Twice a year, FDRHPO partners with local hospitals and educational institutions to offer its Medical Academy of Science and Health Camp — better known as “MASH” Camp.
MASH Camp is a unique opportunity for students entering grades 8 -12 to experience the healthcare world in an interactive way. It provides an opportunity for students to take advantage of and experience the field of healthcare and start their educational pathway in pursuit of a degree.
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 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.
The 3-day sessions (summer) and 2-day sessions (winter) will help answer questions and provide students with a path to explore their options thoroughly. Regardless of the hospital placement, each day is different, providing interesting and thought-provoking exercises and real-life activities and experiences.
MASH Camp is offered approximately 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. over the course of two-to-three days at various hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
IMPORTANT DATES:
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June 5, 2026: Online applications are due by 5pm.
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June 12, 2026: FDRHPO to notify acceptance or waitlisted students via email.
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June 19, 2026 : accepted students must confirm participation by emailing: workforce@fdrhpo.org
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MASH Camp dates are listed below and are typically held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
MASH CAMP LOCATION AND DATES:
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River Hospital: July 6th – 8th
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Samaritan Medical Center **Session #1**: July 13th – July 15th
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Claxton- Hepburn Medical Center: July 21st – July 23rd
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North Country Family Health Center: July 22nd – July 23rd **This is a new location, and the camp will be for 2 days.**
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Fort Drum, MEDDAC: July 27th – July 28th **This is a new site, camp will be 2 days. The location of this camp is TBD, it may be off post and at an outdoor location**
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Lewis County Health System (Lewis County Hospital) : July 28th – July 30th
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Gouverneur Hospital: July 28th – July 30th
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Samaritan Medical Center **Session #2**: August 10th – August 12th
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Carthage Area Hospital: August 12th – August 14th
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Samaritan Medical Center **Session #3**: August 24th – August 26th
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Winter MASH Camp Student at Carthage Area Hospital
I really enjoyed MASH Camp. I think that the hospital environment is amazing and the people really are educated in their jobs. This experience really allowed me to learn about other medical jobs and more about myself.
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