This summer, WellSpan welcomed 34 dedicated college and high school students to trade in their textbooks for blue volunteer vests, lending their time and energy to five hospitals and over 25 host departments. Together, they contributed an impressive 2,550 volunteer hours, making a significant impact on our community while gaining invaluable real-world experience.
At the Emergency Department at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, Cameron “Cami” Bender volunteered and said the experience confirmed her decision to study nursing in college. Below is her account:
“Volunteering at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital helped me confirm that nursing is the path I want to pursue this fall when I begin studying at Penn State University’s main campus,” Cami said.
“I observed the fast-paced environment, saw how nurses balanced compassion with critical thinking and witnessed the impact they had on patients and families. I am thankful for the time I spent in the emergency department and would like to thank the nurses there who took the time to talk to me and show me parts of their daily work experiences.”
Cami Bender served as a patient aide student volunteer in the emergency department from May 2024 to July 2025. She is resigning to prepare to attend Penn State University for nursing. Cami achieved over 100 volunteer hours and received a $2,500 nursing scholarship from Franklin County.
Summer volunteer opportunities are just one of the many ways WellSpan inspires future healthcare careers and provides unparalleled learning experiences for students. As the summer comes to a close, WellSpan takes a minute to thank a student volunteer for their dedication and contributions over the last few months.
For more information on how others can find volunteer opportunities, readers mahy please visit www.WellSpan.org/Volunteer
