Record number of middle school students participate in health explorations camp

A record 100 middle school students from Grand Haven to Detroit participated in the 12th annual sHaPe (Summer Health Activities and Professions Exploration) camp.

Ranelle Brew, associate professor of public health, and Kathy Agee, science program coordinator for the Regional Math and Science Center, served as co-directors. Brew said the mostly virtual nature of activities allowed the expansion to reach campers throughout lower Michigan.

"All these cohorts explored 15 health professions over four days of camp," Brew said. "In Grand Rapids we used a technology-based Google Classroom, workbook and toolkit we created. In Battle Creek, they engaged face-to-face and Loop has incorporated camp into their summer school programming."

Agee said students received toolkits full of supplies such as a first aid kit, stethoscope and magnetic skeleton to supplement their virtual or in-person learning. College of Health Professions and Kirkhof College of Nursing faculty members and students created learning activity videos, and the planning committee created the workbook that highlights each health profession.

Matt Bozzo, career navigator at the Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center, said 34 students from Battle Creek Public Schools finished their camp experience July 16 on the Allendale Campus, with building tours, lunch and activities led by students from the Hauenstein Center's Cook Leadership Academy.

A grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation sponsored the Battle Creek cohort of students.