CFWE students and faculty attend the ARPA Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Students at the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) recently gained hands-on industry experience at the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama.
A group of Parks and Recreation Management (PARK) students including Ketch Daniel, Cooper Anderson, Elizabeth Burns, Maleah Gonzalez, Abigail Page and Harper Echeverry, attended the conference alongside CFWE faculty members Michael Brunson and Allie McCreary. Throughout the three-day event, they participated in educational sessions, served as room monitors and connected with parks and recreation professionals from across the state.
The conference sessions covered a vast array of topics, including aquatics management, summer camp programming, leadership development and the use of artificial intelligence in recreation planning. These sessions provided insights into both day-to-day operations and the evolving innovations shaping the field.
In addition to attending sessions, the students engaged directly with industry professionals through networking events and the conference exhibit hall. These interactions allowed them to ask questions, explore career paths and gain a clearer understanding of opportunities within parks and recreation.
For many students, the conference provided the opportunity to expand their knowledge of classroom theory in a real-world setting. Throughout these sessions, students were encouraged to engage with new topics and perspectives in real time.
“The sessions I monitored pushed me to go outside my comfort zone,” said Burns. “It was a great opportunity to interact with topics I wouldn’t normally explore and learn more about the professional recreation world.”
As students engaged in conversations with professionals and peers throughout the conference, many began to realize the value of simply showing up, introducing themselves and being open to connection. These moments, while sometimes informal, played a significant role in shaping their experience.
“My key takeaway was the importance of putting yourself out there,” said Daniel. “By embracing every networking opportunity, I was able to connect with professionals who offered insights you can’t always get from a textbook.”
The conference also highlighted the value of hands-on, interactive learning sessions designed to actively involve participants rather than just presenting information. This allowed students to see firsthand how creativity and engagement play a role in successful programming.
“It was a fast-paced, hands-on environment that got everyone involved and comfortable with each other,” Gonzalez said. “It also gave me the chance to connect with professionals about potential future employment in a more relaxed setting.”
Harper Echeverry, CFWE student, participates in hands-on learning.
In addition to professional development, students gained a broader perspective on the impact of parks and recreation in communities across the state. Hearing directly from practitioners about real challenges and solutions helped students better understand the scope and importance of their future careers.
“Being there and hearing about real problems and real solutions was eye-opening,” said Page. “It helped me think about how I want to contribute to my community through parks and recreation.”
For some students, specific sessions and conversations reinforced key lessons about leadership and workforce development within the field. These insights emphasized the importance of building strong teams and fostering positive work environments.
“One thing that stood out to me was how important it is to have the right people in place,” Anderson said. “You can teach skills, but you can’t teach attitude.”
In addition to student participation, CFWE faculty contributed to the conference program. Assistant Professor Allie McCreary presented on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, sharing insights from her work with partners across Alabama and highlighting how the plan can support recreation planning and funding opportunities statewide.
Through opportunities like the ARPA Conference, the CFWE continues to provide students with experiential learning that extends beyond the classroom. By engaging directly with professionals, exploring new areas of the field and building meaningful connections, Auburn PARK students are continuing to gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue careers in parks, recreation and natural resource management.
