The YMCA of Saginaw is giving local kids a front-row seat to the world of healthcare this summer thanks to a partnership with MyMichigan Health.
The Health Careers Summer Camp will run daily from June 22-26 at the YMCA of Saginaw, open to kids ages 11-14. It invites participants to step into the shoes of doctors, nurses or EMTs to learn basic first aid skills and other hands-on skills. Campers will also have the opportunity to meet Michigan healthcare professionals and interact with medical equipment.
For many children, this may be their first introduction to the day-to-day realities of a hospital.
“Working in healthcare is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling career paths, but kids often don’t have an opportunity to explore it until later in their education,” said Mike Erickson, market president, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alpena, Saginaw, Standish, Tawas and Towne Centre. “Our goal is to give local residents a summer experience that could spark a lifelong passion for helping others.”
The partnership between YMCA and MyMichigan Health was formed to build awareness of hospital careers and expose younger generations across the region to healthcare. The camp’s curriculum focuses on the everyday work of healthcare professionals and the role they play in caring for people.
The opportunity for a hands-on learning experience is invaluable for children of this age and is often difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting. With real healthcare workers on site, kids can ask questions about the profession they might not otherwise get to ask: What does a typical day look like? What are the best and hardest parts of the job? What made you want to work in healthcare in the first place? What advice do you have for someone their age?
Health systems across Michigan continue to navigate workforce shortages, particularly with nursing and emergency services. By introducing kids to the healthcare field at an early age, MyMichigan hopes to plant the seeds for future interest in nursing, EMS, operations and other in-demand roles. With more than a million healthcare and health system positions available throughout Michigan, this camp highlights the rewarding career paths available at hospitals for the younger generation.
Families interested in registering their camper for the Health Careers Summer Camp can contact the YMCA of Saginaw directly or visit its website for full details. Full-facility members of the YMCA qualify for a discounted price. Registration for both full facility members and nonmembers closes on June 22.
To learn about other stories of innovation advancing care across Michigan, visit www.mihospitals.org. To read more positive hospital stories, check out more Hospitals Help webpage. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.