USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp (Grades 6-8)

Join the Stavros Shark Tank Camp at USF Tampa: Where Middle Schoolers Dive into Entrepreneurship and Pitch Ideas to Real Investors

Dive into innovation at the Stavros Shark Tank Camp at USF Tampa! Designed for middle schoolers, this exciting program empowers young entrepreneurs to brainstorm, develop, and pitch their business ideas to real investors.

Through interactive workshops and expert mentorship, campers will enhance their creativity, teamwork, and presentation skills while gaining valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship. Join us for an unforgettable experience that nurtures the next generation of innovators!

Stavros Shark Tank Camp Details

Camp Director: Pete Trakas

Location: USF Tampa - Gus A. Stavros Center

Grade Levels: Entering 6th - 8th

Dates: TBD

Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Cost: $499.99

What to Expect

Think, Innovate, Thrive

Campers will learn how to think like entrepreneurs by identifying real-world problems and recognizing opportunities for innovation. Through hands-on activities and brainstorming sessions, they’ll practice developing creative solutions that address these challenges. 

Build Your Business: From Concept to Success

Participants will engage in the process of building a comprehensive business plan, learning the essential components that make up a successful venture. This includes everything from product development and market research to crafting effective marketing strategies and detailed financial planning. 

Master Your Business Pitch

A key focus of the camp is teaching participants how to effectively pitch their business ideas to an audience or a panel of “investors,” simulating real-world entrepreneurial challenges. Campers will build and enhance their public speaking skills, learning how to present confidently and engage their listeners.

Conquer the Market: Invest Smart

Campers will receive a hands-on introduction to the stock market, where they will learn the fundamentals of investment, trading, and how financial markets operate. Through interactive simulations, campers will gain practical experience in taking companies public, allowing them to explore the process of IPOs and understand the risks and rewards involved. 

 
Join us at the Stavros Shark Tank Camp for an unforgettable experience! Campers will dive into the world of innovation, develop business plans, pitch their creative ideas, and even explore the basics of the stock market.

With hands-on activities and expert guidance, this camp is designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in every participant. Don’t miss out—sign up now and take your first step toward becoming a future business leader!

Campers at Stavros Shark Tank Camp

Useful Information

When does registration open for the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp?

Registration for all 2025 summer camps will open on February 1, 2025

What is the capacity of the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp?

The capacity of the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp is 30.

What is the refund/cancellation policy?

USF reserves the right to cancel camps, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a camp is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.

If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email USF Youth Experiences. If the cancellation occurs 10 days prior to camp start date a full refund will be received with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.

Who are the USF Faculty/Staff that lead the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp?

The USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp, hosted at the USF Tampa campus, is led by Pete Trakas, Director of the Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education, along with his dedicated staff. The Stavros Center’s mission is to promote the teaching of free enterprise, financial literacy, and economic education across K-20 curricula.

This camp offers middle school students an engaging opportunity to explore these principles firsthand, fostering an understanding of entrepreneurship and financial decision-making through fun, hands-on activities.

Where is the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp located?

The USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp is held at the USF Tampa Campus, within the Stavros Center at the USF College of Education. The camp's location is 4110 USF Apple Dr, Tampa, FL 33620

What time is drop off and pick up for the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp?

Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the Stavros Center, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.

After registering for the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details, including pick-up and drop-off times?

You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp.

Take a look at photos from last year's USF Stavros Shark Tank Camp

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