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While many nursing students apply their developing skills within traditional hospital and clinical environments, several students chose a different path this summer, bringing their knowledge and compassion to a unique setting: a mountain camp.

Nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Adam’s Camp is dedicated to building a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with special needs and their families from around the world. Each year, the camp provides enriching experiences that promote growth, independence, and connection.

In June, the camp welcomed Galen College of Nursing students from the Aurora campus for a week-long clinical rotation, offering them the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning in a nontraditional care setting. Giving Galen students, like Rae LaRosa, a chance to make an impact in others lives, something they said will stick with them for a long time.

“It has provided me with the opportunity to step outside of a traditional acute care setting and learn the value of individualized care for a population that often communicates through behavior and other nonverbal cues. To me, this clinical experience reinforced the “human” element in nursing, the importance of patience, meeting an individual on their comfort level, and being an advocate for those who have difficulty expressing their needs,” said LaRosa.

Throughout the week, students worked closely with campers in the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community, gaining valuable experience while contributing meaningfully to each individual’s care and development. Under the guidance of Adam’s Camp’s nursing team, students supported structured and functional therapies tailored to each camper’s unique needs, blending clinical knowledge with compassionate, person-centered care.

“During my time working with the instructors and students, they were all engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn while working with our campers in the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) community,” said Jill Schweighofer, RN, the head nurse for Adam’s Camp. “It was wonderful to watch them build connections with the campers and grow in confidence throughout their time at camp.”

Beyond the technical skills gained, the experience offered students a deeper understanding of the human side of nursing, one rooted in empathy, patience, and adaptability. By stepping outside the traditional clinical environment, students were able to see firsthand how nursing extends far beyond hospital walls and into communities.

“Opportunities like volunteering at Adam’s Camp are essential to a student’s education. They allow students to take what they’ve learned in the classroom, whether it’s communication, problem-solving, or leadership, and apply those skills in real-world settings where they can have a lasting and positive impact,” said Sandy Carollo, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, dean of Galen’s Aurora campus.

Experiences like this highlight the diverse ways nursing students can apply their education while reinforcing the importance of service, connection, and real-world learning. Through their time at Adam’s Camp, these students not only strengthened their clinical abilities but also deepened their commitment to providing thoughtful, compassionate care in every setting they encounter.

Ready to give back to your community?

At Galen College of Nursing, you can turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful, in-demand career. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to advance, Galen offers flexible pathways including the Practical/Vocational Nursing (PN/VN) program, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), along with RN to BSN options for working nurses. With hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and opportunities to gain real-world experience in a variety of settings, you’ll be prepared to make a difference from day one. Take the first step toward a rewarding future in nursing, your journey starts at Galen.