CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Fifteen middle school students from the Charlottesville area are trading summer break for stethoscopes and scrubs at the Sentara Health Career Camp, a unique healthcare career exploration camp hosted by Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Designed for students with a strong interest in healthcare, this immersive five-day experience offers an up-close and hands-on introduction to life inside a hospital.

The camp kicked off Monday with a welcome session led by the hospital’s new president, Elwood Bernard “Bernie” Boone III, and continues throughout the week with hands-on simulations and real-world skill building. From practicing CPR to exploring sleep medicine, campers are immersed in the many facets of healthcare work.

“This camp has given me the opportunity to see what my future career can look like,” said camper Reagan.

The program is intentionally designed to show students the full spectrum of roles within a hospital, expanding their view of what a career in healthcare can be.

“These kids are exploring hospital support and those career pathways,” said Diana Webb, Community Engagement Coordinator at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and the camp’s primary lead. “They are seeing that working in a hospital isn’t just for nurses and doctors.”

Webb emphasized the importance of making the experience both engaging and realistic. “We definitely try to keep it hands-on and activity focused. A lot of our healthcare professionals are really hands-on with patients, staff, or colleagues so we simulate a real-life experience in the best way we can.”

For many campers, the camp has been eye-opening. Not just about the variety of careers available, but about the community of people behind the care.

“They have such a good community, so everyone’s learning together,” said Riley, a junior volunteer. “And not only are we learning about healthcare, but we’re also learning about daily habits that can help us stay out of the hospital.”

Elliot, another camper, added, “This camp has completely changed my perception of what it’s like being a nurse. All those doctor shows are so fake,” she said. “I’m really grateful that I get to be here. I want to do it all again.”

For Webb, the program’s goals are clear: spark long-term interest in healthcare careers, promote medical awareness, and build confidence and skills in young learners. But the impact runs deeper than just professional preparation.

“These students get to walk through the hospital in a more inviting way and a non-scary situation,” Webb said. “We’re here to support them. They’re here to learn. We are here to give them the tools for future success.”

For many participants, the experience has already left a lasting impression.

“This has been such a fun experience and I hope it stays open for years and years,” said a camper named Lindsay. “I want other kids to have the opportunity to get this very special behind-the-scenes look like I did.”

“I hope the impact for the students is, not only do they get to try something new, but also to positively reinforce the breadth of healthcare careers,” said Webb. “There are jobs that you can get straight out of high school, and others you can grow into. We want to give them a positive experience that really teaches them useful skills even if they don’t eventually become a health worker.”

With every IV placement, bandage wrap, and conversation with a healthcare professional, these young campers are gaining something that can’t be taught in a textbook. They are given a real sense of purpose and possibility.

As Elliot put it best: “If you want to know what a realistic hospital job is like and want to get to know more about the medical world as a whole, this camp is exactly what you are looking for.”