Facts & FAQs

Young Adult Conference

Let’s jump right to the essentials.

Suggested Packing List^*

Medications for your entire stay (please pack separately)
T-shirts
Sweatshirt or lightweight jacket
Jeans
Pajamas
Socks & underwear
Shorts
Swimsuit (no bikinis please)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Brush or comb
Baseball cap or sun hat
Soap & shampoo
Sneakers or closed-toe shoes
Sandals
Lip balm
Headlamp or reading light

*Camp provides bedding and sunscreen. As part of our confirmation packet, we also provide a more detailed list specific to each program.

Additional items that you may want to bring are a camera and its batteries or charger, sunglasses and money for shopping at the Camp Store (candy, clothing, stamps, etc.). All expenses are paid for campers on off-campus activities.

Please Note

Space is limited, bring only what you need.
Camp is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Lost and found items are kept for 90 days.
Please label all belongings including medications, bags and suitcases.
Valuables can be locked in the Health Center, but we prefer that they stay at home.

What not to Bring to Camp

Pets
Expensive jewelry, electronics or watches
Alcohol, tobacco products of any kind, matches, lighters, fireworks, laser pens
Knives, firearms or other weapons
Illegal drugs

If any of these items are brought to Camp, they will be taken from the camper and kept in the camp office until departure day. If weapons, alcohol or illegal drugs are brought to camp, the camper will not be permitted to stay for the session.

FAQs

One of the goals of Camp Māk-A-Dream is to provide inclusive programs in a safe and supportive environment for everyone regardless of race, religion, age, economic status, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

What is YAC?: The Young Adult Conference or YAC is a unique program designed for young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. YAC offers a place for them to meet, learn, share and have fun.
Who attends YAC?: Participants come from all over the United States and Canada. The number of participants per session is approximately 40-50. About 40 percent of the campers have previously attended Camp.
What kind of medical support exists at Camp?: 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.
Can I come even if I am in the midst of treatment?: Yes. Our medical team is able to administer advanced treatment such as oral chemotherapy, IV antibiotics and blood tests.
What are the facilities like at Camp Māk-A-Dream?: Camp Māk-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 Māk-A-Dream is a smoke-free facility.
Where will I sleep?: 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). One to three staff members (we call them concierges) will sleep in a separate room in each cabin to make sure that campers have what they need throughout their stays. Like all of our facilities, the cabins are fully accessible and convenient for campers of all abilities.
What and where do we eat?: Meals are provided in the Main Lodge at large, round tables in a community atmosphere. Food is abundant, nutritious and served family-style during 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.
What activities are offered at Camp?: Camp offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Swimming, field sports, zip line & 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 that range from tie-dye to pottery to jewelry making. During the evening we plan special events such as pool parties and dances, all designed to enhance community and friendship.
Will I have an opportunity to see much of Montana?: We usually spend one day participating in an off campus activity. We may visit the water park in Missoula or mine for sapphires and attend a live theatre performance in historic Philipsburg.
Do participants get a chance to talk about cancer?: Most days we schedule Cabin and/or Fireside Chats, which are special times set aside for participants to talk and share in a safe and supportive environment. During these conversations, participants have the opportunity — if they choose — to share their feelings, thoughts and experiences about living with cancer. We also believe, however, that Camp Māk-A-Dream is a place for participants to get away from cancer for a short while and experience new friendships, opportunities and challenges. These chats support those reflections and conversations, too.
How does YAC differ from the other camp sessions?: A conference for adults, YAC offers a number of educational workshops in addition to numerous recreational opportunities. Workshop topics may cover relationships, coping with grief and loss, nutrition, exercise and navigating the health care system. The program is packed with opportunities to learn and to have fun. And although we encourage participants to take advantage of scheduled activities, attendance is not required. Late night, YAC campers are free to soak in the hot tub, work in the art studio, watch movies or play pool in the recreation room. Activities vary at each conference, and we always make sure to provide a varied program, giving participants plenty of options.
Who makes up the Camp Māk-A-Dream staff?: Our first priority at Camp Māk-A-Dream is the safety and well-being of each camper. Along with the Gold Creek facility, Camp Māk-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 Māk-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.
How much does it cost to attend Camp Māk-A-Dream?: 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.
How do I apply?: 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 Māk-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.

It's a sense of community you don't get at home. It's easy to relate to people here who have gone through it.

~ Devon, age 20, Young Adult Conference