Supporting the places that shaped them<\/p>\n The Hill Country is home to dozens of youth camps that have helped young Texans build confidence, character and lifelong friendships for generations. When widespread flooding upended these communities, the student-led council wanted to give back to an industry that helped so many of them find their own passion for recreation and leadership.<\/p>\n Traditionally, funds from REC\u2019s Camp Career Day support student scholarships and grants for graduate students in the organization. This year, however, organizers chose instead to donate all proceeds to the American Camp Association\u2019s Disaster Assistance Scholarship Fund<\/a>, which helps camps, families and communities rebuild after natural disasters.<\/p>\n The decision to turn the event into a fundraiser came naturally, said Emily Howell \u201926, president of REC and a doctoral student in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThe camp community is so close-knit and community oriented,\u201d Howell explained. \u201cHelping was a no-brainer. When we learned one of the very first supporters of Camp Career Day, Jane Ragsdale from Building community beyond the classroom at Camp Career Day<\/p>\n Support Flood Recovery<\/p>\n Join Aggies in supporting camps and communities recovering from the Hill Country floods. Every gift helps restore spaces that inspire future leaders.<\/p>\n The event brought together 30 camps across Texas and neighboring states, many of which have long histories of hiring Aggie students as counselors, activity directors and managers. Throughout the day, representatives interviewed students for summer positions and internships, shared insights about the outdoor recreation industry and reconnected with former students who once worked at their camps.<\/p>\n For many students, this year\u2019s Camp Career Day represented more than networking. It was a reflection of the values that guide their academic and professional paths.<\/p>\n Chad Nelson \u201915 \u201919, Ph.D.<\/a>, instructional associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications<\/a>, serves as REC\u2019s advisor and said the effort reflected the university\u2019s core values of leadership and selfless service.<\/p>\n \u201cOur students saw a need and took action,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cThey demonstrated the very best of what it means to be an Aggie \u2013 combining professionalism with compassion and service.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Four](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251029_Camp_Career_Day_CSW_2095.jpg\")
<\/a>This year\u2019s Camp Career Day raised $5,000 to aid camps affected by the Texas Hill Country flooding. (Chris Swann\/Texas A&M AgriLife)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250908_Camp_Career_Day_CS_20.jpg\")
<\/a>Emily Howell \u201926 serves as the president of Texas A&M\u2019s Recreation Education Council and led the planning of Camp Career Day. (Chris Swann\/Texas A&M AgriLife)<\/p>\n
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