Northwestern, NWTC partner for MASH Camp

Pictured are 38 students from seven different local middle schools that will be entering the seventh grade, all attended MASH Camp that was put on by Northwestern and NWTC where they learned different skills including CPR training, first aid, wellness assessments and leadership skills.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Northwest Technology Center (NWTC) recently partnered to play host to the inaugural Medical Avenues in Service and Health (MASH) Camp, held on the two campuses in Alva on June 1-3, with support from the Wisdom Foundation.

Thirty-eight northwest Oklahoma students who will be entering the seventh grade learned many different skills including CPR training, first aid, wellness assessments and leadership skills.

“We were excited to have such a great response to this camp from our local students,” Dr. Bo Hannaford, Dean of the School of Professional Studies, said.“This was an opportunity to show the many different avenues 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 Northwestern or NWTC. Both institutions are grateful to the Wisdom Foundation in allowing us to perform this service, and we hope it can continue to grow in the future.”

During MASH Camp students had the opportunity to receive CPR training.

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 Northwestern dormitories.

“I loved MASH Camp,” Mattie Pitts, a seventh grader from Waynoka, said. “CPR training was my favorite part, and 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.”

Joe Parsons of Alva added, “MASH Camp was super fun, and I learned a lot. I can’t wait until next year so that I can do it again!”

During MASH Camp students enjoyed recreating a forensic investigation. This included observing a crime scene, dusting for finger prints, and as you see pictured, testing for blood types.

Students from seven different middle schools participated in MASH Camp. They included:
Kayleigh Raunch and Leah Ramey of Aline-Cleo; Rachel Bratton, Dusty Colvin, Hannah Mason, Joe Parsons, Emma Place, Madison Rhodes, Zachary Wallis, all of Alva; Bryce Flaming, Nicholas Green, Cole Hague, Ruston James, Jade Jantzen, Kannin Koehn, Madison Wheeler, Bridget Wilhite, Laynee Vo, all of Cherokee; Esteli Barrera, Rachelle Bowen, Caisha Brawley, Clayton Culver, Kenzie Doane, Xan Fuzzel, Mercedes Hough, Madisyn Hurrieta, Jordan Parsons, Kaleah Spencer, Ella Strader, Olivia Thorp, all of Fairview; Austin Reed and Emily Reed, both of Freedom; Yarely Aguilar and Grace Wall, both of Ringwood; Maegan Holson, Natalie Morrill, Mattie Pitts, McKenzie Pitts, all of Waynoka.

“Northwest Technology Center was pleased to partner with Northwestern for the event,” Daren Slater, NWTC assistant superintendent, said. “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. We also look forward to partnering in the future with Northwestern and the Wisdom Foundation to help students learn more about career possibilities in northwest Oklahoma.”

For more information about MASH Camp contact Hannaford at (580) 327-8455 or bshannaford@nwosu.edu.

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