Kampgrounds of America (KOA) concluded its 2024 Campground Management Internship Program, providing interns in outdoor hospitality with hands-on experience. Nine interns from eight universities across the U.S. participated in the 12-week program, gaining insights into various aspects of campground operations, including guest services and risk management.
KOA’s internship program, now in its second year, ran from mid-May to mid-August, placing students at KOA locations nationwide. The paid internships allowed participants to contribute to projects that benefit KOA’s operations while learning essential industry skills. Interns worked on projects such as Autism Certification and sustainable landscaping.
Emilie Villalobos, an intern at Virginia Beach KOA Holiday, shared how the program helped her grow. “I have learned what it is like to work in and manage a campground, by working in all of the KOA campground departments. Additionally, I learned how each department cannot function properly without the others. I have also developed greater communication, teamwork, and organizational skills as I worked with my team members and the guests who visited,” Villalobos explained.
The interns also undertook several important projects aimed at improving campground operations. These included implementing National Autism Certification, integrating native flora for sustainable landscaping, and exploring piezoelectricity as a potential energy solution.
Yolawnda Henry, KOA’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources, remarked on the value of the program. “At KOA, we understand the importance of building our future hospitality leaders. Our internship program focuses on developing the next generation of campground operators to ensure our industry has stability and sustainability for years to come,” Henry emphasized.
Interns also collaborated with KOA’s corporate teams through weekly virtual sessions, learning from industry professionals about broader trends and operations within the outdoor hospitality sector.
Ali Kieffer, manager at the Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA Holiday, praised the program, noting how it benefited both interns and the campground staff. “The KOA Internship program was great! It benefited both the intern and our campground because of the support offered by the KOA Home Office staff. Our intern worked in all aspects of the campground, which allowed him to apply his newfound knowledge from his weekly KOA sessions,” Kieffer said.
Looking ahead, KOA plans to expand its internship program, aiming to recruit from four additional universities for the 2025 season. Applications for next year’s cohort will open in early November.