Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Students from communities throughout Aroostook County are taking part in activities designed to introduce them to various health care professions as part of Survivor Aroostook VI throughout the week. “Survivor Aroostook Healthcare Careers Exploration Camp returns, with a new group of campers and some exciting new activities. The purpose of the camp is to introduce students from all over Aroostook County to a wide range of health care careers in a fun, hands-on, supportive environment,” said Joy Barresi-Soucier, vice president of public relations, development and strategic planning at The Aroostook Medical Center.
Students entering their first year of high school are eligible to attend the camp.
Much like the similarly-named CBS program, participants are divided into groups and compete against each other.
“Campers are divided into ‘tribes’ and participate in competitions throughout the week, just like on the television show. Most of the competitions are related to health care. By the end of the week, one tribe emerges as the winner,” said Barresi-Soucier.
Barresi-Soucier said Survivor Aroostook is unlike any other summer camp experience in the state.
“The camp has been recognized in national magazines for its unique approach to tackling health care staffing shortages,” she said.
Activities began on Monday, June 23, and continue through Friday, June 27.
“Events include exploration stations on Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Students participate in fun, hands-on activities to learn about different health care careers,” explained Barresi-Soucier.
On Thursday, participants are in for a surprise.
“Thursday is the most exciting activity of the week. Campers use knowledge gained in previous days to participate in a realistic activity,” said Barresi-Soucier, adding campers aren’t being given details in order to keep it more of a surprise.
Survivor Aroostook gives area youth an opportunity to learn first-hand what various jobs in the medical profession entail, with going on to study to become nurses, doctors or medical technicians of one kind or another. Several students from past camps have taken what they learned at camp, gone on to college, ultimately going on to pursue careers in the health care field.
For more information on the program, call 768-4012.
