NORWICH – A camp of a different nature gave 16 eighth and ninth graders an inside look at what the health care profession is all about.

From Aug. 16-17, students from Chenango County and nearby got the chance to have a hands-on look at all the different careers the medical profession offers.

Chenango Memorial Hospital staff members volunteered their expertise in various areas of the medical field. The two-day camp was created to give kids the chance to explore the health care field and possibly decide what they want to further their education in.

The program caters to eighth and ninth graders specifically so they can gear their high school classes toward the correct courses to get them ready for college.

The camp was called MASH – Medical Academy of Science and Health. Co-sponsoring the camp was CMH, the Central New York Area Health Education Center (CNYAHEC), and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The main purpose of the program is to help alleviate the shortage of health care professionals.

“It is good exposure, a lot of people don’t realize so many careers in health care exist,” said CMH Community Relations Manager Linda Lewis-Moors.

The campers took part in several demonstrations regarding the many careers and everyday health care concerns. After being welcomed to CMH by President Dr. Drake Lamen and being given green medical scrubs, the kids learned about infection control, fire safety, confidentiality and proper behavior.