In June, the college hosted 50 campers from Idaho and beyond at the third annual Health Sciences Camp.
Participants explored various healthcare professions, met and connected with like-minded students and engaged in experiential learning sessions with world-class faculty instructors from College of Health Sciences undergraduate programs.
During camp, high school juniors and seniors get a taste of life on campus – staying in the dorms, eating in the dining halls and touring parts of campus between interactive learning sessions guided by faculty and current Boise State students. Five exceptional current College of Health Sciences students act as camp coordinators. They welcome the campers, plan recreational activities for the evenings and help the campers get around campus.
Feedback from campers has been consistently positive. Prior to the camp, most campers reported an interest in healthcare careers and a range of interest in attending Boise State.
After camp, the campers’ desire to pursue a health care career and their interest in attending Boise State surged.
Campers from the first two camps are starting to enroll at Boise State. Seven of the 20 campers from 2024 and nine of the 40 campers from 2025 are now enrolled.
Health Sciences Camp makes a difference
Avery Endow, who attended the 2024 camp, shared how camp changed her mind about Boise State, cemented her desire to become a nurse and led to several life-long friends. She’s now in her second year at Boise State and completing her foundations and prerequisite courses for the nursing program.
Endow grew up in Boise and was against going to Boise State at first. Camp completely changed her mind.
“My mom signed me up for camp. I was super nervous. I didn’t know what to expect,” Endow said. “But it was so much fun. The camp counselors and the faculty were so welcoming. They made me feel comfortable right away. Living in the dorms was awesome. The nursing simulation was incredible. And I’m still really good friends with my camp roommates.”
Camp helped expose Endow to new experiences and people – something she now embraces fully and advises other college students to do. Living in the dorms during her first year and joining the Ski and Board Club helped her build a community of friends – something research shows is a key component in student success.
Endow looks forward to meeting more new people, having more new experiences and, of course, getting into the nursing program in the next few years at Boise State.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things,” Endow advises future students and campers. “I think it’s very important that you push yourself out of your comfort zone and do new things that seem scary. That’s the only way that you grow and that’s the only way that you learn.”
For now, Endow is enjoying her prerequisite and foundation classes. She’s currently finding microbiology fascinating and she sees how applicable it will be to her as a future nurse. She also knows that she wants to continue her studies and earn a graduate degree someday.
The 2027 Health Sciences Camp will be held June 15-17. For more information and to join an interest list, please visit the camp website.