to have fun and meet new people. It is a place to learn, discuss and share.
Q. Who attends YAC?
A. Our YAC participants come from all over the U.S. and Canada. The maximum number of participants per conference is 60. About 40% of the participants have been to YAC before.
Q. Can I come even if I am in the midst of treatment?
A. Camp is available to anyone ages 19-25 who currently has or has had cancer. Our on-site medical team is able to administer advanced treatment such as oral chemotherapy, IV therapy, blood transfusions, platelets, and blood tests.
Q. How much does it cost to attend YAC?
A. The conference 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 cities); we suggest you book as soon as you are confirmed. We offer a limited number of scholarships to cover the cost of travel. Preference for travel scholarships is given to new participants. Call the office at (406) 549-5987 to request a Travel Scholarship Application form. We must receive the completed application form at least 30 days prior to your travel date.
Q. What are the facilities like at Gold Creek Lodge, home of Camp Mak-A-Dream?
A. Gold Creek Lodge is located in a small ranching community 60 miles east of Missoula, Montana at the foot of the Flint Mountains. Although the Lodge 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, hot tub, ropes course, climbing wall, sports fields and hiking trails.
Q. Where will I sleep?
A. Participants stay in one of four large cabins (two male and two female cabins). Each cabin sleeps up to 12 people comfortably. A Concierge (host/hostess) will be staying in a private room in the cabin should you need anything at any time. There is a commons area with a fireplace and kitchenette, including two handicapped-accessible bathrooms with showers.
Q. What kind of medical support exists at YAC?
A. Our Health Center is staffed with volunteer nurses and doctors during each Conference. They are able to provide advanced treatment on site. Our Medical Staff is available on site 24 hours a day.
Q. What are our expectations of participants at YAC?
A. Because the Camp is located in a remote area in a close-knit community environment, we ask that each participant agree to a few things. Of course we understand that this is a conference for adults, but we feel that community living can be a truly incredible experience if everyone works together. Each individual who comes to Camp has different needs and interests — that’s what makes living in community such a unique experience. Therefore, we ask that each participant, before coming to Camp, sign the YAC Community
Agreement. This agreement basically asks that each participant conduct himself or herself ethically while living in community at Camp. More specifically, we ask that you be courteous of the campus curfew (usually 1:00 a.m.) and the needs of others in your cabin. We also ask that you do not: smoke (camp is a smoke-free facility), drink alcohol, engage in sexual activities, lie, cheat or steal. Rarely do we encounter such extremes, but if we feel a participant is not working as a supportive group member by defying the policies outlined in the Community Agreement, we have the right to dismiss them from the program at any time. It’s very straightforward: we simply ask that you enjoy yourselves and have the time of your life, but please do not take away from anyone else’s experience.
Q. What’s the difference between Summer YAC and Winter YAC?
A. At Summer YAC, we tend to have a larger group with a focus on outdoor activities (rafting, fishing, archery, ropes course), balanced with indoor workshops and discussions. At Winter YAC, the group is generally smaller and more laid back. Most of what we do is indoors (workshops, discussions, art projects or just hanging out in the hot tub or by the fireplace). However, since we often have snow in Montana come January, we take advantage of downhill skiing at a local ski area. You may also enjoy dog sledding, snowshoeing, winter photography or making snow sculptures.
Q. What is a typical day like at YAC?
A. We meet for breakfast around 9:00 a.m. The morning may be full of workshops by presenters covering topics such as: relationships, therapy options, nutrition/exercise, career choices or thriving after surviving. After lunch we might: create projects in the art studio, go on a hike, try the climbing wall, ropes course or archery, learn massage techniques, Tai Chi, meditation or yoga. (Activity offerings are subject to change). Recreational opportunities at Camp are limitless! Each evening, we have special social gatherings that enhance community, spirit and friendship. We may offer comedy improv, musical entertainment, casino night, a pottery party or a campout under the stars. We also hold Cabin Chat and Fireside Chats, which are times set aside each evening for participants to get together to talk and share. Late night, you can soak in the hot tub, finish projects in the art studio or play pool and foosball
in the rec room.
Q. Will I have an opportunity to see much of Montana, (off camp property)?
A. We spend a portion of a day or two off campus, whether it be river rafting down the gorgeous Clark Fork, downhill skiing at Discovery Ski Area, horseback riding and fishing at Rock Creek, or seeing a theater performance in the old mining town of Philipsburg. We also take excursions to the mountains behind Camp for hiking, snow shoeing and nature photography. (Programs are subject to change).
Q. Do I have to participate in everything?
A. No. The great thing about YAC is you can choose to do as much or as little as you like. The program is packed with numerous opportunities to learn and have fun, and there is always “free time” scheduled into the program. Of course, we encourage you to take advantage of all the wonderful program activities scheduled, but always feel free to just hang out and read, go for a walk or talk with friends.
Q. What is the role of the staff at YAC?
A. Qualified staff members and volunteers assist with anything you may need during the conference: from cooking your meals, to planning the program — we are here to make your week one you will never forget.
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 for the summer conferences and in November for the winter conference. 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 the camp offer other programs throughout the rest of the year?
A. 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 for 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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