Samford University's McWhorter School of Pharmacy recently welcomed 45 high school juniors, seniors and rising college freshmen to campus for the 14th year of Bulldog Pharmacy Camp, offering students an immersive introduction to the pharmacy profession.

The weeklong overnight camp offers prospective students opportunities to participate in compounding labs, simulation experiences, hands-on demonstrations and tours of local pharmacies and health care facilities. Five current McWhorter pharmacy students served as camp counselors, mentoring campers throughout the week and providing a firsthand look at life as a student pharmacist.

"Samford's Bulldog Pharmacy Camp is one of the year's most fun and exciting weeks," said Jon Parker, director of pharmacy admission. "Our campers move into campus housing on Sunday afternoon and stay with us until Friday. During the week, they participate in pharmacy labs, lectures, off-campus pharmacy site visits and fun activities each night. They get an introduction to pharmacy and experience a little of what Samford has to offer."

Campers also learn from faculty whose leadership extends beyond the classroom, including Kim Benner, professor at McWhorter School of Pharmacy and president of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The opportunity to interact with nationally recognized pharmacy leaders gives students a unique perspective on the profession and its future.

"Bulldog Pharmacy Camp gives students an opportunity to explore the many career paths within pharmacy while experiencing the Samford community," Benner said. "Investing in future pharmacists is one of the best ways we can strengthen the profession."

Parker has served as camp director since the program's inception, helping introduce hundreds of prospective students to pharmacy through Bulldog Pharmacy Camp over the past 14 years.