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 2025?
Yes! The Rural Health Careers Camp is scheduled to be held from Monday, June 23 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Camp check-in is at 9:00 am on Monday. Camp check-out will be at 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
When will I find out if I am accepted? Will you tell me if I am not accepted?
Due to popular demand, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
Notification of acceptance will be sent by email to both the camper and their parents/guardians at least one week out from time of application.
Applications will be reviewed and accepted based on the following criteria:
1. Live and attend high school in a rural community (25,000 or less population)
2. Will be a rising freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school at the time of camp
3. A well written statement that demonstrates a passion for helping others through a healthcare career as well as the reasons for wanting to attend a rural healthcare careers camp.
4. A well written description of your knowledge and experience of living in a rural area.
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.
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 2024 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 included in the acceptance email 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 24, 2024. Check-out will begin at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 26,2024. 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 email.
What should I wear to camp?
A list of suggestions will be sent in camp acceptance emails, 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 email 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.
Applications for the 2025 Rural Health Careers Camp will be available on January 6, 2025.
This work is conducted by the Illinois Area Health Education Centers Network Program, funded by grant No. U77HP26847 from the Health Resources and Services Administration and administered by the National Center for Rural Health Professions at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine Rockford.
Eligibility Requirements
For Campers:
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on the following criteria:
1. Live and attend high school in a rural community (25,000 or less population)
2. Will be a rising freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school at the time of camp
3. A well written statement that demonstrates a passion for helping others through a healthcare career as well as the reasons for wanting to attend a rural healthcare careers camp.
4. A well written description of your knowledge and experience of living in a rural area.
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.
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