Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
Future nurses became teachers this summer as South Texas College Vocational Nursing students created the inaugural Healthcare Heroes Summer Camp, an interactive program where nearly 80 elementary, middle and high school students explored health, safety and wellness through hands-on learning led by the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Hosted at the college’s Health Science Professions and Mid-Valley campuses, the camp featured interactive lessons on hygiene, nutrition, physical activity, growth and development and personal safety, all planned and led by the students.
“It all started as we looked for new opportunities to give our students meaningful experiences interacting with children outside of a traditional clinical setting,” said STC Vocational Nursing Program Chair Jessica Neely. “Healthcare Heroes Summer Camp allowed them to do that while giving back to our community by helping children learn lifelong health and safety skills. I think it was a tremendous success.”
One activity that particularly stood out taught fire safety by having campers create maps of their homes and identify evacuation routes in case of an emergency.
“I was especially excited to hear some of them say they were going to take those maps home and share them with their families so everyone would know what to do in case of a fire,” she said. “Another memorable lesson focused on sun safety where campers created bracelets using UV-sensitive beads that changed color when exposed to ultraviolet light. It was such a creative way to teach children that even on cloudy days, they’re still exposed to UV rays and should wear sunscreen.”
Throughout the week, each day centered on a different health topic, including hygiene, nutrition, growth and physical activity and safety, with lessons tailored to each age group. Elementary students explored topics such as bicycle safety and stranger danger, while middle and high school participants discussed more advanced subjects, including drug awareness and online safety.
For STC Vocational Nursing faculty member Karen Countryman, who spearheaded the initiative, the enthusiastic response from campers, parents and students confirmed the camp’s success.
“We had a great time. We plan on making this an annual event,” Countryman said. “We had several parents ask if we’d be doing it again, and we’ve already started thinking about ways to make it even better. We’d like to add CPR instruction and simulation activities for campers, and for our students, it was just a wonderful learning experience.”
For Vocational Nursing student Daniela Ortiz, the camp offered a valuable opportunity to build confidence working with children outside of a traditional healthcare setting.
“Many children associate going to the doctor or seeing a nurse with something being wrong, so it was great to see them learning about their growing bodies and how to take care of themselves in a fun and positive environment,” Ortiz said. “I really enjoyed interacting with them. If I end up working in pediatrics one day, this gave me a great foundation and valuable experience communicating with children.”
While the camp provided students with valuable pediatric experience, parents said the lessons gave their children practical skills while exposing them to new opportunities.
For Maria Quintanilla, whose 14-year-old son participated in the high school session, the experience reinforced the importance of exposing children to new opportunities.
“I’m very grateful for programs like this,” Quintanilla said. “It’s important for our children to learn from knowledgeable professionals and be exposed to experiences they might not otherwise have. As parents, we can only teach our children what we know, so I’m always grateful for opportunities where my son can learn from others. Whatever career path he eventually chooses, I want him to have options.”
Following the experience, Quintanilla enrolled her son in other STC summer programs, including robotics and LEGO camps, believing each experience helps him discover new interests and strengths.
“I’ve always believed that’s how children discover what they enjoy,” she said. “They won’t know what they’re interested in if they’re never given the opportunity to try. I’m very thankful this camp was offered, and I hope it continues for many years.”
For more information on STC’s Summer Camps, visit southtexascollege.edu/youth-camps/.
