This was the second year the camp was run at the Hamden YMCA, efforts being led by Julie Booth, clinical associate professor of physical therapy and associate director of clinical education, and Erin Lampron, assistant clinical professor of physical therapy.

“Campers learned about various healthcare professions through games and activities,” said Booth. “The Quinnipiac students had the opportunity to interact with children of various ages and backgrounds. They learned the importance of modifying activities and methods of communicating to meet the needs of all the campers.”

Students led campers in relay-races; stations where campers identified bone locations; scavenger hunts; and jeopardy rounds.

At the end of each station, campers had the opportunity to make educated guesses about which profession the station related to, which type of clinic may use it, the age of patients that may utilize it and which impairments it may be used to treat.

“I loved seeing Quinnipiac students from different professions collaborating to play with and teach the campers,” said Booth. “Both our students and the campers were so excited and enthusiastic when participating in the activities. The campers wanted to learn about the different professions and asked great questions of our students. It was fun just watching the interactions between the students themselves and the campers.”

Booth said she said she is grateful that the Hamden YMCA has provided this fun and rewarding opportunity to Quinnipiac students for the second consecutive year.

“Our hope is that through the field day, some campers may learn about a profession they eventually will pursue,” she said.

Through the lens: Hamden YMCA Summer Camp 2023