Upstate hosts area high school students for 15th annual MASH Camp

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Upstate University Hospital Community Campus will open its doors to 27 junior high school students for its 15th annual Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH) Camp Feb. 23 and 24. The eighth, ninth and 10th grade students participating in the camp will be introduced to a range of health care professions through instruction from hospital staff and engaging in hands-on workshop experiences.

MASH Camp gives the students unique perspective on what it takes to make health care delivery possible by offering access to several areas of the hospital and insight regarding the range of activities that happen simultaneously in a healthcare environment.  Areas the students will visit include the emergency department, operating room, pathology, respiratory therapy and radiology. The students will be able to try their hand at skills like testing lab samples and giving injections and stitches.

“Our staff give the MASH campers an idea of the multitude of opportunities that exist in the health care field,” said Chief Administrative Officer Nancy Daoust. “The activities and subjects are hand picked to raise a young person’s curiosity and spark an interest in the field. We are excited to have them here.”

The goal of MASH Camp is to provide an engaging learning experience for the participating students. The camp promotes and allows students to explore health professions before they begin selecting high school course work and setting future career goals.

MASH Camp is sponsored by Upstate University Hospital, Central New York Area Health Education Center and The Advocates for Upstate Medical University.

For more information about MASH camp and other health careers exploration programs available in central New York, visit CNYAHEC or call (607) 756-1090.