Building Idaho’s health workforce, one camper at a time

Health Sciences Camp, College of Health Sciences, NORCO, June 17-18, 2025, Photo by Luan Teed

Boise State University's Health Sciences Camp is quickly becoming a launchpad for Idaho teens interested in healthcare careers. What began two years ago with 20 campers doubled to 40 in the summer of 2025, reflecting strong demand from students across Idaho and beyond.

"The camp is a little taste of being a Boise State student and an exploration of health science careers, aligned with the bachelor's degree programs we offer," said Derek Hiebert, marketing and promotions manager for the College of Health Sciences and camp director.

The idea for the camp began under former Provost John Buckwalter and was developed by College of Health Sciences Dean Joelle Powers, Senior Associate Dean Lutana Haan, and staff across the college. When Hiebert stepped into the role, he inherited a program that had already gained momentum after its first year. Word spread quickly. Students from the Treasure Valley, the West Coast and even as far away as West Virginia began preparations to attend. Space and staffing still limit how many students can participate, so applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a growing waitlist each year.

A key focus of the camp is reaching students in rural communities. Hiebert studies a map to identify target schools and contacts career counselors and teachers to set up visits to promote health sciences programs and careers, as well as the camp. Recent outreach has included Idaho City, Marsing and Weiser, with future stops planned in Parma, Emmett and McCall-Donnelly. The goal, he said, is simple: meet students where they are and show them what's possible.

"Accessibility matters," Hiebert said. "We've kept the camp affordable and designed it so students can participate without major barriers."

What's Health Sciences Camp like?

Health Sciences Camp, College of Health Sciences, NORCO, June 17-18, 2025, Photo by Luan Teed

During the three-day camp, students rotate through hands-on sessions hosted by schools and departments across the college. They handle real respiratory care instruments, practice imaging and sonography techniques, and interact with high-fidelity manikins in the School of Nursing's Simulation Center. Nursing students and faculty also guide participants through "Stop the Bleed" training, where they learn to apply tourniquets and earn official certification. Other sessions in social work, public and population health, kinesiology and neuroscience highlight people-centered approaches and real-world problem solving.

"The most impactful part of being a camp coordinator was watching the campers form genuine connections with each other through their love of healthcare and hands-on activities," said Emerson Dufloth, a Boise State pre-nursing student who served as one of the 2024 camp coordinators. "Seeing their confidence grow as they explored new skills and discovered exciting career options was truly inspiring."

The camp also included career-focused lunches sponsored by St. Luke's and Saint Alphonsus health systems, as well as workshops led by Boise State Career Services.

"Seeing students ask pointed questions during these sessions is when you know it's clicking," Hiebert said. "You can see them connecting what they're learning to what their futures might look like."

Boise State student employees serve as camp coordinators, accompanying participants to sessions, sharing meals, leading recreation activities and staying in nearby residence hall suites to provide around-the-clock support. Safety remains the top priority, and feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive.

Health Sciences Camp, College of Health Sciences, NORCO, June 16, 2025, Photo by Luan Teed

"The most impactful encounter for me was hearing from one student who originally came to camp fairly close-minded about one specialty," said Sam Butler, a health studies major and a student camp coordinator. "At the end of the last day, he told me he had changed his mind after we went through each specialty and decided kinesiology was more along the lines of what he wanted to do."

The program's early results are promising. From the first 20-student cohort, about 25 to 30 percent have since enrolled at Boise State. Tracking outcomes for last year's larger group will take more time, but Hiebert expects similar numbers.

Some of Hiebert's favorite moments come when he unexpectedly reconnects with high school students months later. One former student recognized him while working at a Chick-fil-A and reintroduced himself, excited to share how much he enjoyed the experience. Another student he met while visiting a high school spotted him at a local skate park, an encounter that reminded Hiebert how his own stories about skateboarding and exploring careers in high school resonate with teens.

"Those unexpected connections tell you the experience sticks," he said.

Looking ahead, Hiebert hopes to continue refining the camp and strengthening its reputation.

"We want this to be the premier health sciences camp in Idaho, and even one of the best in the region," he said. "If we can help students feel confident about their future and see themselves thriving in college, then we've done our job."

Learn more about next summer's Health Sciences Camp, June 16-18, 2026.

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