The Division of Health Careers/Education and Special Services for Students run summer programs for students interested in health careers. Summer Enrichment Day Camp, Project Inquisitive Minds, and the VCU Acceleration Program, worked on service-learning projects designed to teach the students valuable lessons while simultaneously engaging in important community service activities. The participants in these programs and their projects were recognized last week at VCU’s 40th Anniversary Celebration as part of the 40 Acts of Caring.

Three activities in particular stood out during the summer of 2008, and were recognized as part of the 40 Acts of Caring. First, students created rice bags for children being treated for various ailments within the VCU Health System. Students learned that various illnesses can cause muscle pain and cramping, and in some cases patients will use ice packs or heating pads to assist in relieving pain that may be associated with such illnesses. In addition, the students learned the importance of appropriately preparing for an emergency. Students then put together “disaster kits” and visited the Daily Planet to donate these kits to people most in need of these supplies. Finally, the younger students worked on a project for ElderFriends, where the students created homemade stationary that volunteers will use to communicate with their homebound elder. Each of these projects created additional learning experiences for the students, and also served as a valuable community service for several local organizations.

Visit the Health Careers/Education and Special Services for Students 40 Acts of Caring on-line at www.40th.vcu.edu/caring/summercamps.html.