High school-aged students from communities around southern Ontario will get a taste of university life and hands-on simulation of careers in nursing this summer with a camp offered through the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. Camp S.T.A.T. offers campers ages 15-18 the opportunity to learn from students and experienced nurses about potential nursing career paths, and what differentiates Trent as a university training up the next generation of nurses.

Camp S.T.A.T. is running at Trent from July 14-19, offering campers a chance to explore what life as a nurse is like. There are opportunities for hands-on learning throughout the week with activities including checking for vital signs, an Ebola outbreak simulation, how to be a street nurse, and an introduction to the social determinants of health.

“Nursing is knowledge,” explains Meaghen Regts, clinical learning centre coordinator with the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. 

“It is about understanding how to be with people, how to be okay with yourself, how to connect with the people you are with – and applying that knowledge to the care plan.”

In addition to hands-on experience in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, the campers will get a sampling of campus life exploring the Trent Athletics Centre, paddling on the Otonabee River and enjoying an evening campfire.

Ms. Regts notes that it is the hope that Camp S.T.A.T. offers campers an understanding of what it really means to be a great nurse. Throughout the week multiple nurses from the community will share their experiences and how they are able to make a difference in the lives of the people they care for. The week will also conclude with “speed rounds” where campers are able to chat one-on-one with nurses.