Cultivating Curiosity at Camp Scrubs

Experiencing the world of health care was more than just a distant dream for 43 students this summer. It became a hands-on reality thanks to Camp Scrubs, a partnership between ChristianaCare Union Hospital and Cecil College that gives students ages 10 to 18 the opportunity to participate in the operations of a hospital.

During their camp week, students visited with community partners, like the Elkton Police Department and Singerly Fire Company, and toured dozens of Union Hospital departments, including Imaging Services, Security, Housekeeping, Social Services and more. Patients also had the pleasure of being served lunch and transported around the building by our campers.

Things got a bit messy, but campers were eager to dive in! Slime-making, rock decorating and window painting allowed campers to exercise their creativity and have some fun.

Caregivers helped foster a connection with students and encouraged their curiosity by answering questions and guiding activities.

For Autumn Holland, a student from Earlville, Maryland, who is entering 10^th grade, the experience reaffirmed her desire to go into the Air Force like her grandfather and become a flight paramedic. She loved scrubbing-in at the Operating Room and touring the Family Birth Center.

“It was amazing and fun – I loved it!” she said. “It was really exciting getting to do things and be with different people.”

Camp Scrubs is held each year during the summer for students in the community. Registration will open in the beginning of 2026. For more information, contact Katie Hunter, community engagement coordinator for ChristianaCare Cecil County campus, at katie.hunter@christianacare.org