The purpose of ARVC Young Professionals (YPs) is to create a network of young professionals within our industry and empower members with leadership opportunities, education, and community awareness. To help strengthen the bonds of our YP community, we have started a campaign to introduce some of the emerging leaders in the outdoor hospitality industry.

The purpose of ARVC Young Professionals (YPs) is to create a network of young professionals within our industry and empower members with leadership opportunities, education, and community awareness. To help strengthen the bonds of our YP community, we have started a campaign to introduce some of the emerging leaders in the outdoor hospitality industry.

We begin with a Q&A with YP Alesha Reeves of ARVC member-park Norwood Campground in Norwood, N.C.

Alesha Reeves

How long have you worked in the industry?

My family bought Norwood Campground the end of 2016 without any prior experience in the industry. Here we are, three years later, still trying to figure out what we’re doing but making progress along the way.

How did you get into the industry?

My parents would take us camping often as we were growing up. They said we would all sit around and joke about all the things we would do if we owned a campground during these camping trips. I don’t remember these conversations, but for my parents, they were building dreams. After watching a loved one pass away from this Earth and giving birth to my daughter, we began having conversations about the important things in life. The topic of purchasing a campground fell on our doorstep.

How did you get involved with the young professionals?

I was first introduced to ARVC Young Professionals (YPs) at my first Regional Convention, Carolina ARVC (CARVC), by Heather Blankenship. I joined, not really understanding the goals and purpose of YPs. I received a scholarship from ARVC YPs to attend ARVC’s Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo in 2018 where I got to meet and learn from many other professionals in the camping industry. The YPs have been an invaluable source of growth for me though these learning opportunities as well as through the exclusive Facebook group where we get to hear from industry leaders constantly. I am still learning what all YPs, ARVC and CARVC can offer myself, my family, and our campground, but I’m so thankful that we made the leap into purchasing this campground as we’ve met so many amazing people.

What is your favorite part about working at a campground?

My favorite part about working at (and owning) our campground is that I’m surrounded by my family all the time. Yes, this poses challenges at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What makes your campground unique?

We have a sign above the front door of our office that reads “Enter as strangers – Leave as friends”. We pride ourselves on having a family-friendly/family-oriented campground. We strive to make everyone feel like a part of our family through our customer service.

Carolinas ARVC is forming a Young Professionals group. Can you give our members an update?

CARVC YPs are…. beginning. Soon we’ll gain some momentum with members and be able to form a committee to begin planning some events and covering some ground! More news to come!

Engage in the Young Professionals community! Do you know someone who wants to join the ARVC Young Professionals? You can learn more about the group here.