FRANKLIN—Youth got a glimpse of nursing during a special program led by Paul D. Camp Community College Nursing Department as part of Kids College.

The theme was “Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass of Nursing.”

Dr. Candace Rogers, head of the nursing program, took on the role as the Red Queen, while Assistant Professors Carol Wright and Ann Pinner played Alice and the White Rabbit, respectively.

“During the week, we attempted to provide, in a fun-filled way, a look into nursing for middle school-aged young ladies,” Rogers said. “We shared what nursing is all about.”

Learning activities included infection control by hand washing, taking vital signs, health and wellness, and first aid, which incorporated CPR certification.

“Arts and crafts activities were used throughout the four days of the program,” said Rogers.

The program is one of the career academies offered during Kids College that are designed to introduce middle and high school students to various careers. Academies were offered for the first time last summer through a sub-grant initially awarded to Central Virginia Community College from the Virginia Department of Education.

The nursing academy was for rising sixth- through eighth-graders. Licensed practical and registered nurse bridge students helped teach sessions, and Assistant Professor of Nursing Carol Wright was the primary coordinator of activities.

“We ended the week with a ‘tea party’ and awarded completion certificates,” Rogers said. “The most wonderful thing was that the girls didn’t want the session to end.”