Penn College

Occupational therapy assistant students volunteer at Camp Emerge

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Fifteen members of the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Club volunteered their time recently at Camp Emerge, a weekend camp for families touched by autism.During their time at the camp, held at Camp Victory in Millville, each volunteer was placed with a family. The students helped the campers in a variety of activities, ranging from water games to rock-wall climbing, allowing parents respite to attend other activities designed for parents and siblings.“Camp Emerge is an incredible camp, providing a judgment-free, fun and safe environment for individuals with autism and their families,” said Emily E. Shovlin, of Sunbury, president of the club. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied health studies: occupational therapy assistant concentration. “It was a true blessing for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Club to be a part of the camp, putting to use our gifts, education, and compassion for what we do! We look forward to volunteering our time in the future.”The students gained valuable experience assisting children with special needs, while interactions with families provided insights into the everyday experience of all involved with providing their care.

The students were accompanied by Elizabeth A. Dixon, an occupational therapist with Children’s Development Center and a part-time instructor in Penn College’s occupational therapy assistant program.Penn College offers an associate degree in occupational therapy assistant, which can be continued to a bachelor’s degree in applied health studies: occupational therapy assistant concentration. The bachelor-degree courses are available online.Occupational therapy assistants work with people of all ages who have physical, development or psychosocial disabilities. They work in health care facilities, school systems and the community. For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline to help them participate in the activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things many take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, or even socializing.To learn more about the occupational therapy assistant program at Penn College, call 570-327-4519 or visit www.pct.edu/ota.For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

Some of the 15 Pennsylvania College of Technology students who volunteered over two days at Camp Emerge, a weekend camp for children with autism and their families, gather during the event. The students are members of the college’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Club. Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated October 15, 2015