The nursing department hosted its first-ever summer camp for rising high school juniors and seniors July 27-29. The three-day event offered an opportunity for interested students to explore the department’s facilities and learn more about the nursing curriculum at the university.

Students were able to participate in simulations, learn nursing fundamentals and interact with department faculty. Jessica Floyd, instructor of nursing, valued being able to connect with the campers.

“I think anytime you’re in a smaller setting with students, it allows them to relate to the faculty a little bit better, and get to know each other,” Floyd said. “Building those relationships is important.” 

The idea and overall vision for the camp stemmed from Kathy Stolfer, director of nursing. Floyd acted as the point person for the event and assisted with the programming, though it was challenging to schedule nursing programs for students with no previous background in the field.

“There was only so much we could do,” Floyd said. 

The programs included sessions on CPR in the simulation lab, proper hand-washing techniques and safety and infection control.

The university has planned several summer camps in the past as recruitment opportunities for various departments and majors. Each summer the university offers a camp for a specific area of study. Sarah Bell, career development specialist and study abroad coordinator, assisted in the establishment of the new nursing summer camp as well as previous camps.

“I have planned camps here for several years, and I know the ins and outs of the process,” Bell said. 

Bell’s role included the logistics of the camp, such as ensuring that the campers would have dorms and dining reserved for the event.

Initially, the nursing faculty and Bell set a goal for 25 campers, and the applications for the camp quickly came in, Bell said. 

The event’s popularity, she said, could likely stem from the quality of program at the university.

“Waynesburg is known for our nursing program,” she said.  

Due to the large number of interested participants during July 27’s registration at the beginning of the event, greeters welcomed 28 participants to the camp. 

“We were really happy with the turnout,” Bell said. 

To participate in the camp, students paid $150 to cover the costs of housing, food and the various activities. To assist with these costs, the university camps typically partner with Southwest Training Services, which assists students in financial need to cover the costs of vocational education, including summer camps. 

The camp provides students a better understanding of the field and the university, says Bell. 

“Students are already aware of Waynesburg and our nursing program, but this allows them a firsthand look at the program and the other students and faculty,” she said.

Bell and the campers resided in Willison Hall for the three-day event, and being amongst the students allowed Bell an opportunity to connect with them.

“I think it gave them a positive outlook of Waynesburg and also a better understanding of what to expect as a nursing student,” she said. 

Because it was the first year the event was held, Floyd expected some minor hiccups and plans to adjust accordingly for any future camps. Floyd believes the event was successful overall, both as a potential recruitment opportunity for the university and a learning experience for the campers. 

“It was really rewarding to see them engaged and excited about some of the things we did,” Floyd said.