OT Students Learn by Doing: Level 1 Fieldwork at Camp Geronimo

Hands-on education is a fundamental characteristic of the Salus University Occupational Therapy program. Fieldwork provides an out-of-classroom learning opportunity, where students combine academic knowledge and realistic treatment circumstances while under the supervision of an experienced Occupational Therapist (OT). This type of training is specifically designed to provide students with opportunities to integrate academically acquired education with practice. At Salus, each Level I fieldwork course focuses on a specific curricular theme that connects to the program’s overarching design.

As part of their Level I Fieldwork, six OT students recently attended Camp Geronimo, located at The Barn at Spring Brook Farm in West Chester, PA. Camp Geronimo specializes in working with children who have various disabilities, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder. For a full week, Salus students were paired up with campers to assist in daily activities and camp events which included milking cows, finger painting, feeding and walking small animals, and exploring fire trucks.

“Fieldwork is where theory, course content and skills are tested, and where students truly transform into clinicians,” said Brianna Brim, MOT, Salus University’s OT fieldwork coordinator. Fieldwork enhances coursework and provides the tools needed for students to begin defining their future role as practicing occupational therapists. “Assisting the campers and watching them enjoy their time at camp made this fieldwork experience truly memorable,” said Katie Stone ’17OT. Salus fieldwork experiences assist students in cultivating their skills and developing insights that are the mark of a comprehensive education.