Applications are open for a unique summer camp geared toward introducing middle school students to careers in health care. Seventh and eighth graders living in Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Brunswick or Charlotte counties can apply for VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) “CSI: Career Scene Investigation” camp.

“CSI: Career Scene Investigation” or CSI camp will take place from July 29 to Aug. 2 on CMH’s medical campus in South Hill. The camp is offered to families for no charge and is organized in partnership with Southside Virginia Community College. The camp is a special opportunity for students to engage in hands-on learning and meet clinical staff from CMH’s emergency department. Some of the unique activities include taking x-rays, applying casts and splints, and learning how to stitch a wound.

With demand growing for health care workers across the country, Hazel Willis, R.N., education department manager for CMH, says middle school is the ideal time to introduce kids to these careers so they can begin thinking about their futures.

“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 healthcare careers,” Willis said. “We want to provide a positive learning experience for students and encourage teens to explore healthcare careers.”

A total of 18 students will be selected for the summer camp. To apply, students must live in Mecklenburg, Brunswick, Lunenburg or Charlotte counties and need to have a grade point average of at least a “C.” The application includes a short essay and recommendations from a teacher or guidance counselor. Applications are due May 1.

Applications for the camp can be obtained through each school’s guidance counselor or by visiting VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s Education Department website. For more information or for an application, please call Hazel Willis in the Education Department at CMH at (434) 584-5438.