Rising 8th and 9th graders got hands-on experience in the healthcare field last week through Camp Fast Forward, a no-cost summer program by Central LA AHEC (Area Health Education Center). 

 

Central LA AHEC aims to increase awareness and exposure to healthcare occupations for students in middle school through this half-day, one-week summer camp held annually. Students participate in simulation activities, science experiments as it relates to healthcare, CPR certification, goal setting, and planning for the future. 

 

Through multiple partnerships, this program is currently offered to all students in the following parishes: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, and Winn with plans for future expansion. 

 

“As the healthcare workforce shortages continue to grow, it is important to expose our students in central Louisiana to career options in healthcare and this program is designed to do just that. We hope that our programs will help students find a career they fall in love with, and in the future, come back to work in their community,” states Gabrielle Juneau, Central LA AHEC CEO. 

 

The students participating in this year’s program are already envisioning a life in the healthcare field. 

 

Alyce Dyer, 12, explained, “It’s very insightful for people who want to go into the medical field.” She plans to be a paramedic or an RN. 

 

Abigail Aycock, 13, also plans to be a nurse or an anesthesiologist. She learned valuable lessons throughout camp. “I’ve learned about the heart, body parts, and CPR.”  

 

Cameron Luss, 13, stressed the importance of CPR for anyone, regardless of career aspirations. I agreed. I took a CPR certification as a highly sought-after babysitter when I was her age. 

 

She also had a practical approach to the camp. “It’s a great camp with lots of hands-on activities for people who want more to do over the summer.”

 

Central LA AHEC will host one more Camp Fast Forward in July. 

 

This project is funded by a Future of HealthC.A.R.E. Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.

 

Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center is a non-profit, community-based agency that serves as a training and information resource for health and educational professionals throughout a 17-parish region.

 

Applications for next summer’s Camp Fast Forward program will be available in January 2025. For more information on Central LA AHEC and health career exploration programs offered in Central Louisiana, please visit www.clahec.org. 

 

The program is always in June and the deadline is April 28 each year.

 

Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.