Junior Vet Camp contest set to launch next week

For tweens and young teens who dream of becoming a veterinarian, Vet Set Go and Merck Animal Health have joined forces to make those dreams more tangible with the 5th annual Become a Veterinarian Camp Contest. The 2021 contest is designed to give students entering 6th through 8th grade the chance to follow their passion of caring for animals by writing a short essay. Three essay writers will be chosen to attend the Auburn University Junior Veterinary Camp from July 11 through 16, 2021, where they will learn about public health, food animals, wildlife, anatomy, radiography, and first aid in the university’s classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor facilities.

“Veterinary medicine is a calling, and at Vet Set Go we believe now is the time to give young, aspiring veterinarians the resources they need,” says Chris Carpenter, DVM, founder and president of Vet Set Go, in this press release. “[Our] surveys show that 65% of today’s veterinarians decided before the age of 13 that it was the career path they wanted to pursue.”

The contest starts March 1 at 8 AM EST, with final essay submissions due March 31 at 11:59 PM EST. The prize package, valued at $845, includes both camp tuition and room and board on Auburn’s campus. (Transportation to the camp is the responsibility of the winning parties.) In addition to learning about veterinary medicine, winners will receive valuable mentoring about veterinary science careers and get the chance to experience campus dining facilities and social and recreational events with 24/7 counselor supervision. The 3 grand-prize winners will be notified by May 30, 2021.

All aspiring veterinarians can enter the contest, with the help of a parent or guardian, using the official entry form that will be available starting March 1 on the Vet Set Go website. Applicants must complete a brief (300 words or less) essay detailing why they want to become a veterinarian or what they have done so far to pursue their dream.

In addition, participants are asked to submit a photo of themselves either helping an animal or with a favorite furry friend. All contest applicants will receive the web-based “Become A Vet Quiz” for free from Vet Set Go, which includes a custom 19-page report with tailored advice and guidance.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we as veterinary professionals support young emerging leaders to drive continued growth and innovation for our industry and ensure the long-term health of animals,” says Christine Royal, DVM, associate vice president of Merck’s companion animal and equine business unit. “Auburn University’s Junior Vet Camp is the ultimate opportunity to give passionate students early access to the world of veterinary medicine and help them pursue their dreams.”

For full contest details and more information about the camp, go here.