Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) and Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) partnered to offer the first annual MASH (Medical Avenues in Service and Health) CAMP. The camp was held on the NWOSU and NWTC campuses in Alva, June 1-3. Thirty-eight students from Northwest Oklahoma who will be entering the seventh grade learned many different skills including CPR training, first aid skills, wellness assessments, and leadership skills. Funds from the Wisdom Foundation, along with NWTC and NWOSU funded the camp.
“Northwest Technology Center was pleased to partner with Northwestern for the event. These middle school students received a great introduction into medical careers. They learned so much from our partners who provided tours and activities for these students.” NWTC Assistant Superintendent, Daren Slater said. “We also look forward to partnering in the future with NWOSU and the Wisdom Foundation to help students learn more about career possibilities in northwest Oklahoma.”
Participants enjoyed three days of learning and fun. Day one included the students engaging in team building and leadership exercises. Day two included learning CPR, and recreating a forensic investigation. The last day culminated in a tour of Share Medical Center. During their three-day stint the students were housed in the NWOSU dormitories and supervised by NWTC’s Daren Slater, and Jennifer Shaw, along with two NWOSU faculty members.
“I loved MASH CAMP. CPR training was my favorite part I know that if I have to use it, I will know what to do. I also liked going to the hospital. I learned a lot about the different opportunities in the medical field.” said Mattie Pitts, a seventh grader from Waynoka.
Students from seven different towns participated in MASH CAMP. They included: Dusty Colvin, Emma Place, Hannah Mason, Joe Persons, Madison Rhodes, Rachel Bratton, Zachary Wallis, all of Alva. Students from Cherokee included: Bridget Wilhite, Bryce Flaming, Cole Hague, Jade Jantzen, Kannin Koehn, Laynee Vo, Madison Wheeler, Nicholas Green, and Ruston James.
Two Freedom students attended, Austin Reed, and Emily Reed. Students from Waynoka included: Maegan Holson, Mattie Pitts, Mckenzie Pitts, and Natalie Morrill. Along with, Kayleigh Raunch, and Leah Ramey of Aline Cleo. Fairview’s participating students were Grace Wall, and Yarely Aguilar from Ringwood. Caisha Brawely, Clayton Culver, Ella Strader, Esteli Barrera, Jordan Parsons, Kaleah Spencer, Kenzie Doane, Madisyn Hurrieta, Mercedes Hough, Olivia Thorp, Rachelle Bowen, and Xan Fuzzel.
According to Joe Parsons of Alva, “MASH CAMP was super fun and I learned a lot. I can’t wait until next year so that I can do it again!”
“We were excited to have such a great response from our local students to this camp. This was an opportunity to show the many different opportunities in healthcare and the need for these careers in our region of the state. It also allowed us to show that students can get these career options right here in Alva at NWOSU or Northwest Technology Center. Northwestern and Northwest Technology Center are grateful to the Wisdom Foundation in allowing us to perform this service and we hope it can continue to grow this in the future.” Dean, School of Professional Studies, Dr. Bo Hannaford said.