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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE YOUNG ADULT
SURVIVORS CONFERENCE (YASC)
Q. What is YASC?
A. YASC is the Young Adult Survivors Conference, a unique 6-day educational program designed to address issues of survivorship, provide information about being a cancer survivor, and to build bridges of support among young adult cancer survivors who may be experiencing similar journeys through life. Ultimately, the goal of YASC is to create an environment in which conference participants may gain the skills necessary to move on after experiencing cancer and to obtain skills to advocate for themselves and others.
Q. Who attends YASC?
A. YASC participants are in their 20s and 30s and come from all over the U.S. and Canada. Participants are currently out of treatment and are dealing with long-term effects of having had cancer. Participants will come ready to experience an educational conference aimed at sharing skills, knowledge and ideas so that they may go home armed with new resources and support.
Q. Can I come even if I am many years off treatment?
A. YASC is available to anyone ages 20-30 who completed cancer therapy more than two years prior to the conference. At YASC, survivors can learn skills, discuss ideas and share stories confronting issues relating to their experience after medical treatment has ended. There are many stages of cancer survivorship; bringing together a diversity of individuals creates a dynamic, safe and healthy environment in which they can learn and share.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The conference is 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; we suggest you book your flight as soon as you are confirmed.
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 and climbing wall, sports fields, and hiking trails.
Q. Where will I sleep?
A. You will stay in one of four large cabins (two male and two female cabins). Each cabin sleeps up to 15 people comfortably. There is a common area with a fireplace and kitchenette and two handicap-accessible bathrooms with showers.
Q. What type of medical support exists at YASC?
A. A doctor and nurse are on site during YASC. Our Medical Staff is available 24 hours a day. However, we require that all participants be medically independent on a day-to-day basis.
Q. What is the role of staff at YASC?
A. Qualified staff members and volunteers are here to assist you with anything you may need during the conference.
Q. How do I apply?
A. If you don’t have an application, please contact us and we will send you one. Spaces are limited and the conference has a maximum capacity of 60 participants. We encourage you to get your application in as soon as possible so we can process your application. We will review applications and start confirming in March.
Q. What's the difference between YAC (Young Adult Conference) and YASC?
A. YAC is a mixture of recreational and educational activities offered for young adults, ages 19-25 who have or have had cancer. Individuals in the midst of treatment are encouraged to attend YAC. At 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. Energy levels are high and there is a lot going on during YAC.
YASC was designed based on a need for more hands-on workshops and training that focuses on issues affecting the long-term survivor in their 20s and 30s. Topics, led by professional speakers and facilitators, will be discussed, highlighting physical and emotional effects from cancer and treatments, how to maintain social networks, relationship challenges with family and peers, career and educational options, grief and loss, dating, and insurance and financial issues. These topics will be addressed in small, intimate workshop settings. Most of what we do is indoors (workshops, discussions, art projects, joining together for meals, or just hanging out by the fireplace meeting others). However, we also take full advantage of summer in Montana. Recreational opportunities will be offered for a few hours each day in the early morning and late afternoon, including hiking, fishing, climbing wall, a high ropes course, and hanging out by the pool and hot tub.
Please contact our office if you are unsure which program is right for you. We are happy to give you further details concerning the different programs we offer.
Q. Can I attend YASC if I have been to YAC (or Camp Mak-A-Dream) before?
A. Yes, we encourage you to apply to attend YASC if you have participated in YAC or another Camp Mak-A-Dream program. You may not, however, be accepted to both YAC and YASC in the same year.
Q. What is a typical day like at YASC?
A. A typical day at YASC will offer morning activities facilitated by our program staff such as yoga, hiking, sunrise walks, etc., for the early birds. We meet for breakfast around 8:30 a.m. The morning may be packed with interesting workshops by visiting presenters covering topics such as: advocacy, cancer, relationships, nutrition and exercise, coping with loss, fertility and/or career choices. After lunch we may offer additional small-group discussions and workshops. We offer some free time for a few hours in the late afternoon, when we open up the art studio or pool, as well as offer various outdoor activities. Each evening, we hold special social gatherings that enhance community, spirit and friendship, while taking advantage of our Montana setting. We may participate in native American dancing, a campfire or a pottery party. We also hold Fireside Chat, which is a time set aside for participants to talk and share. Late night, you can also soak in the hot tub, finish projects in the art studio or play pool and foosball in the rec room. The program is packed with numerous opportunities to learn and have fun. We encourage you to take full advantage of all the great program activities scheduled, but also feel free to take time to just hang out and read, go for a walk or talk with friends.
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 during July and August. 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.
For more information, you can also contact us directly by email: camp@montana.com or call us at (406) 549-5987. |
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