Rural Health Explorers Camp is a free, hands-on summer experience for Douglas County high school juniors, seniors, and recent grads who want to explore healthcare careers. Spend four exciting days learning real medical skills, getting certified in Basic Life Support, and discover what it’s like to work in the medical field. If you’re curious about a future in healthcare, this camp is the perfect place to start!

When: July 21 – 24, 2025

Where: Umpqua Community College

Rural Health Explorers Summer Camp Application

Click Here to Apply

Rural Health Explorers Application Directions

Welcome to the Rural Health Explorers Application

The Portal is brand new. If you run into any technical issues, just email us at crutledge@umpquachc.org, and we’ll help you out as soon as possible. 

Step 1: Get Ready to Apply

Here’s what you’ll need to complete your application:

• A personal essay (details below)
• References (details below)
• An adult to help you (parent, guardian, teacher, or counselor)
• Time to complete the application – don’t rush it!

Step 2: Create Your Account

To apply for Summer Camp, you’ll need to create an account in our new Portal. Once your essay and reference letter are ready, follow these steps:

1. Access the Portal on our website. (the Click Here link above)
2. Select “Not a member” to create your account.
3. It may take a few minutes to receive the email to create your account.
4. Once logged in, go to “My Account” in the top menu and fill out all the required information in each tab.

Step 3: Choose Your Event

After your account information is updated, click the “Event” tab in the top menu and select the Rural Health Explorers Summer Camp.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

1. Fill out all sections of the application. You can pause your application and come back at any time.
2. When you get to the end, make sure you select “Submit for Approval”
3. Upload your references to the “Files” tab in the Portal.

Step 5: Invite Your Friends!

At the Rural Health Explorers Summer Camp, you’ll meet people from all over the state, but you can also come with a friend! You can invite specific people to our website to apply or you can share AHECSW posts on Instagram and Facebook to help us spread the word. 

Step 6: Application Review & Acceptance

We’ll review applications and send decisions to notify you…

Spaces are limited each year, and while we try to accept as many students as possible, we can’t guarantee everyone a spot. If you aren’t accepted, you may be placed on a waitlist. Priority is given to seniors and students who applied before but weren’t accepted. So if you don’t get in this year, apply again next year!

Step 7: Acceptance Packet

If you’re accepted or waitlisted, you’ll receive an Acceptance Packet with next steps. Even if you’re waitlisted, complete the packet ASAP so you’re ready if a spot opens up. 

Deadlines for these packets are short, so don’t delay!

Want Help?

This process isn’t meant to be stressful – we’re here to help! If you have any trouble, email us anytime at crutledge@umpquachc.org. Details about the event will be posted on our website and social media. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates.

We’re excited for your application and can’t wait to see you there!

References & Personal Essay Directions

References

A professional recommendation is required. The recommendation must come from a health professional, school counselor, school administrator, or community leader (they cannot be a family member). Please inform them of your interest in the camp, and that the Director will reach out to them for the recommendation. 

• How they know you and for how long
• Why they think you’d benefit from the Summer Camp
• Your academic abilities
• Your involvement in school or community activities

Personal Essay

Your personal essay is one of the most important parts of your application. It helps the AHECSW team learn about your goals, strengths, and background. We will use your essay to decide if you’re ready for the program. We suggest you write it in a Word document, then paste it into the application. Your essay should answer the following questions (~200 words total, typed and proofread):

• What do you see as the biggest obstacle to reaching your career goals?
• Using 2-3 sentences, describe how you plan to use this camp experience to support your future in healthcare.
• How have your life experiences inspired you to think about a career in healthcare?

Once you have completed this essay, save the document and begin the application. There will be a place for you to paste the essay inside the application.