The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO), in partnership with our local hospitals and community college, offers students entering grades 8-11 the opportunity to learn what health professionals do each day. By participating in interactive, hands-on activities that highlight various career opportunities, students learn about the educational requirements, skills, typical job duties and personal qualities of specific health professionals. Involvement in MASH (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp will also increase student awareness and understanding of the hospital setting and structure. Additionally, this program provides students the opportunity to network with healthcare professionals in their community, thus building long-term mentoring relationships.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to take advantage and experience the field of healthcare and start their educational pathway in pursuit of a degree. The 3-day session will help answer some questions and then provide students with a path to explore their options more in-depth. Regardless of the hospital placement, each day will be different with interesting and thought-provoking exercises and activities that will give a real life experience.
The camp is divided into three levels, which must be completed in order:
- Level I (summer only at the hospital): Explore careers through interactive activities and receive CPR certification.
- Level II (February break only at the hospital): Learn how to provide basic first aid and survival skills. Apply sciences to health problems including disease identification and investigation.
- Level III (summer only at Jefferson Community College): Learn basic assessment skills. Explore illnesses through case studies, mini-lectures and diagnostic procedures. Identify important high school courses to prepare for health careers.
Requirements: All students selected to participate in the MASH Camp experience will NEED:
- Signed Consent forms by parent/guardian
- Signed media release form by parent/guardian
- Up-to-date and proof of immunization record
- Up-to-date (within the past year) and proof that a TB Skin Test (ppd) has been conducted
- Documentation of any dietary needs and allergies
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Training & Orientation
Application Process:
To apply for the MASH Camp Program, students must submit a completed application to the FDRHPO office by fax or mail. All applications will be reviewed and ranked based on the following criteria:
- The level of interest demonstrated by the student’s essay composition
- A grade point average of 75 or above
- Good attendance record of the student
- Reference from one Teacher or School Counselor
- Parental/Guardian Consent Form
