Survivor Aroostook Camp
held for 11th consecutive year
PRESQUE ISLE — Health care professionals and volunteers from TAMC and other organizations welcomed a group of students who ‘set up camp’ on the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus June 17-21.
Contributed photo/TAMC
SURVIVOR CAMPERS — Local youth participating in the 2013 Survivor Aroostook Camp, hosted by TAMC at the University of Maine at Presque Isle June 17-21 include, in front from left, Cheyenne Levesque of Washburn, Lucas Craig of Ashland, Miranda McLean of Easton and Cassidy Clair of Presque Isle. Middle row, Austin Bouchard, Gabby Donovan, Victoria Williamson, Skyler McAtee, Cali Quirion and Emily Sjoberg, all of Presque Isle. Back, Sarah Kinney and McCall Turner, both of Washburn; Issac Devine of Presque Isle, Faith Leavitt of Limestone, Bree Clayton of Easton; Marielle Shaw and Izabelle Burtt, both of Presque Isle.
The week-long Survivor Aroostook Healthcare Career Exploration Camp, which is an adventure of discovery, innovation and exploration — with a health care twist — was designed to introduce area youth to possible careers in healthcare.
Survivor Aroostook, which completed its 11th year, connected area incoming high school students, ages 13 and 14, with local medical professionals in a hands-on, supportive environment. The camp provided participants the opportunity to discover a variety of occupations during a week of teambuilding, exploration, and fun.
Just like in the reality television show “Survivor,” campers were grouped in various tribes which worked together, throughout the week, competing in a variety of team activities such as wheelchair racing, scavenger hunt and team obstacle course.
Campers took part in a variety of exercises and challenges that allow them to understand what working within the health care industry is like. During the week, campers were introduced to as many as 19 different health care careers by way of hands-on investigation, such as learning how to suture a wound or cast a broken limb. Campers were introduced to a number of health care experiences off campus as well, including a visit to St. Apollonia Dental Clinic and Northern Prosthetics, both in Presque Isle.
“We are so pleased to be able to continue to offer this camp to Aroostook County youth,” said Barbara Turner, health care recruiter and lead Survivor Aroostook camp organizer for TAMC. “For many, the week of activity helps guide future educational and career development. We see this camp as a key opportunity to both help build the future workforce of the industry, as well as a way to demonstrate the vibrant health care community that exists here in The County. We further hope that we can encourage our youth, who explore health care careers and other occupations, to stay in the area.”
The participating students received a lesson in the important role that compassion plays within the industry as they had the opportunity to experience what it is like to be an actual patient in need of care.
One of the most unique aspects of Survivor Aroostook was the June 20 disaster drill, which gave campers the opportunity to respond to patients the same as they would during a high stress, critical care situation.
“We at Crown Ambulance look forward to this event every year. We love the opportunity to work with other departments as well as our community partners from Caribou and Ashland to promote education in a fun and dynamic way,” said Crown Ambulance supervisor, Walter Mosher.
“These types of camp activities really allow for the students to gain practical skills in a controlled and safe environment while being proctored directly by seasoned EMT’s.”
Survivor Aroostook Exploration Camp is one of the many programs TAMC offers to its community.
For more information about the camp or other opportunities for youth to engage in health care career exploration, please contact Turner at 768-4028.
