By Greg Wilson, Education Engagement Strategy, Environmental Health Services Division,
Public Health – Seattle & King County

Honoring the past

Public Health Camp (PH Camp) is an opportunity for young King County residents to learn about careers in public health by engaging with topics, activities, staff, and partnering organizations from several Public Health divisions and the broader community. PH Camp began in 2023 and quickly gained buy-in as an inaugural activity.

2024’s camp, held in Downtown Seattle, focused each day on a different foundational public health concept. PH Camp went beyond expectations and was a total success measured by the following key achievements:

• Inspiring 45 diverse young attendees from the Puget Sound region
• Engaging 43 community partners at the activity’s tabling event
• Strengthening King County academic and community partnerships
• Advancing Public Health – Seattle & King County goals, exemplified through creating workforce development activities, opportunities for student interns, & industry engagement

Shayla Holcomb, Camp Co-Founder and Public Health Nurse Manager with King County’s Office of Nursing, has served as the catalyst and foundation which launched PH Camp. Her visionary leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in making this program what it is today. Under Shayla’s guidance, the camp evolved from a small initiative to a comprehensive program engaging local youth and interns in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) academic and career pathways in public health.

Founded by Greg Wilson, Environmental Health Services Program Manager, the Education Engagement Strategy (EES) Troupe and the Communications Team have been instrumental in achieving remarkable outcomes, culminating in national recognition—a testament to their commitment to excellence and making a positive difference through people. These groups fostered collaboration to implement the important objectives of advancing Public Health goals, promoting employee engagement, integrating equity and social justice principles, and fostering a leadership development philosophy.

Key community partnerships have also been an integral part of highlighting Public Health’s vital role and the robust collaborative networks needed to develop our next generation of leaders. This network of academic and community partnerships has grown substantially within the last few years, allowing us to offer a more diverse and enriching experience for all participants. Key partners to mention are the Washington Alliance for Better Schools, Franklin High School within Seattle Public Schools, University of Washington, Best Start for Kids, and King County Metro.

Envisioning a meaningful future: Public Health Camp 2025

As we celebrate these achievements, we are excited to announce that preparations are already underway for Public Health Camp 2025, scheduled for August 4-8, 2025. The Education Engagement Strategy Troupe is enhancing this year’s program by incorporating wellbeing concepts throughout the experience.

PH Camp’s 2025 approach focuses on meeting participants where they are on their personal and professional journeys—recognizing that each young person and colleague has unique perspectives, strengths, and needs. This personalized approach will help us move from the success we’ve achieved to date, to new levels of significance by creating deeper, more meaningful connections with our future public health leaders of tomorrow.

The 2025 program’s exciting new elements include:

• A Public Health Youth Ambassador program for participants age 16+
• Expanded hands-on learning opportunities with public health professionals
• Enhanced pathways to explore STEAM careers in healthcare
• Wellbeing-centered activities that nurture both professional skills and personal growth

We invite you to join Public Health Camp in this important work. Whether as a presenter, mentor, or behind-the-scenes supporter, your contribution helps us to impact the lives of others. The 2025 Public Health provides details about the upcoming program and how interested youth can apply now through July 1, 2025.

Please join us in conveying a heartfelt appreciation for this program and the many teams who have dedicated the time and effort to make it such a success, by following the motto “We do what we do because we care… And it’s working!”

Read about Public Health Camp and take a video tour here. To learn more about the program contact Shayla Holcomb at shayla.holcomb@kingcounty.gov or Greg Wilson at greg.wilson@kingcounty.gov.

Additional background information can be read in this article “Empowering Future Public Health Leaders: Seattle & King County’s Public Health Camp Inspires Young People, Strengthens Community Connections.”