WKU News

This summer, 100 students from across the region attended Camp CARE (Career Awareness and Readiness in Healthcare), hosted at The Medical Center WKU Health Sciences Complex. Held during two sessions, the first from June 23 to 27 and this week, July 7 to 11, Camp CARE offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to a wide range of healthcare careers.

Campers between 13 and 15 years old rotate through interactive sessions where they intubate mannequins under the guidance of respiratory therapists, investigate mock foodborne illness outbreaks, experience emergency care in real time from EMTs, paramedics, and flight nurses, compound medications with pharmacists, practice dental care activities, and much more.

Camp CARE is made possible in part by a $56,000 grant from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), which helped expand the camp from just 25 participants in 2024 to 100 in 2025. The funding also supports overnight lodging, meals, camp materials, and recreational evening activities such as bowling at Southern Lanes, movie night, and activities at the WKU Preston Center.

In addition to skill development, campers connect with professionals, mentors, and peers who share an interest in healthcare. A highlight of this year’s camp is the participation of HealthForce Kentucky, whose mobile learning center brings advanced educational technology directly to the Med Center campus. The mobile labs demonstrate simulation capabilities, including a synthetic cadaver, interactive mannequins, a digital dissection table, and an interactive immersive space.

“Our goal is to expose students to the wide range of healthcare careers available to them and to spark their passion at an early age,” said Dr. Mark Flener, an instructor for the WKU School of Nursing and Allied Health. “Camp CARE provides a fun and inspiring experience that connects learning with real-world application. Campers and presenters alike leave the experience energized and inspired, many looking forward to future healthcare opportunities and camp next year.”

Camp CARE is a collaborative initiative supported by The Medical Center, WKU College of Health and Human Services, WKU Continuing and Professional Development, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and HealthForce Kentucky.

For more information about Camp CARE visit www.wku.edu/cpd/campcare.

More information about HealthForce Kentucky may be found here.