Howdy Hospitality Summer Camp offers insights on hotel careers
Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism helps host hospitality-related summer camp for high school students
Through an immersive two-night, three-day hotel summer camp, the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, in collaboration with the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, is increasing awareness of hotel industry careers among high school students.
Camp coordinators said many high school students have never experienced a hotel stay or a business meeting in a hotel, so they want to address this gap with an innovative hotel summer camp to prepare the next generation of hospitality experts.
The camp is designed to expose students to various hotel occupations, offer an industry overview and educate them on the economic impact of tourism. The camp brought 25 high school students to College Station, with similar camps being held in Fort Worth and Houston.
A cornerstone of the camp is the Texas Friendly Hospitality Ambassador training, where students earn a customer service certification. This training includes mastering the six pillars of customer service, equipping students with skills essential for any career. They are also introduced to careers in sales, social media marketing, human resources, accounting, security, and food and beverage management.
Engaging and diverse activities
Activities on the agenda ensure a thorough learning experience.
Highlights of the College Station camp included both the front and back of house operations at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center and the Stella Hotel, giving students insight into hotel operations. Students also enjoyed a dinner hosted by Visit College Station and received business etiquette training as one of the experiences crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hotel industry.
Students also toured the Texas A&M University campus and worked on hotel concepts, focusing on sustainability initiatives. They attended sessions on effective communication, the art of listening and personal branding. Additionally, they received an introduction to Texas-friendly customer service, emphasizing making a good first impression and developing cultural awareness. The camp also included a business etiquette dinner, a workshop on creating a signature scent for a hotel and presenting hotel concepts.
To conclude the camp, students presented hotel concepts in groups, showcasing their understanding and creativity. These concepts included detailed examples of best practices for hotel success, location analysis, sustainable initiatives, innovative marketing strategies and personalized guest experiences. Each presentation demonstrated the students’ ability to apply what they learned during the camp, highlighting their potential as future leaders in the hospitality industry.
Strengthening industry-academic collaboration
Brian King, Ph.D., head of the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism, said the camp is an invaluable opportunity to cultivate prospective students.
“We are delighted that Texas Hotel and Lodging Association chose the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center to host their inaugural Hospitality Summer Camp at College Station,” he said. “The camp provided students with an immersive experience of the campus and the wider industry, highlighting the growing relationship between the hospitality industry and Texas A&M University.”
By providing high school students with hands-on experience and direct interaction with industry professionals, the department aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in hospitality. This approach not only enhances the students’ understanding of the field but also strengthens the pipeline of future students for the College’s hospitality educational offerings.
Preparing youth for future careers
Debbie Wieland, education outreach and foundation director for the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, emphasized the camp’s role in preparing youth for the industry.
She said the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association’s summer camp is not just an event but a transformative experience, opening students’ eyes to the myriad opportunities within the hospitality industry and paving the way for the next generation of hospitality professionals. The initiative is supported by grants and financial assistance from various hotel associations and tourism organizations.
The association aims to return to College Station next year to again collaborate with the department and continue supporting the growth of hospitality education and career pathways.
“The summer camp equips students with practical skills and firsthand industry exposure, making them well-prepared for a future in hospitality,” she said. “By immersing them in the real-world environment, we help them understand the vast opportunities available and ignite their passion for the industry.”
