JMHS Hosts First-Ever Healthcare Summer Camp for Area Students

Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS), in partnership with the JM Foundation, Dawson Ambulance, and North Memorial Air Care, hosted its first-ever Healthcare Summer Camp on Wednesday, July 23. The day-long event welcomed 15 students from Canby, Dawson-Boyd, and Dakota Valley schools who had completed grades 10 through 12.

Designed to spark interest in healthcare careers, the camp provided hands-on experiences across a wide range of hospital, clinic, and senior living departments. Campers rotated through interactive sessions in clinical areas, including perioperative services, radiology, rehabilitation, laboratory, and CPR training. Students also had the rare opportunity to try bedside ultrasound with Dr. Ayaz Virji and practice suturing techniques with Dr. Hanson’s and Dr. Shelstad’s guidance.

Beyond the clinical setting, participants explored essential behind-the-scenes roles that help healthcare systems thrive, such as business office operations, materials management, human resources, environmental services, and fundraising through the JM Foundation. In the senior living setting, they participated in resident-centered activities and learned about compassionate, team-based care.

“We are committed to investing in the future of healthcare by providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences,” said Jake Redepenning, CEO of JMHS. “This camp allowed students to see how every role, from doctors and nurses to IT and finance, plays an important part in delivering exceptional care.”

The camp also included an exciting look at emergency response. North Memorial Air Care’s team  discussed educational pathways for flight teams and careers in air transport, and the Dawson Ambulance team led “Stop the Bleed” training, providing potentially life-saving skills.

Each student received a JMHS backpack and T-shirt and will be awarded a $250 scholarship upon completing their first semester of college.

“This camp is more than just a one-day experience; it’s an investment in their future,” said Saundra Snobl, JM Foundation Manager. “The scholarship encourages area students to pursue their passion and return to serve rural communities like ours.”

Plans are already underway to offer the camp again next summer, with hopes of expanding the program to reach even more future healthcare professionals.