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WILMINGTON -- A new summer camp at UNC Wilmington gives more than 20 Columbus County students a chance to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Experiencing a college atmosphere may help some middle schoolers develop career paths.

This week a group of middle schoolers took a tour of UNCW's nursing building. The life-like mannequins, hospitals beds and equipment set a realistic scene for the students. The student's tour of UNCW's state-of-the art nursing simulation labs allows them to see real-life training opportunities a college can offer.

"I want to be a vet. I like animals. So I might be able to use some of this," said seventh grader Nya Pattillo.

Facilitators said the students can be interested in more than just nursing to get something out of this experience.

"Students that are not only interested in nursing and health care but also possibly interested in engineering, technology or computer information systems they're able to get a little bit of that here in the McNeil building," said Somer Lewis, UNCW teacher in residence.

From the computer software that actually makes the mannequins work to the chemistry involved in making medicines, Lewis said this is an interactive way to spark some intellectual curiosity and drive.

"The more that we can immerse them in state-of-the-art technology and let them take part in hands on activities, they more excited they are going to be not only about their own careers but just about education in general," said Lewis.