RAPID CITY, S.D. – Middle and high school students in the Rapid City area and surrounding region of South Dakota will have a local opportunity to explore healthcare careers through the South Dakota Department of Health’s (DOH) Scrubs Camps and Camp Meds program.
The DOH announced the return of the hands-on career exploration camps for the 2025-2026 school year, with a date scheduled for Rapid City.
The local event will be held on Nov. 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Western Dakota Tech Event Center, 800 Mickelson Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703.
DOH Secretary Melissa Magstadt emphasized the importance of the program in addressing workforce needs. “Scrubs Camps and Camp Meds serve as a great tool in addressing workforce shortages by encouraging students to pursue careers in healthcare,” Magstadt said. “Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of fields, including nursing, radiology, therapy services, and other vital healthcare professions.”
The camps are designed for students in grades 6-8 (Camp Meds) and 9-12 (Scrubs Camp) who are interested in healthcare. Participants engage in interactive activities and work alongside healthcare professionals to gain insights into fields such as medicine, nursing, and emergency services. The goal is to build a foundation for understanding the education and skills needed to enter the healthcare workforce.
The South Dakota DOH partners with schools and healthcare providers to offer the camps free of charge across the state, ensuring regional access. Other scheduled camps for the 2025-2026 school year include nearby Hot Springs on Oct. 15, 2025, and Pine Ridge on March 11, 2026.
Students interested in attending the Rapid City camp or other locations can find more information and registration details on the DOH website.