‘Learning the ins and outs of healthcare’: seventh graders attend Scrubs Camp at Williston State College

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - More than 200 seventh graders attended a Scrubs Camp at Williston State College on Wednesday.

The next generation of healthcare workers is getting a first-hand look at medical careers.

“We are doing little field tests on medical stuff. That’s why I came here. I came here to learn more about medical stuff because I want to be a doctor, nurse or whatever,” said Patrick Howard, a student.

Scrubs Camp is a day for seventh graders to learn about what it takes to go into the medical field.

“They get to learn about different health careers, what those positions are, the education needed, and a hands-on activity with that,” said Melissa Meyer, Bakken Area Skills Center Regional Work-Based Learning coordinator.

Jack Gockenbach, a Williston firefighter and EMT, said he enjoys connecting with students.

“As far as mentoring the next generations of firefighters, I think that is the most important thing; mentorship and teaching is really important. I think it is really awesome just to be able to interact with the community that supports you,” added Gockenbach.

He said students always find the details of emergency services interesting.

“Preparing yourself mentally for whatever comes next, because it could be anything from just helping grandma off the floor to stopping someone from bleeding,” explained Gockenbach.

Scrubs Camp aims to set kids up for a future in healthcare.

“We are hoping to get students more exposed to different careers, especially in the middle school, so when they get to high school, they will have a better idea of what they are interested in and a better idea of a career path. So it will help them with some of the classes that they may want to take when they get to high school,” said Meyer.

Siralene Enger, a seventh grader from Ray, enjoys the opportunity to get out of the classroom for some hands-on learning.

“It is pretty cool to be in a bigger school. Since we are all in Ray, we move classes from different places but not different buildings, so it is kind of fun to be in a different place,” said Siralene.

This is the 12th year Williston State College has hosted this event.

The event is made possible through a Rural Collaborative Opportunities for Occupational Learning in Health grant.