SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — The first ever career camp for students in the Sampson County School District is underway. 

The four-day camp is dubbed "Getting Real: Career Camp." It's a place where students have the opportunity to tour different local businesses and industries within Sampson County. Students also learn hands-on skills designed to strengthen their employability. 

The camp was organized by Ginger Stone, who serves as the career and technical education director for the school district. 

"The employers say the ones coming to apply do not have the soft skills. They may schedule an interview, they my never show, so part of what we're doing through the camp is trying to address that," Stone said. 

Camp kicked off Monday morning with tours of the Clinton Police Department, Fire and EMS Station. During the morning session, students are provided with informational tours given by the people working in these roles. 

After lunch, students spend time at Sampson County Community College where they are able to apply the skills needed in these jobs with hands-on activities. 

For Dennis Adams, a rising freshman who has dreams of working in medicine, being able to see inside the ambulance and perform chest compressions on a dummy was an opportunity to put himself in the shoes of an EMT.  

"I couldn't imagine myself in the scenario of someone being unconscious or whatever state they are in. That would be a lot of pressure, but you never know. I think I could get the hang of it," Adams said. 

Students also got a tour of the brand new YMCA that recently opened in Clinton, which many have never been inside. 

Soon-to-be-11th grader, Karma Woodall, hopes to become a teacher.  In the meantime, she is searching for a summer job to start when she turns 16 next month. 

"I didn't even know this building was a thing," Woodall said. 

After a brief tour and learning of the opportunities that are provided to teens her age, Woodall is thinking about the YMCA for her first job. 

"I'm considering it. It seems like a great place, and I would love to be a lifeguard," Woodall said. 

Woodall said she wasn't sure what would come of the career camp, but being exposed to different career paths opened a whole new scope. 

"I wasn't expecting this, but I'm really happy about it," Woodall said. 

Students also got to explore careers in agriculture, trades, business, finance and marketing, as well as the hospitality industry and the military. 

For its inaugural year, 100 students from seventh to 12th grade signed up for the camp.

"The goal is to see the types of careers available in our area and that are in high need," Stone said.