A 9,000-square-foot, $35,000-a-night villa at Caesars Palace? That’s something most people only ever see in a movie. For 34 high school students attending UNLV’s second annual Hospitality Exploration Summer Camp, a guided tour of the luxurious villa was just one stop in a week filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality hosted the four-day, three-night camp designed to introduce potential future Rebels to life at UNLV and the dynamic world of hospitality management. The program welcomed middle school and high school students from Las Vegas and beyond — with one student coming from as far away as Thailand!
Throughout the week, campers were immersed in customized programming that included guest lectures from high-profile industry professionals, interactive hospitality-themed projects, and on-property experiences curated by Caesars Entertainment and South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.
While learning about the many facets of the hospitality industry, students gained insights into career paths they didn’t even know existed.
“I liked getting to see what the hospitality industry is actually like and meeting new people, whether it was other students or experienced professionals,” says Meghana Sathe, a high school junior from Washington.
In addition to receiving a crash course on the hospitality business, campers got a taste of university life by staying in residence halls, eating at the campus dining commons, and bonding with their camp counselors, who all happened to be current Hospitality College students.
Here are some highlights from the activity-packed camp:
Day 1: Global Hospitality Industry
- Hospitality College faculty and leaders shared their perspectives on the global impact of the industry and current trends.
- Campers participated in a variety of hospitality-themed, team-building activities, including a project where they collaborated on their own model resort.
Day 2: Sports Management, Food and Beverage, and Integrated Resorts
- Students learned about the immersive horror experience, Universal Horror Unleashed, from assistant director of food & beverage, Darci Davalos.
- Leisa Tracey, owner of the mobile bar and event service, Sips in the Desert, led campers in a mocktail contest, where they transformed iconic Las Vegas attractions into non-alcoholic beverages.
- Students enjoyed a field trip to Caesars Entertainment, where they toured hotspots such as the Colosseum and Villas at Caesars Palace, and the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. The day ended on a literal high note: with a nighttime ride on the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ Promenade.
Day 3: Travel, Tourism, and Entertainment
- Students heard Felicia Lindquist, director of guest experience at MGM Resorts International, on how Bellagio, ParkMGM, and NoMad deliver a great guest experience.
- Campers explored the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa, receiving a private behind-the-scenes tour of the property’s Arena & Equestrian Center and the Tournament Bowling Plaza.
- Students enjoyed an exclusive viewing of The Showroom and caught a behind-the-scenes sound check with The Bronx Wanderers.
- The evening ended with a classic Vegas buffet, giving campers a real taste of large-scale food and beverage operations.
Day 4: Innovation and Big Ideas
- Andrew Insigne, senior director of marketing from Tao Group Hospitality spoke about what it takes to turn an event from good to “wow.”
- Campers participated in an immersive “career relay” with six fast-paced stations, featuring activities like balancing trays through a mock restaurant obstacle course and role-playing service-recovery techniques for disgruntled guests.
- Students heard from the following Rebel alumni about their unique leadership paths in the hospitality industry.
- Jason Roth ‘08, president and general manager of By Dzign
- Joy Matti ’09, director of hospitality services for Caesars Entertainment
- Niki Mack ‘12, director of restaurants at Sahara Las Vegas
- Alex Lungu ‘23, assistant hotel manager Four Seasons Las Vegas
- Brendan Cobb ‘23, assistant professional at DragonRidge Country Club
- Campers split into small groups and participated in a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation, each presenting an original idea for an innovative hospitality concept.
When the camp concluded, students returned home not just with lasting memories but a clearer vision of their future, a unique connection to the hospitality world, and some new friends.
“The UNLV Hospitality Camp was one of the best experiences of my life,” says Lexi Oster, a junior at Coronado High School in Henderson. “I made countless friends who I hold deeply in my heart!”
Seven recent high school graduates who attended the camp were accepted into the College of Hospitality and will start their degree programs in the fall 2025 semester.
