Ian’s Story – Part 2: Camp Mak-A-Dream

 “It’s the only place where I can be myself 100% of the time.”

I spent my first week of July at Camp Mak-A-Dream in Montana all thanks to Embrace Kids Foundation. This has been the third year going to the camp. Every year I go, I find myself more in love with the camp and the people. I love that truly blessed week.

Line Dancing at Camp Mak-A-Dream

During camp, there is a celebration of life where we talk about the people we have lost. I cried until my tear ducts ran dry. I was able to let it all out because I was with people who truly understood it – other cancer survivors.

Sitting around the campfire

I love this place. It’s the only place where I can be myself 100% of the time. There is never a dull moment at Mak-A-Dream. With activities like fishing, horseback riding, archery, high ropes, rock walls, zip lines, swimming, basketball, soccer, football, mini golf, billiards. Should I keep going? I can…I think I will.

Climbing the ropes

There are campfires, breakfast skits and lunch games, a movie night, Olympic games, trips to a water park and Philipsburg where we dug for sapphires, went to a play, and indulged our sweet tooth’s at a candy palace, there is a dance with a fantastic DJ, a banquet night where you can dress to impress, and a dozen other things that keep you busy for the entire week. On top of all of that, the food is absolutely amazing. By the end of camp you have developed relationships with your fellow campers, counselors, volunteers, and all the staff and works. Some so strong they will be for life.

Hanging Out

I have the greatest time of my life every time I go to this camp. It is the highlight of my year. I will go every year for the rest of my life.

Please check the Embrace Kids blog next week for part 3 of Ian’s Story.