Camp Pineapple 2020 was cancelled due to the circumstances of COVID-19. Despite this setback, we would like to recognize our hard-working team and industry partners who spent months planning to create a high quality hospitality education summer program. Thank you everyone for your support.

CAMP PINEAPPLE STAFF 2020

• Samantha LeClaire, Student Director
• Maryam Oginni, Assistant Student Director
• Moises Lobaton, Camp Counselor
• Denise Whitlow, Camp Counselor
• Jalen Davis, Camp Counselor
• Gabriella Gomez, Camp Counselor

PARTNERSHIPS

Our Camp Pineapple 2020 industry partners were planning incredible hands-on exploration opportunities for our Camp Pineapple campers this Summer. Although Camp Pineapple was cancelled due to COVID-19, we want to thank and recognize our incredible hospitality partners for their support.

• Chick-fil-a
• Coca Cola
• Cracker Barrel
• Darden Restaurants
• Disney Springs
• Entertainment Technology Partners
• Hyatt Regency Orlando
• Publix
• Universal Orlando 
• USTA National Campus 

 CAMP PINEAPPLE Summer Camp was launched in the summer of 2018 to teach high school students, who have completed freshman, sophomore and junior courses, about careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.  CAMP PINEAPPLE offers an exciting overview of current and emerging career opportunities in the hospitality and restaurant and food service industry.  Campers attended this week long, overnight camp, to learn about the hospitality industry firsthand by touring some of Orlando’s top hospitality destinations.  They meet with leading industry executives to learn more about the variety of career possibilities in hospitality, in culinary labs with our Chef Instructors in our state-of-the-art food labs.  Campers  benefit from expert faculty, staff, current students and alumni through presentations, panels, and activities.

Camp Pineapple Staff 2019

• Shelby Williams, Student Director
• Samantha Tiernan, Assistant Student Director
• Sydney Santa Ana, Camp Counselor
• Kiara Miranda Berrios, Camp Counselor
• Owen Crowley, Camp Counselor
• Maryam Oginni, Camp Counselor
• Katie Logue, Floor Monitor/Video Creator

Camp Pineapple Staff 2018

• Julie Wehmeyer, Student Director
• Shelby Williams, Assistant Student Director
• Citali Mendoza, Camp Counselor
• Starr Millwood, Camp Counselor
• Sebastian Sanatana, Camp Counselor
• Jessica Waites, Camp Counselor

Partnerships

During Camp Pineapple 2019, Industry partners once again provided site visits and industry exploration opportunities for our Camp Pineapple campers. From local start-ups to international brands, campers will learn about the hospitality industry from the experts. Take a few minutes to learn about each of the partners from the past summer.

Site Visit Partners 2019

Darden Restaurants

Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s. Our people equal our success, and we are proud to employ 165,000 team members in more than 1,600 restaurants. Together, we create memorable experiences for 380 million guests each year in communities across North America.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts has become a hub for the best international, national and local artists, for community outreach and for arts education. Since opening in 2014, the arts center has been named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “50 New Tourists Attractions Worth Adding to Your Bucket List.” Our two-block downtown Orlando destination includes:

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The 26-acre lakeside paradise of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort is offers unparalleled experiences for today’s modern traveler—for families, couples, golfers, groups, and much more. Four Seasons Resort Orlando is truly a destination resort appealing to all ages and interests. For the adventure seeker, the resort offers a 5-acre on-site Explorer Island, featuring a water park with an interactive splash zone, two thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and many games and activities. From sand volleyball to a rock climbing wall to a basketball court, Explorer Island offers something for everyone. The AAA Five Diamond Award rated Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a sought after destination for visitors from around the world.

Hopdoddy

At Hopdoddy, we feed the vibe. With craft burgers made from fresh ground meats and scratch-baked buns, we have something to satiate everyone. From Kobe beef to Ahi Tuna, or The Impossible 2.0 our burgers are perfectly paired with our cocktails and craft beer selections. Oh and don’t forget the fries…especially our signature parmesan truffle fries. Don’t have time to dine in? No problem, you can view our menu online at hopdoddy.com and place and order To Go. We love to host a good party with a killer playlist. From brunches to large buy-outs on our patio, we are here for all your event and catering needs.

Kings Dining & Entertainment

Kings Dining & Entertainment was established in 2002 (as Kings Bowl) in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay inspired to merge genuine food, creative cocktails, and social gaming to create the ultimate entertainment experience. Since, we’ve expanded across the country with each Kings location bringing this inspiration to life with upscale, retro-inspired décor and best-in-industry service.  At Kings you can expect an unparalleled social scene for all occasions; be it a family outing, a date night hotspot, a corporate event or the best place in town to connect with friends.

Orange Lake Resorts

Orange Lake Resorts is a leader in the vacation ownership industry with more than three decades of success. It is home to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations® brand, launched in 2008 through a strategic alliance with IHG® (Intercontinental Hotels Group), owners of the Holiday Inn® brand and one of the world’s leading hotel companies. The brand’s flagship property in Orlando, Fla., located next to the Walt Disney World® Resort, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn® founder Kemmons Wilson. Orange Lake Resorts is the exclusive, worldwide timeshare developer for the brand and Holiday Inn Club® member product. The timeshare brand already features 26 resorts across 13 states, and the growing company recently acquired its 27^th property.

Orlando City Soccer Club

Orlando City Soccer Club was founded in 2010. In 2017, a new stadium was opened for the team in downtown Orlando. They have contributed to the rise and advancement of Major League soccer in the past few years. They have a men’s and a woman’s team. The woman’ team is called Orlando Pride and they are a part of the Women’s Professional League.

Orlando Magic – Amway Center

The Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court.  The Orlando Magic have won five division championships and seven 50-plus win seasons. They won the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. The Orlando Magic give $2 million to local charities by a way of sponsoring events. Their community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids per year.

Swan and Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort  is located right in the middle of the most magical place on Earth. It has a beautiful tropical feel and tranquil waterways.  The Swan and Dolphin Resort is on 87 acres of lakefront property. With five heated pools and a basketball court, there is an abundance of activities to partake in. The resort has spectacular lobbies, unique restaurants, and an incredible Mandara Spa that provides an escape from all of the excitement.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is the second-largest resort in Orlando, covering 541 acres of land. Universal Orlando consists of two theme parks Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, a night-time entertainment complex Universal City Walk, and six Loews Hotels. All of the hotel resorts offer Early Park Admission into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay. It is a great place to go to experience thrills and fun!

Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for Orlando. Orlando is the most visited tourist destination in the United States. They market and sell the Orlando destination globally. Visit Orlando is a not-for-profit trade association that represents 1,200 member companies.  They represent all segments of the area’s leading industry.

WonderWorks

WonderWorks features over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Their activities range from a realistic, simulated hurricane to virtual reality. WonderWorks has a dramatic exterior that is very eye-catching. The building is three-stories tall and is upside down on top of a brick warehouse. The building is 82-feet tall and will tower over most nearby structures.

 

Supporting Partners 2019

Bolay

Bolay was founded in 2017. Chris Gannon and his father, Tim Gannon, sought to bring about the boldest, freshest brand in the fast-casual dining market.  Gannon listened to what people wanted and found out that people wanted food that fueled an amazing lifestyle. They believe that “fast” and “casual” could be extraordinary and nutritious. Bolay wants to offer food that is crave able, nutritious, wholesome, and nourishing a reality. Tim Gannon also founded Outback Steakhouse.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A was founded in Hapeville, Georgia by Truett Cathy and now is the largest chicken quick-service restaurant chain in America, with over 2,200 locations throughout the United States. Each Chick-fil-A location is independently owned and operated. When selecting restaurant operators, Chick-fil-A looks for “hands-on” leaders that work full-time in the restaurant. Restaurants can be located in malls, a free-standing unit, drive-thru only or an in-line location. Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays so that employees get a day of rest and time with their families. The restaurant company also gives back in numerous ways including college scholarships for their employees to encourage them to reach their goals and further their education.

Cracker Barrel

Travel on interstates almost anywhere in the United States and you’ll see Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores as a place to grab a meal that feels like home and a place to shop that reminds guests of days gone by. Founded in 1969 by Dan Evins the company, headquartered in just outside of Music City (Nashville) in Lebanon, Tennessee has over 650 stores in 45 states. The name comes from a time when crackers used to be delivered to those old country stores in barrels, and people would congregate around them to discuss the news of the day – you could say the barrels were the original water coolers! The restaurant was meant to help people reconnect with friends and family over a good meal so Cracker Barrel was the perfect name! Each restaurant and store is decorated with approximately 1,000 authentic American artifacts including memorabilia and signage from around the country.

The restaurant serves 200 million biscuits, 160 million eggs and 135 million slices of bacon each year to 217 million guests. The Country Store sells 14 million thin sticks (hard candy) that total 1,104 miles of candy and 331,000 peg games each year. The company targets travelers with over 1,600 billboards across America to let everyone know they are always near and travelers account for 40% of their overall business. The company has recently opened a new fast casual concept, Holler & Dash, that has four locations in three states.

Marriot International

Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed. We believe a great career is a journey of discovery and exploration. Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,900 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 130 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company now offers one travel program, Marriott Bonvoy^TM , replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Mears Transportation

Mears Transportation is the Official Transportation partner of Camp Pineapple. In 1939, Paul Mears, Sr. wanted to start a successful business and he knew that providing great customer service would make that happen. So he bought three taxicabs and built his business around respect, integrity, safety, enthusiasm and efficiency. The company now owns three taxi service companies with over 600 taxicabs in the greater Orlando area. In 1983, Paul Mears saw the opportunity to expand into the shuttle business. With the purchase of 19 vans, Mears became the Orlando International Airport concessionaire. Five years later, Mears Transportation expanded into the Luxury Vehicle and Motor Coach business. Their 70 shuttle vans, 300 luxury vehicles and 220 motor coaches can be seen in Central Florida every day transporting thousands of riders while they are in the area. A family owned business, the third generation of Mears family members run the business today with the same commitment to excellent customer services and quality they’ve been known for since 1939.

Play With A Purpose

Play with a Purpose specializes in hands-on teambuilding events that produce results. They stretch your imagination and create fresh experiences. The company is based in Orlando, Florida but also have an office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boring meetings are thrown out the window and the company is able to engage the attendees while supporting your goals of the meeting. The purpose is to connect the attendees with the meeting content in an exciting way.

Publix

Publix has grown from a single grocery store into the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States. Started by George Jenkins in 1930, Publix has always been about putting people first. George’s philosophy was to treat employees and customers like family. The grocery store’s employees have been trained to put the customers first. As a result, they have been named the number one supermarket year after year for customer satisfaction. Today, Publix has more than 1,100 supermarkets. The values and philosophies that George Jenkins established are still in place to this day and serve as their mission to be the premier quality food retailer in the world.

Time Share Advisory Board

The University of Central Florida Timeshare Advisory Board was formed in November, 2011 through a collective decision among UCF’s Rosen College and leading developers and service providers in the timeshare industry.  Comprised of 10 member companies, the Advisory Board’s efforts are focused on three primary objectives: Education & Research, Awareness, Career Placement.  Here are the companies that are represented on the Board:  ARDA, Baker Hostetler, Disney Vacation Club, First American Title, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Interval International, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Resort Condominiums International, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Vistana Signature Experiences.