How to Start a High School or Middle School BBQ Team

Welcome to the World of High School BBQ!

Congratulations on taking the first step toward igniting a passion for barbecue and live fire cooking in your school and community! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start a High School or Middle School BBQ Team, get involved with the National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA),your State HSBBQ Association, and create unforgettable experiences for students.

Our slogan, "WHERE DREAMS IGNITE," and tagline, "COME EAT OUR HOMEWORK!", capture the spirit of our mission: to turn educational experiences into delicious adventures!

Step 1: Understanding the National High School BBQ Association (NHSBBQA)

The NHSBBQA is the official event and competition sanctioning body for High School BBQ teams across the nation. High School BBQ was started by teachers at Burnet High School in 2015 using Project Based Learning as a way to get students and community engaged…… and IT WORKS!  By starting a BBQ team, your school will automatically join your State HSBBQ Association as a member of the NHSBBQA. Membership benefits include:

• Participation in Regional, State, and National Championships: Compete in events like THE SLAB (Students LIT About Barbecue), our premier national championship.

• Access to Resources: Receive support, guides, and resources to help your team succeed.

• Community Engagement: Connect with other BBQ enthusiasts, schools, and industry professionals.

• Educational Opportunities: Integrate BBQ into your school's curriculum, promoting culinary arts, agriculture, clubs, after-school programs, and more.

• Fundraising: Use it to fundraise and make money for campus initiatives.

• Scholarships and awards: Give students a new way to be a part of a team and represent your school and community to win awards, prizes, and scholarships.

• Certifications: Introduce High School BBQ into classrooms to support certification in culinary arts, welding, meat and butchery, food safety, and more. 

Step 2: Forming Your HSBBQ or MSBBQ Team

1. Get School Approval 

• Meet with school administrators to get approval for starting a BBQ team and beginning a NHSBBQ School.

• Explain the educational benefits, including teamwork, project-based learning, and real-world skills.

• Teams must have school approval and be representing their school like traditional sports teams.

2. Recruit Students

• Target students interested in cooking, culinary arts, agriculture, welding, clubs, CTSO’s, or simply passionate about BBQ.

• Hold an informational meeting or BBQ tasting event to generate interest.

3. Choose a Team Name

• Create a unique and memorable team name that reflects your school’s spirit. For example, "Duck Dynasty" or "Party Fowls" if you're from Taylor High School. All girls teams like Barbie-Que-TIES, Meat Mommies, Bacon Babes, Swifty BBQ, or classics like SENIORITIS, BEEF BOYS, HOLY SMOKERS, and more.

4. Select a Team Advisor

• Find a teacher or School Employee member to act as the team advisor. They’ll help with logistics, practice sessions,  competition preparation, and hold the team charter.. Teams can have one additional Adult Mentor to coach and support the team with the School District employee.

Step 3: Securing Funding and Resources

1. NHSBBQA Charter Membership Fees

• Determine the number of schools participating in your district to calculate your Charter Membership fee and what Charter Membership TIER you would fall under.

• Membership fees are an investment in your team's future, providing access to competitions, scholarships, member discounts, Letter Jacket Patches, and resources.

2. Grants and Sponsorships

• Look for local grants or sponsorships from community businesses, BBQ restaurants, or equipment suppliers.

• Example: The Taylor Education Foundation’s grant enabled the purchase of the DUCK BRIGADE competition trailer and equipment. Many Schools and communities get equipment donated or supported through grants or Perkins Funds for CTE. Check out our equipment list and guide as well as talk to other schools and  teams or better yet come judge or visit and event. Search YOUTUBE “High School BBQ” and see what a Texas event looks like first hand.

• College and Trade School Scholarships are available at some event and STATE and NATIONALS.

3. Fundraising

• Host BBQ cook-offs, Tailgate, Sell at Sports Concession Stands,  bake sales, or community BBQ nights to raise funds for equipment, ingredients, and competition travel.

Step 4: Acquiring Equipment and Supplies

1. Essential Equipment (See our Equipment Checklist and Guide for ideas)

• Smokers, grills, Dutch ovens, and other BBQ essentials. All types of BBQ and Grill equipment are welcome and check with NHSBBQ if unsure. NO Rotisserie though or Sous Vide, Crock Pots, Pressure Cookers, or Air Fryers.)

• Cooking tools like thermometers, gloves, knives, and cutting boards.

2. Ingredients

• Stock up on meats, seasonings, sauces, and other BBQ ingredients. Many teams get practice meat donated from local grocery stores, butcher shop, ranchers and farmers, FFA or 4H group, and local business that just want to help or COME EAT YOUR HOMEWORK! See the Food Categories for each year - 5 at Regionals and 6 at Nationals. 

• Practice cooking different BBQ dishes, such as ribs, chicken, brisket, and chili.

3. Team Uniforms

• Design team uniforms, Shirts, or aprons with your team name and school logo.

• Optional: Create team merchandise to sell as a fundraising tool. Selling School rubs, Swag, stickers, Signature BBQ Sauce, Cookbook, Advertising  on uniforms, ect.

Step 5: Preparing for Competition

1. Practice Sessions

• Schedule regular practices to hone your cooking skills and perfect your recipes.

• Experiment with different cooking techniques and flavors.

• Practices can be  part of a class, after school, just on weekends, or an all day campus Project Based Learning Field trip to the school parking lot to showcase the learning taking place in the classroom.

2. Learn the Rules

• Familiarize yourself with the NHSBBQA competition rules and guidelines.

• Ensure your team is prepared to compete in all required categories.

3. Register for Competitions

• Register your team for local, regional, and state competitions at www.HSBBQ.org.

• Aim for a spot at THE SLAB: National Championship!

• If you would like to HOST a competition reach out to your State Director or Chef Mike Erickson the National Director “BBQ Principal” to discuss. Howdy@HSBBQ.org 

Step 6: Engaging the Community

1. Promote Your Team

• Use social media, school newsletters, and local news outlets to share your team’s progress and successes.

• Host community BBQ events to showcase your students’ skills.

• Do a campus competition or host a classroom Project or showcase.

2. Build a Support Network

• Encourage parents, local businesses, and community members to get involved.

• Establish a booster club or parent group to assist with fundraising and logistics.

Step 7: Expanding Your Program

1. Integrate BBQ into the Curriculum

• Work with your school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department to incorporate BBQ into culinary arts, agriculture,welding, family consumer science, business, outdoor recreation, fire management, or food/meat science classes.

• Offer BBQ as an extracurricular activity or after-school club.

2. Collaborate with Other Schools

• Network with nearby schools to share resources, hold joint practices, or co-host BBQ events.

• Encourage friendly competition and camaraderie among schools.

Conclusion: Ignite the Flame

Starting a High School or Middle School BBQ team is more than just cooking—it's about igniting dreams, building skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The National High School BBQ Association is here to support you every step of the way.

Welcome to the family, and get ready to COME EAT OUR HOMEWORK!

For more information, visitwww.HSBBQ.org or contact us at Howdy@hsbbq.org