I have some exciting news for YOU! This year, Missouri FCCLA is introducing an exciting new initiative, the Industry Immersion Series. The Industry Immersion series was created to connect Missouri FCCLA members with real world experiences in industry. It will help members become college and career ready through real world experiences. The Industry Immersion series is based on the four career pathways within FCCLA with its main purpose being to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional experience through real world experiences. We want to Immerse, Innovate, and Inspire the next generation. Through the Industry Immersion Series, we can do all of that, and more!
The news just gets more exciting from here! Within the Industry Immersion Series, it is our goal to have multiple different partners, so that we can offer members many different experiences. All of these experiences will involve the four career pathways that FCCLA offers. I am pleased to announce that we have our first official partnership. This partnership is with Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Exciting, right? I don’t know about you, but I love theme parks and I can’t wait to learn about how everything is run behind the scenes. Be ready to dive into a unique experience with innovation and inspiration at every turn. This event will be taking place on November 9, 2024, so mark your calendars! The cost of registration is $65 per attendee. For the meal option, it will be an additional $12 per attendee. All registration comes with access to the tours and includes all park access, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity!
For those who don’t know, Silver Dollar City is an 1880’s theme park located near Branson. Costuming, themes, and shops all represent the 1880’s in a fascinating way that makes it fun for the whole family! From Spring to Christmas, Silver Dollar City presents world-class festivals. The park is a total of 100 acres which includes 12 stage venues, over 40 rides and attractions, 18 restaurants, 60 shops, and 100 resident craftsmen. Fun fact: Silver Dollar City actually started as a hole in the ground called Marble Cave! Whether you have made the trip to Silver Dollar City before or not, it will be an amazing experience for all members and advisers. You will get to experience all of the behind the scenes action to see what truly makes this theme park be as fun and exciting as it is.
You’re probably wondering how this will relate to our four career pathways within FCCLA (Human Services, Hospitality and Tourism, Education and Training, and Visual Arts and Design). Let’s take a look at what Silver Dollar City has to offer for us. For the Human Services pathway, members will get the opportunity to learn about the Share it Forward program that Silver Dollar City offers. Employees in need receive support through matched donations and a dedicated board of employees. You will get the opportunity to hear directly from a board member about the commitment to helping employees and ask questions as well. Within the Hospitality and Tourism pathway, members and advisers will get the opportunity to hear from a sales director with 20 years of experience at Branson’s Chateau on the Lake and learn about how her hospitality expertise influences the theme park. Anyone interested in Education and Training will get to explore how an event coordinator manages student and youth events, collaborates with teachers, and develops park curriculum. If you’re interested in Visual Arts and Design, you will get the amazing opportunity to discover the artistry of the costume designers. Each of these very talented professionals will join the group to show their work and elaborate on their journey. The practical knowledge, connections made, and confidence developed will help all of you in your future careers.
We are so excited to offer the Industry Immersion Series for our members this year and for many to come. There is truly something for everyone offered. Whichever career pathway you choose, a new opportunity awaits with lots to learn and discover. I can’t wait to see how all of you take in your new experiences and develop new leadership skills essential for now, and in the future. We are so ecstatic to be able to share this exciting new information with you. Be on the lookout for more Industry Immersion events and other opportunities on our website. We hope to see you in Branson on November 9!
Paige Hanson
Vice President of Programs
