FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Approximately 30 campers from the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission’s (MCPARC) Summer Day Camp spent the day at Pierpont Community & Technical College, taking part in hands-on activities that introduced them to healthcare, skilled trades, technology and workforce. The visit was one of many educational experiences offered through MCPARC’s summer programming.
The visit featured interactive sessions in Applied Process Technology (APT), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Career & Corporate Training and Virtual Reality. Working in small groups, campers rotated through each area, participating in activities led by Pierpont faculty and staff.
In the LPN class, campers learned basic healthcare skills, including CPR techniques and how to properly wrap bandages. The activities provided an introduction to patient care while highlighting the essential role healthcare professionals play in their communities.
In the APT classroom, campers explored hydraulic power through a hands-on exercise using a hydraulic pump unit to deliver oil through a pressure control valve, a flow control valve and a directional control valve to lift the designed load.
“Campers learned about process technology and the role process technicians play in industries that people depend on every day,” said Blake Lillard, Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Applied Process Technology. “We talked about how technicians help operate power plants, process natural gas and petroleum products, treat water and support manufacturing operations. The hydraulic activity allowed them to see firsthand how hydraulic systems can multiply force and make work that would be difficult by hand much easier.”
In Career & Corporate Training, campers learned basic electrical concepts through hands-on activities with multimeters, circuit boards and 9-volt batteries. The session highlighted the role electricity plays while emphasizing the importance of working safely around electrical systems.
“We started by talking about how electricity impacts our daily lives and what can happen when those systems don’t work,” said Caleb Davis, Career & Corporate Training Specialist. “The campers learned about some of the tools technicians use, tested simple circuits and gained hands-on STEM experience while learning the importance of electrical safety.”
The Virtual Reality station gave campers an opportunity to experience immersive technology firsthand. Using VR equipment, they explored virtual environments and learned how the technology is used for training, education and workforce development. The activity demonstrated how virtual reality can help learners practice skills, solve problems and engage with real-world scenarios in a safe, interactive setting.
Throughout the day, campers experienced the hands-on approach that defines a Pierpont education. From healthcare and industrial technology to electrical systems and virtual reality, each session connected classroom concepts to real-world applications while encouraging campers to explore new interests and possibilities.
For more information about Pierpont Community & Technical College, visit www.pierpont.edu.
View Photos on SmugMug.
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
Media Contact:
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@pierpont.edu