Margaret Hughey remembers the day when her grandson, Kameron Greene, told his kindergarten teacher that he wanted to be a doctor.

"She was so surprised that he knew that at such a young age," Ms. Hughey said. "He never changed his mind."

Kameron grilled his grandmother, a retired nurse, about the medical field, researched the medical profession and is looking at medical schools. And, thanks to a teacher, has been invited to attend a medical camp at UCLA.

He's raring to go, but the 15-year-old sophomore needs to come up with $2,046 tuition for the 10-day camp, plus round-trip air fare. The camp is offered by National Youth Leadership Forum, a non-profit group based in Washington that prepares young people for professional careers.

The medical camp, which will run June 22-July 1, covers educational requirements, career options, clinical practice and ethical and legal issues, according to the NYLF Web site.

Kameron was nominated by his eighth-grade math teacher, Joyce Cannone, for his academic performance, leadership potential and intent to pursue a career in medicine.

Kameron has always been fascinated by medicine because of his grandmother, with whom he lives.

"It was the whole thing," he said. "She worked at a hospital and was helping people and I always liked the hats they used to wear."

Ms. Hughey said Kameron would frequently ask her about her work. "He would ask me what I would do," she said. "I would tell him about some of the patients I would take care of and the care that I would give them."

Kameron, who carries a 3.2 grade-point average, has narrowed his interests to internal medicine and heart care.

"I feel a lot of people will need heart surgery, usually the elderly," he said. "I think it'd be cool to study the inside of the body and see how it functions and what happens."

Kameron is part of a lot that happens at school, where he plays trombone and tuba in the high school band, is a peer mediator and is a member of the French Club, Science Club, Chess Club and Ham Radio Club. Outside of school, he tutors at his church and for Endorse Resistance of All Drug Abuse Everywhere. He participates in ERASE and Sharon/Farrell Weed and Seed activities, and the Mercer County 4-H Study, Question, Understand, Debrief, Success Club, which is known for its anti-tobacco effort.

Ms. Hughey said she encourages Kameron's medical bent.

"We always need more doctors," she said.

Kameron said he had wanted to attend Princeton University, but believes he is not "brainy" enough. He's eyeing the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University.

Kameron has raised $170, primarily from members of his church, Valley Baptist Church, Farrell. He said he will contact other churches, doctor's offices and other medical offices to ask for donations. He needs the money by Feb. 7. Anyone interested in donating to Kameron can call (724) 346-1052, or mail him in care of Ms. Hughey at 330 Hoon Ave., Farrell, 16121.