Are camp lunches any different than school lunches? Yes and no. Here’s what you shouldn’t change when camp season rolls around:
Thought you were done packing lunches when the school year ended? For lots of kids, summer means day camp—and that means even more lunches (and snacks) to pack.
Are camp lunches any different than school lunches? Yes and no. Here’s what you shouldn’t change when camp season rolls around:
For lunch packing, think about broad categories of foods and nutrients that kids need:
For kids, presentation is everything. I love using bento-style lunchbox containers because you can put in small amounts of different kinds of foods, and it always looks appealing and fun—and they’re a lot more durable than a brown paper bag.
My kids don’t have food allergies, but it’s important information for ALL parents to know. Find out the camp’s policy for peanuts and tree nuts and be sure to follow it. Children with life-threatening allergies need to be safe.
Here’s what might change: Kids are typically a lot more active at day camps than they are at school—and the day may be longer for them—so you might want to pack slightly larger portions. Also, consider tucking a few snacks into their bags. A mix of snacks that contain protein (such as cheese) plus carbohydrates (like crackers or fruit) will restock energy and keep their bellies full and satisfied. Even better: Pack them in reusable bags for zero waste.
A water bottle is a must at day camp, especially outdoor camps—and a quality reusable bottle will last you many summers. Water is the best hydration for kids and healthier than packing pouches of punch or bottles sports drinks, which may contain artificial ingredients and added sugar (and create extra trash). If your kids don’t like plain water, add a splash or 100 percent juice or freeze 100 percent juice in an ice cube tray and put a few cubes in her water bottle.
Pack lunches and snacks the night before
Having that extra 10 minutes in the morning can be a serious lifesaver. Or set everything you need on the counter the night before: The lunch bag, containers, and water bottle.
Involve your kids
Get their input on what they want for their snack and lunch. Then enlist their help in packing it. If you have items you always toss in—like cheese sticks, milk boxes, or fruit cups—keep them on low shelves where they can grab and pack them.
Make items in bulk for the refrigerator or freezer
Do some prep on Sunday to make the week go more smoothly. Deli meat sandwiches can be pre-made and frozen for the whole week. If you have multiple containers or bags, fill them with fruit or veggies you can grab the rest of the week.
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