The BYP summer camp turns 10

The Biomedical Youth Camp  celebrated its tenth year last week. Over 160 kids from across the province – including many from Winnipeg’s inner city community – attended the annual free week-long science camp, which ran July 18-22 at the University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus.

Kids in grades 5 to 12 had the opportunity to participate in 10 of 16 science-focused workshop in a university atmosphere, something  the program’s director Dr. James Gilchrist says made the experience that much more exciting. The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences-hosted event gives budding scientists the chance to experience a typical day through the eyes of a doctor, researcher, scientist, or health professional, by carrying out various hands-on activities in labs, using real laboratory tools and equipment.

Of the 160 participates, 16 registered through the Health Careers Access Program – a University of Manitoba program exclusive to Aboriginal (Metis, Status, Non-Status, Inuit) residents of Manitoba with a strong interest in becoming a health professional.

“I really like that we were able to use real tools and equipment. You get to put yourself in the shoes of different health professionals. I don’t think I’d like the activities if they were dumbed-down for us by making us use fake tools.” —Excellence Madukwe, camp participant

“You learn a number of skills, like leadership which is important in health care related fields, you get to work in teams, public speaking, and also it’s really fun to work with kids.  It’s also a great way to see what the university has to offer with the health care field, because there are so many opportunities here … there is tons of variety. It’s a great way to see what you might be stepping into, in the future.” —Ryan Wang, BYP Camp Coordinator