No, we’re not investigating crime scenes, we’re exploring the world of health care. Area students will have the opportunity to attend a unique program at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill that will introduce them to a broad range of health careers. A special, one-week, summer camp has been planned for July 24-28 titled, “CSI: Career Scene Investigation,” that will focus on the many exciting career opportunities that are available in health care. 

During this week-long camp, students will spend time with staff from many clinical areas and have hands-on opportunities, including learning how to apply casts and splints, take x-rays, learn about monitoring the heart, spend time in the Emergency Department, dress in scrubs and see the Operating Rooms, learn how to suture, work with Rehabilitation therapists and more. The week will be fun, interactive, and exciting for the students and CMH staff.  

“We are very pleased to offer to area students this excellent opportunity to learn about the world of health care,” said Hazel Willis, RN, BSN, education department manager. “The program will offer a variety of activities that will allow students to observe and interact with health care professionals in their work environment and gain valuable insight into health care careers. We want to provide a positive learning experience for students and encourage teens to explore health care careers.”

According to Willis, the most in demand careers for the future will be in health care. Rapid technological and scientific advances in the medical field, along with a large aging population have created high demand for health care professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the growth rate of new jobs in the health care professions will be twice the rate of job growth in non-health care professions. It also predicts 5.3 million health care workers will be needed in the next five years.

Middle school is the ideal time to reach students and introduce them to career ideas so they can begin to plan a curriculum that includes the necessary sciences and other required courses.  

Fifteen seventh and eighth grade students that live in Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, or Brunswick counties with at least a C average will be selected to attend the camp from applications that include a short essay about why they want to attend the camp, and teacher or guidance counselor recommendations. Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily for the students. Transportation to and from CMH will be the responsibility of the students’ parents or caregivers. Students will receive a backpack with supplies and a CSI: Career Scene Investigation T-shirt. Parents will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the conclusion of the week. The camp will be offered for free. This is made possible by a partnership with Southside Virginia Community College. 

Applications for the camp may be obtained online, from VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s Education Department or Human Resources. For more information or for an application, please call Hazel Willis in the Education Department at CMH at (434) 584-5438. Applications are due May 1.