For participants like Embry Cole, a Texas high schooler who attended the College of Agriculture’s Feeding Your Future camp in June, the visit focuses on getting a feel for careers in agriculture and food production. The camp is designed to let students see, touch, feel and even smell what is produced on campus, with examples tied to areas such as milling science and bakery science, and other “hidden gem” programs offered by the College of Agriculture.
Behind the scenes, Housing and Dining Services says the summer schedule relies on dozens of employees to keep the experience running for campers living in residence halls and eating in dining facilities. Assistant directors for both conferences and events and dining services framed the camps as a chance to help students imagine college life, while also supporting university operations through revenue generated by auxiliary services.
K-State leadership also says the camps can create an “first K-State memory” by immersing students in campus activities without the pressure that can come with formal recruiting—encouraging many to return later to explore options more seriously.