Chef Kimberly Ortego, Culinary Arts instructor & CTE Department Chair at Military Magnet Academy provided the following summary of her students’ recent work-based learning visit to Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms.

This work-based learning opportunity is possible thanks to the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Career Academy program which encouraged and facilitates business partner support for CCSD high schools!

 

Students started their tour at the Market area which offers apartment style lodging for families and has several shops & markets for any needs they may have while on vacation.

Student walked through the retail shops and got to peek inside the luxurious day spa. Then they enjoyed tasting ice cream at Hudson’s Market.

Students were invited to inspect the inside of Coastal Provisions Restaurant which overlooks one of the resort’s pool decks.

Student got to meet the staff at Coastal Provisions and enjoyed “mocktails” mixed to order while the discussed proper customer service techniques.


Students got to go behind the scenes in the housekeeping department at the resort.  They met with a very experienced employee that showed them how to make the towel “art” each guest receives during their stay on property.


Students learned how to make a swan and a lotus flower out of towels. The housekeeping team explained their responsibilities and how they manage over 500 rooms daily, ranging from box style hotel rooms, to apartment style rooms, and homes that accommodate anywhere from 5-10 guests.

Thanks to the whole team at Wild Dunes for being such a wonderful Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Career Academy partner, and making this amazing work-based learning opportunity possible for our students!