LEWISTON – The Central Maine Medical Center Junior Volunteer Program this summer includes new youngsters and “seasoned” volunteers who first worked at CMMC as long ago as the summer of 1996.

Junior volunteers range from 13 to 17 years. They are oriented and trained to provide volunteer services in ancillary and direct patient care areas throughout the hospital.

The youngsters are encouraged to develop learning skills, make new friends, interact with employees and senior volunteers, ask questions and most of all, have fun.

The volunteer experience also encourages them to learn about career opportunities in health care and to job shadow in clinical and non-clinical disciplines.

The juniors will wrap up their summer with a pizza recognition party in August. If they wish, they may volunteer during school vacations and teacher workshops.

Applications for next summer’s program will be available on Jan. 1. Forty new juniors a summer are oriented.