Youth Health Exploration Camp
Vital Signs: Inspiring Tomorrow's Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Today
The Youth Exploration Summer Camp is a free, hands-on, immersive experience designed for middle school and high school students interested in healthcare, science and helping others.
Come learn hands-only CPR, work with our hospital simulator, and enjoy a campus tour and free daily meals.
This is not a lecture camp — students learn by doing. Hosted at UDM’s Simulation, Technology and Research Center (STAR Center), this camp introduces students to healthcare careers through simulation, teamwork, innovation and real-world experiences.
Who should attend?
- Middle school students are curious about healthcare and science
- High school students exploring healthcare careers or college pathways
- Students interested in nursing, medicine, physical therapy, PA programs, dentistry, and optometry
No prior experience required — just curiosity and willingness to learn
What will campers experience?
Clinical & Healthcare Skills
- Measuring vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
- Listening to heart and lung sounds using simulation equipment
- Understanding heart rhythms and EKG basics
- Medication safety and wound care demonstrations
Simulation & Teamwork
- Patient simulation scenarios
- Simulation escape room challenges
- Interprofessional teamwork and communication
- Capstone simulation experience
Emergency Response
- Hands-only CPR
- AED awareness
- Team-based emergency scenarios
Communication & Accessibility
- American Sign Language (ASL) for healthcare settings
- Patient-centered communication
- Team huddles and reporting
Health Innovation
- Nutrition and community health discussions
- Four-day hydroponics project
- Physical therapy
Resilience & Leadership
- Stress management strategies
- Emotional awareness in healthcare
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- Study tips & more
College & Career Exploration
- Guided UDM campus tour
- STAR Center simulation lab exploration
- Meet healthcare professionals and college students
- Learn what it takes to pursue healthcare careers
Interprofessional Education
This camp is aligned with the nationally recognized IPEC Core Competencies:
- Values & ethics
- Roles & responsibilities
- Interprofessional communication
- Teams & teamwork
Free 2026 Youth Health Exploration Camp
Camp Theme: Exploring Healthcare Careers Through Teamwork, Technology and Compassion
Location: UDM's McNichols Campus, in the College of Health Professions' STAR Center
Dates - Middle School: July 20-24
Dates - High School: July 27-31
Camp time: 8 a.m - 4:30 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the camp is filled.
Cost
Cost-Free Camp includes white lab jacket, hydroponics kits, electronic blood pressure cuff, breakfast, lunch and snacks.
Contact for More Information
Dr. Nina Favorfavornf@udmercy.edu
For All Campers
- Full-day experience with breakfast, lunch and snacks provided
- Small-group learning with trained faculty and facilitators
- Age-appropriate curriculum with increasing complexity
- Capstone presentation & certificate ceremony
Made possible by Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full-service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development and civic affairs.
The Day's Schedule
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Day Schedule
Here is the general daily schedule for all campers:
- 8:00–9:00 – Breakfast & Welcome
- 9:00–10:15 – Career Spotlight & Healthcare Session
- 10:15–10:25 – 🔄 10-Minute Movement Activity / Transition Break
- 10:35–11:50 – Hydroponics & Health Innovation
- 12:10–1:10 – Lunch
- 1:10–2:25 – Skill Lab (PT, Communication, American Sign Language integration, Resilience, or Clinical Skills)
- 2:25–2:35 – 🔄 10-Minute Movement Activity / Reset
- 2:45–4:00 – Simulation, CPR, or Team-Based Activity
- 4:00–4:30 – Reflection & Dismissal
The high school experience follows a similar structure with deeper clinical exposure.