Troy University’s College of Health Sciences welcomed approximately 165 fifth-grade students from various schools across Pike County to its Health Day Camp, an interactive event designed to promote healthy habits and spark interest in health science-related careers.

The one-day camp, held on the Troy campus, featured hands-on learning stations focused on key topics including mental health, nutrition, hygiene, basic first aid, exercise, and safety. Students participated in engaging activities such as educational games and demonstrations that reinforced lessons on physical activity and wellness.

Jenna Hussey, DNP,RN, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and coordinator of the event, said the camp was a success in reaching young learners early.

“Introducing children to foundational health concepts at this age helps them build lifelong habits and shows them that careers in health sciences such as nursing, social work, nutrition, and physical education are accessible and rewarding,” Hussey said.

“We were thrilled to see the excitement on their faces as they rotated through the stations and asked thoughtful questions about how their bodies work and how these professions can help people every day. Events like this align perfectly with our mission to serve our community and inspire the next generation of health science professionals.”

Nursing student Brooke Moseley, who assisted with the camp activities, echoed the enthusiasm.

“Working with these fifth graders was such a fun part of my class,” Moseley said. “It was inspiring to watch them connect the dots between what they learned today and how it could help their families and communities. I hope some of them left thinking, ‘Maybe I could be a nurse someday.’”

The camp is part of Troy University’s ongoing commitment to community outreach through the College of Health Sciences. Faculty and students collaborated to create an age-appropriate curriculum that blended education with fun, ensuring every participant left with practical knowledge and positive memories.

Organizers noted that feedback from teachers and chaperones was overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting similar programs for future grades. Troy University plans to build on this year’s success and expand the Health Day Camp in the coming years.

For more photos from the event, please visit the gallery page.