Oswego Hospital Hosts Annual MASH Camp

OSWEGO, NY – MASH Camp has become a summer tradition at Oswego Hospital, providing area eighth and ninth graders an opportunity to learn more about careers in the healthcare field as they participate in fun, hands-on activities.

This year, 17 students took part in the two-day camp, where they visited key hospital departments, learned Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and how to suture, which was taught by members of the Oswego Hospital surgical services department.

A crew from Oswego County Ambulance Service (Menter’s) stopped by the camp during its second day and gave the students an inside look at their rig and the equipment they use.

Among those attending the camp was Sydnie Bartkowiak, who said she specifically decided to enroll because she wants to be a surgeon.

So, it was no surprise that her favorite workshop was on the surgery center, which led to the students learning how to suture.

Meanwhile, Abigail Macijko, said she enjoyed learning about the different types of jobs available in the hospital and the important role some departments play as part of the care giving team, such as the pharmacy and business office.

“It was awesome,” she said of the camp.

At the end of the camp’s second day, the students take part in a wrap up ceremony that parents can attend.

Heather Richer, mother of camper Kiara Richer, said that her daughter’s science teacher at the Mexico Schools had recommended the camp.

“She was really excited to participate,” Mrs. Richer said. “She is very focused on becoming an orthopedic surgeon and this opened her up to other areas in the medical field.”

However, it’s just not the students who enjoy the camp.

“Our staff looks forward to this each year and really enjoy sharing their day-to-day duties with the students,” said Chief Nursing Officer Valerie Favata. “The staff has developed some very unique activities for the students, making the learning fun. We were very pleased that several students who are already considering a healthcare career specifically attended the camp because they knew this would expose them to a range of possibilities.”

MASH Camp is coordinated by the Central New York Area Health Education Center.

Providing funding for this year’s camp was the Oswego Hospital Auxiliary, Children’s Board of Oswego, the Shineman Foundation and Emergency Consultants, Inc.

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