Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, Montana is a small ranching community 60 miles east of Missoula at the foot of the Flint Mountains. The camp offers cost-free camp programs for young adults in all stages of treatment for cancer. There are a limited number of travel scholarships available for each session.

Young Adult Conference

Ages 18-30. TheYoung Adult Conference (YAC) is a unique program designed to provide an opportunity for young adults with cancer to connect with peers who are going through similar experiences. YAC offers a place to have fun, meet new people, learn, discuss, share and grow through a combination of educational and recreational activities. Participants come from all over the United States and Canada. Many participants are in the midst of treatment; our on-site medical team is able to administer advanced treatment such as oral chemotherapy, IV antibiotics, blood transfusions, platelets, and blood tests. YAC is also an outdoor experience. In addition to scheduled workshops and discussions, participants can hike the surrounding countryside, ride horses, fish, experience the high ropes courses, take off-camp excursions like rafting or visiting local historical sites, and have meals together.

Young Adult Survivors Conference

Survivors in their 20s and 30s. The Young Adult Survivors Conference (YASC) is a unique, six-day educational program designed for individuals in their 20s and 30s who are at least a year or more out of treatment and dealing with the long-term effects of cancer and treatment. YASC addresses issues of survivorship, provides information about being a cancer survivor, and builds bridges of support among young adult cancer survivors who may be experiencing similar journeys through life. Discussion topics may include navigating the health care system, advocacy, nutrition, exercise, relationships, employment and more. The goal of YASC is to create an environment in which participants gain the skills necessary to move on after experiencing cancer and to advocate for themselves and others.

YASC is also a recreational experience. In addition to workshops and discussions, participants can hike the surrounding countryside, visit a local historical site or take part in other outdoor activities. YASC participants come from all over the United States and Canada. They arrive ready for an educational experience aimed at sharing skills, knowledge and ideas, and return home equipped with new resources and support.

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