Facts & FAQs

Teen Camp is a unique program designed for teens who have been diagnosed with cancer. Camp Mak-A-Dream is a place where they come to have a fantastic time, meet new friends and just be themselves. We offer an age-appropriate weeklong Teen Camp each summer. Teen Camp offers an opportunity for these young people to connect with peers who may be facing similar challenges.

Participants come from all over the United States and Canada. The number of participants per session is approximately 45-55. About 40 percent of the campers have previously attended Camp.

Camp has a policy of having campers check in their phones upon arrival. They are able to call home, but we generally promote using this time to disconnect and “unplug.” Our program director will send a daily email to parents letting them know what’s going on at Camp and post a few updates and photographs to Camp’s Facebook page as well.

Every session has a dedicated medical staff led by a physician. Our Health Center is a modern facility where we administer cancer treatments and can even isolate patients when medically necessary. Prior to each session, our medical staff reviews medical information about each camper so that they are able to provide the best possible care. The presence of the medical staff is nonintrusive to the daily activities at Camp but available 24 hours a day to address the needs of the campers. For emergencies, we have a helicopter pad and access to the regional cancer center in Missoula.

Yes. Our medical team is able to administer advanced treatment such as oral chemotherapy, IV antibiotics and blood tests.

Camp Mak-A-Dream is located outside a small ranching community at the foot of the Flint Mountains. Although the Main Lodge is nestled in the hills amid incredible Montana scenery, it is not a rustic camp. We have beautiful modern cabins, an art studio, health center and lodge. In addition, there is a swimming pool (seasonal), archery range, climbing wall, sports fields and a zip line. Camp Mak-A-Dream is a smoke-free facility.

Participants stay in one of four large cabins, each of which sleeps 14-20 people comfortably, in two community sleeping rooms. Each cabin has a common area with a fireplace and kitchenette, and each sleeping room has a handicap-accessible bathroom (with two stalls and two showers). Summer staff and cabin volunteers also sleep in the cabins to make sure that participants have what they need throughout their stays. Like all of our facilities, the cabins are fully accessible and convenient for campers of all abilities.

Meals are provided in the Main Lodge at large, round tables in a community atmosphere. Food is abundant, nutritious and served family-style during Teen Camp. Snacks are also available in the cabins. For those who require vegetarian or other dietary alternatives, we ask you to outline those needs on your registration form and we will do our best to accommodate.

Camp offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Swimming, field sports, high ropes course & climbing wall, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and archery are some of the activities offered. Campers also enjoy spending time in the art studio working on projects ranging from tie-dye to pottery to jewelry making. During the evening we plan special events such as pool parties and dances designed to enhance community and friendship.

To ensure that each camper has a safe, fun and enriching experience, the ratio of camper to staff is generally 4:1 at Teen Camp. In some situations, campers may need more one-on-one supervision. If we have a clear idea of those specific needs before the camper arrives at Camp, we can better prepare for appropriate staff assistance.

Most days we schedule Cabin Chat, which is a special time set aside for campers to talk and share in a safe and supportive environment. During these chats, participants have the opportunity (if they choose) to share their feelings, thoughts and experiences about living with cancer. We also believe, however, that Camp Mak-A-Dream is a place for participants to get away from cancer for a short while and experience new friendships, opportunities and challenges. Cabin Chat supports those reflections and conversations, too.

Our first priority at Camp Mak-A-Dream is the safety and well-being of each camper. Along with the Gold Creek facility, Camp Mak-A-Dream has a main office located in Missoula, Montana. In addition to our board of directors, 13 year-round staff work in our foundation office and camp facility fundraising, bookkeeping, planning programs, managing rental groups, and recruiting campers and staff. Each year a large number of qualified applicants apply to work at Camp Mak-A-Dream over the summer. This summer group comprises paid full-time staff and weekly volunteers. People from all walks of life join us — including teachers, retirees, counselors, social workers, students, nurses, homemakers and doctors. Qualified staff members and volunteers assist in every area of camp, from meal preparation to running program activities. Staff is available 24 hours a day to offer encouragement and support. The staff’s role is to provide a safe and comfortable setting in which campers can make the most of their time here. All prospective staff members participate in an extensive application and interview process to ensure the safety and care of our participants.

Once you arrive, Camp is completely free of cost; however, transportation costs to and from Missoula are the responsibility of each participant. Travel assistance may be available for first-time participants; please see Getting Here, above.

You may apply online. Applications are accepted once the upcoming season schedule is posted. All applications are reviewed by our selection committee to determine the applicant’s eligibility. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis with consideration given to the applicant’s current stage of therapy and whether or not the applicant has previously attended Camp. 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. If you are requesting travel assistance please download a Travel Scholarship application or call our office at 406.549.5987, and submit it with your application to attend the session.