LBW Nursing Students Gain Hands-On Pediatric Experience at Blue Lake Methodist Camp

This summer, nursing students and faculty from the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Nursing Program had the privilege of serving at Blue Lake Methodist Camp as part of their pediatric clinical experience. The partnership provided students with a unique opportunity to combine compassionate service with real-world clinical learning while supporting the health and safety of hundreds of campers.

Under the guidance of LBW nursing instructors, students assisted with first aid, medication administration, and the daily care of children attending camp. Throughout the summer, the students worked alongside experienced LBW faculty to promote wellness, respond to minor illnesses and injuries, and ensure campers received their scheduled medications safely and accurately.

The Blue Lake experience offered students an opportunity to strengthen essential nursing skills in a pediatric setting while developing confidence in communication, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. Caring for children in a camp environment also allowed students to see firsthand the importance of health promotion, injury prevention, and family-centered care outside of the traditional hospital setting.

In addition to providing nursing care, students served as positive role models for campers by offering encouragement, compassion, and reassurance. Whether applying a bandage after a scraped knee, administering routine medications, or helping a child feel more comfortable during a homesick moment, each interaction reflected the caring spirit and professionalism that defines the nursing profession.

“This experience gives our students the opportunity to learn in a unique environment while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children,” said Dr. Karen Kelley, Nursing Division Chair. “Blue Lake allows students to develop pediatric nursing skills while demonstrating the compassion, service, and excellence that are hallmarks of the LBW Nursing Program.”

Faculty members supervised students throughout the clinical experience, ensuring that all medication administration, assessments, and interventions were performed according to nursing standards and program requirements. The setting also encouraged teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and professional growth as students encountered a wide variety of situations common to pediatric nursing.

The LBW Nursing Program is grateful for its continued partnership with Blue Lake Methodist Camp and the opportunity to provide students with meaningful clinical experiences that extend beyond the traditional healthcare setting. These experiences not only prepare future nurses for successful careers but also reinforce the program’s commitment to serving communities through excellence in nursing education.

As another successful summer comes to a close, the Nursing Division celebrates the dedication of its students and faculty who faithfully served the campers at Blue Lake. Their willingness to care for others, embrace new learning opportunities, and represent LBW with professionalism exemplifies the mission of the nursing program—to educate compassionate, competent nurses who are prepared to make a difference wherever they are called to serve.