LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Leonardtown High School student Lila Proulx is taking her childhood fascination with animals to the next level. This summer, the incoming Leonardtown High School sophomore will attend North Carolina State University’s selective VetCAMP, a summer program designed for high school students interested in veterinary medicine.
Proulx, who grew up watching Zoboomafoo and Wild Kratts, has long envisioned a future working with animals. She also understands the deeper connections people share with pets — from the joy they bring to their role in reducing stress and building a sense of community. Now, she’ll have the opportunity to explore those connections further alongside veterinary professionals at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I am so excited about the chance to attend VetCAMP at N.C. State University!” Proulx said. “I can’t wait to learn from experts and get an inside look at what it takes to be a veterinarian.”
The program introduces students to various veterinary specialties — from wildlife to livestock — and offers experiences such as working with the school’s Turtle Rescue Team and therapy dogs in the Pause for Paws initiative. Students participate in labs to hone their anatomy skills and learn the basics of a small animal clinic — how to perform physical exams, administer shots and provide wound care to animals. Proulx said she is particularly eager to explore the different roles veterinarians play in both animal and public health.
“This camp would provide me with the knowledge, skills and connections to take the next step in my journey and grow in ways that will make me a better vet in the future,” she said.
Proulx’s passion for animals started early, sparked by a set of Wildlife Explorer encyclopedias. In elementary school, she even taught brief animal-themed lessons to her classmates. That passion has since evolved into a deeper understanding of the ways animals and humans rely on one another.
“It’s not just about loving animals; it’s about using my passion to make a real difference in the world,” she said. “Veterinarians help protect both animals and people, and I want to be part of that.”
She heads to the program with a strong foundation built through volunteer work, fostering rescue animals and participating in zoo-based learning experiences. At school, she has taken honors biology to deepen her understanding of animal science and prepare for more advanced studies in the field.
“I bring a combination of passion, empathy and a strong commitment to learning to VetCAMP,” she said. “I’m good at building trust and making people (and pets) feel comfortable, which is important when giving care and determining a medical treatment plan that most benefits the animal.”
From local volunteer work to national programs like VetCAMP, Proulx is already building a future rooted in science, compassion and care — qualities that could one day serve both animals and the communities that depend on them.
About VetCAMP at NC State
VetCAMP is a pre-college summer program hosted by NC State University’s Veterinary Professions Advising Center (VetPAC). Designed to give high school students a realistic glimpse into veterinary medicine, the program combines hands-on experience, educational sessions and professional exposure.
Key Features:
- Hands-on Activities: Campers participate in suturing, dissections and explore animal anatomy and physiology.
- Exposure to Veterinary Specialties: Topics include small animal care, equine medicine and livestock health.
- Veterinary Professionals Interaction: Campers engage with veterinarians, veterinary students and field experts.
- Career Realism: The program addresses challenges in the field and clears up common misconceptions about veterinary work.
For Lila Proulx, VetCAMP is more than a summer program — it’s a meaningful step toward her future in veterinary medicine. With drive and enthusiasm, she’s ready to grow through the experience and return with new skills, knowledge and inspiration to share with her family and the Southern Maryland community.
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