Survivor Aroostook Healthcare Careers Exploration Camp took place the week of June 23 with a new group of campers and some exciting new activities. The camp introduced students from all over Aroostook County to a wide range of healthcare careers in a fun, hands-on, supportive environment.

Survivor Aroostook, which was held at Northern Maine Community College, was attended by students entering their first year of high school. “It’s a chance for them to do hands-on activities and experience what it might be like to work as a medical professional,” said Mary Berube, Human Resources Manager at The Aroostook Medical Center. “The week went very well. We had a great group of campers, and they had a chance to explore 17 different careers. I think they really enjoyed it.”

One of the highlights of the camp was the disaster drill. Members of the police and fire department simulated an explosion and fire in a building at the college, and volunteers from the community served as “victims” who were injured during the blast. Campers worked with paramedics, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare providers to respond to the needs to the victims outside of the building, in a decontamination tent, and in a simulated emergency room that was set up at the college.

The drill required campers to use what they learned throughout the entire week to respond appropriately to the disaster. There is a national shortage of many types of healthcare workers, and The Aroostook Medical Center believes that introducing students to healthcare careers is an important strategy in helping to ensure that local hospitals are adequately staffed in the future. “Survivor is important for Aroostook County because we need to promote healthcare careers to youth,” added Berube. “Sometimes they don’t know what’s out there for career choices. There are good paying jobs that will keep them in our area.”