Do you know a high school student curious about a healthcare career? A summer camp in Huron County offers a hands-on opportunity for youth to step into the world of medicine, meet local healthcare professionals, and explore the many careers that keep our communities healthy and thriving.
Discovery Healthcare Camp is back for the week of July 7-11, 2025, hosted at the scenic Camp Klahanie, south of Goderich. Organized by the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) in partnership with the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University and the Goderich Lions Club, this program is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers.
Led by current medical students, the camp offers a dynamic lineup of activities. Campers will have the chance to practice essential medical skills like suturing, taking vital signs, and administering injections. Beyond the hands-on learning, students will connect with peers who share their interests and interact with a variety of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and x-ray technicians — all working right here in Huron County.
The camp also emphasizes overall wellness, featuring fitness and health sessions that highlight the importance of a balanced lifestyle in healthcare careers. Through guest speakers, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative activities, students gain both inspiration and practical tools to consider a future in healthcare.
Julie Wein, a Health Sciences student and current research assistant at Gateway CERH, knows firsthand the impact of Discovery Healthcare Camp.
“Back in high school, I was interested in healthcare, but I didn’t really feel like I had the resources or support to pursue it,” Wein shared. “Attending Discovery Healthcare Camp was the pivoting moment for me. It gave me the chance to see healthcare up close and actually speak with local healthcare providers. That experience not only gave me mentorship and the belief that I could do it but also opened my eyes to the healthcare careers available right here in Huron County.”
Today, she is proud to be contributing to her community’s health and encourages other young people to explore the same path.
Registration is now open for students leaving grades 8 through 12.
Learn more at www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/discovery-healthcare-camp and register at www.schulich.uwo.ca/distributededucation//discovery_healthcare_program/campers.html
