Experiences
Rural Health Careers Camp
Are you interested in learning about job opportunities in the healthcare field? Do you need help preparing for the college application process? Are you looking to meet other high school students with similar interests to yours? The Rural Health Careers Camp can help you with all this and more.
The Rural Health Careers Camp is a three-day, overnight educational program for high school students interested in the healthcare field. Students will participate in hands-on learning activities and labs that represent different healthcare careers and stay at an overnight facility to experience living on a college campus.
Since 2005, the NCRHP has helped over 600 campers explore opportunities in rural healthcare.
What to expect as a camper:
- Participate in over 20 activities related to healthcare professions
- Learn directly from current healthcare providers and have the opportunity to ask them about why they love their career
- Meet camp counselors who are current health professions students
- Live like a college student on an overnight campus
- Make new friends from the area with similar interests
RURAL HEALTH CAREERS CAMP FAQs
Will the camp be available for 2023?
Yes! The Rural Health Careers Camp is scheduled to be held from Monday, June 26 – Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at the Bishop Lane Retreat Center, 7708 E McGregor Rd, Rockford, IL 61102. All activities will be held in person.
Please note that activities may be subject to change to ensure the safety of participants and those providing the educational experience. This may include remote virtual learning.
Notifications of change to the structure of the program will be announced to students/participants as these decisions are made. Student expectations remain unchanged unless otherwise specified.
When will I find out if I am accepted? Will you tell me if I am not accepted?
The 2023 final application deadline is Monday, May 15, 2023.
Notification of acceptance will be sent by email and an acceptance packet will arrive later by mail.
Preference for the camp goes to underclassmen (rising freshmen and sophomores) from rural communities who have not yet attended the camp. Students of all grade levels are welcome to apply. Based upon the number of applicants, there may be a waiting list. Students will be notified if they have been placed on the list.
What is a typical day like at camp?
A typical day begins between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Educational activities are scheduled until dinner, around 5:00 pm. Additional speakers, career workshops, and team building games are scheduled after dinner. Time is reserved in the evening for campers to relax before official “lights out” at 11pm.
All but one day of camp activities are spent at the camp location. One day typically includes rotations at the UIC Health Sciences Campus- Rockford. Transportation by coach bus is provided on this day.
How many students will be participating?
Up to 50 students will be selected to participate in the 2023 camp.
Where will I be staying during camp? Will I have a roommate?
Campers will stay in a room with one other camper. Campers are separated by gender. A Roommate Compatibility Form is sent in acceptance packets to match students by interests. There is also a section on the form to request a particular roommate.
Camp counselors are also required to stay in private rooms in the facility for supervision and to attend to campers as needed.
When do I need to arrive to and leave camp? Can I drive myself?
Check-in begins at 9:00 am on Monday, June 26, 2023. Check-out will begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Campers MUST be dropped off and picked up by a parent, guardian, or the parent/ guardian of another camper. Please notify us if you will be dropped off or picked up by another camper’s family.
What should I bring?
A list of suggested items will be sent in camp acceptance packets.
What should I wear to camp?
A list of suggestions will be sent in camp acceptance packets, but we advise checking the weather beforehand because temperatures in June can vary throughout the day. The dormitories and classrooms can also range in temperature. Campers must wear comfortable, closed-toed sneakers each day for lab rotations.
I can be shy in big groups. Will I still enjoy the experience?
Of course! Campers will be assigned a small group and a camp counselor for activities throughout camp. Campers will have the chance to work with students of other groups, but these smaller groups will be a great way to get to know a few fellow campers more closely. The majority of former campers say that the camp is a great opportunity to make new friends!
Will there be downtime to hang out with other campers?
Yes- there will be time each night before official “Lights out” when campers can socialize.
Can you accommodate an allergy and dietary restrictions?
Most meals will be provided at the camp’s dining center. Their staff can accommodate your dietary needs. An Emergency Medical Waiver Form will be included in your acceptance packet where you can indicate allergies and restrictions.
I submitted my acceptance packet and $100 camp fee but plans have changed and I am no longer able to attend. Can I get a refund?
We understand that plans can change, so we allow refunds by a certain deadline each year. The acceptance packet will provide information on camp fee and refund deadlines. Camp fees do not need to be submitted until after notification of acceptance into the program.
Due to popular demand, applications are no longer being accepted for the 2023 Rural Health Careers Camp. If you are interested in being added to the wait list, please email Beth Squires at esquires@uic.edu.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference is given to high school students living in rural Illinois. Acceptance is not guaranteed.
The 2023 Rural Health Careers Camp is scheduled to be held from June 26 – 28, 2023 at the Bishop Lane Retreat Center, 7708 E McGregor Rd, Rockford, IL 61102.
The cost of the camp is $100.00 per camper. Payment is not due until May 2023. Scholarships are available!
Eligibility Requirements
For Campers:
We are looking for rural Illinois high school students who are passionate about helping others through a healthcare career. Preference goes to underclassmen and incoming freshman students from the following counties: Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, Henderson, Henry, JoDaviess, Knox, LaSalle, Lee, Mercer, Ogle, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Stephenson, Warren, Whiteside and Winnebago. Seniors and students outside of these counties will be considered, pending availability.
For Camp Counselors:
Applicants must have completed sophomore year of undergraduate studies in order to apply. Preference goes to students with previous counseling and mentorship experience.
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