Okay, so I know the title here is rather harsh. Let's be honest—I totally expected my 8-year-old daughter to eat junk food while away at her very first overnight camp last week. Both of my children (and my husband for that matter) have what I call a "stomach of steel." They can eat just about anything with no ill effects whatsoever, so I knew there would be no immediate consequences (like a food sensitivity) for her to contend with while away from home.
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But just because one may feel fine after immediately eating highly processed junk food doesn't mean it isn't doing any damage. After all, according to Michael Pollan's research, four of the top ten chronic diseases that kill most of us - coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer - “can be traced directly to the industrialization of our food."
Our Little Pre-Camp Chat
So even though my daughter has no specific food-induced medical conditions to worry about, we still had a friendly little chat before she embarked upon her very first week away from home without a parent or grandparent by her side. As I've shared before, I absolutely do NOT want my two young girls to ever "worry" about food (or anything for that matter). But that doesn't mean I won't educate them along the way when it's appropriate (just as I will with many other important topics in life).
So I told her that there would be junk food at camp and eating it was totally fine, BUT my advice to her was to eat a lot of what she knew was good (i.e. for sure a whole food—straight from the earth) and just a little bit of what wasn't.
And what did she do in my absence? She ate Froot Loops for breakfast daily, "with pineapple on the side!". As I mentioned she is a completely typical 8-year-old so this is what happened when she was left to her own devices :) I guess I should be thankful for the serving of fruit? And truth be told, I was thankful for that and told her so. I was sure to reinforce the positive and not at all harp on any of the "negatives" of the week.
Some Good Decisions
And she actually did make some other really good choices on her own that made me very proud. She tried out the salad bar (like I had suggested before she left home), but how can I blame her for her boredom with it halfway through the week when it was basically the same drab salad bar night after night? This is my girl who honestly loves salads and vegetables even more than I do so I know she tried. She also followed some other advice I'd given her long ago about asking for a glass of water. I always tell both of my girls that when they are at friends' houses or birthday parties they should always be gracious guests and accept what is served, but it is NEVER too much trouble to ask for a cup of water. I tell them if they are already eating birthday cake and candy and who knows what else - there is no reason to then wash it down with a sugary juice or soda - so just ask for water.
And to my surprise she actually remembered this advice at camp, and when dinner was followed with handouts of candy (Skittles to be exact) and a choice of soda or Powerade...what did she do (in addition to accepting the Skittles of course)? She politely asked for water! That's my girl. Except she told me (in her own words) "they looked at me like I was crazy and didn't have any water to offer." So as a result she tried the Sprite (since she said it looked most like water). She apparently hated it and poured it out on the grass and finally settled on the bright blue Powerade ("which is actually good, mom!"). Is it just me or are sugary drinks really necessary to wash down the packs of candy? Just for the record, they apparently did give the campers water to drink earlier in the night at dinner because they weren't allowed to have juice until they drank their water first (one of the more impressive food guidelines I heard about!), but unfortunately things seemed to go downhill in that department once the dinner hour was over.
Amazing Experience (with or without the junk food)
So, yes - her first camp experience (from a non-food perspective) was a once in a lifetime adventure. Her counselors were absolutely wonderful, she made some amazing new friends, and she LEARNED some pretty impressive new skills (water skiing, archery, sailing, horseback riding - and independence of course - just to name a few). BUT we did pay a pretty penny to be able to send her there for this experience (that she absolutely loved) so I feel I have the right to complain about the food. I absolutely knew it wasn't going to be great, but as I am piecing things together through her various stories I admit the food situation sounds worse than I was expecting. Nachos with runny orange cheese anyone? Not to mention the kids who are more sensitive than she is and came home from camp not feeling well as a result of all that junk - including one of her cabin-mates in particular.
Time for Change
But, I am not one to just sit here and complain without trying to do something about it (hence this blog of mine). I was the same way about their elementary school, but felt similarly in the fact that it was only respectful to spend the first year observing before I try to butt my way in and start suggesting changes :) I am sure there are all sorts of constraints that force the camp to do things the way they do (i.e. limited time, limited budget, limited space, picky eaters, etc.) - but I admit I am hard-pressed to find a reason why each night would HAVE to end with skittles and soda. Can you think of one?
During this first overnight camp experience of ours I came into contact with two other camp moms (who are acquaintances) that both happen to feel the same way I do - so I can only imagine there must be more who feel the same? Maybe they haven't spoken up yet or just don't know where to start (or think they are alone)? So I don't know what the first step toward change will be yet, but one thing I do know is that it will be something. I was recently inspired by the changes Carrie Vitt with Deliciously Organic made at her own daughters' overnight camp. She knew they could provide better choices as well and offered to give them some guidance - which they gladly accepted! And the changes she made - super fresh and wholesome food at a minimal increase in cost - were very well received by both the campers and the staff. The outcome was super impressive if I do say so myself and drives home the fact that it can be done. And even though I am sure it won't be an easy road I can't just sit back and not try.
Have any of you been through something similar with overnight camp and have advice to share? I am all ears!
Cary says
You've inspired me to become more involved in my child's daycare in Ambler, PA. I already had them change their fruit delivery so that the kids get more fresh fruit every week. But I still get annoyed by the processed food offered during snacks. Even their Crowley yogurt has 32g of sugar. 32g!!!!!! So I'm looking into joining the parents association so that I can get more support for changing what we are feeding our kids.
Love the ideas above about organic gardens, making your own food (including ice cream!).
Cindy Kluger says
I send my son to a self-sustaining sleep-away camp in Julian, CA that has an organic farm. The kids plant and harvest in the farm as part of their stay and the chef uses the bounty to feed the children and staff. There are also chickens and the children gather the eggs to eat, and this year they raised pigs... The camp is amazing and puts a great deal of emphasis on nature and our relationship as stewards of the land.
Erinn says
I am having a similar issue at my son's new day care. I pack his lunch and snack but the school gives the kids icy pops on the playground. (The ones that have so much preservative in them they are not sold frozen). We're talking about 16-month-olds eating a big serving of sweeteners and artificial colors (and who knows what else) EVERY day. I live in Florida so this will be a year round thing. I am really bothered by this but I'm biting my tongue (per my husband's request that I not be "THAT" mom).
Cary says
Erin - I think you have every right to be THAT mom. You should wear it with pride. I'm sure other moms feel the same way. Maybe you could try to find other mom's that will support you and together you can make changes at the daycare. That's what I am hoping to do with my daughter's daycare through the parent association.
Susan says
Erin, I agree with Cary - if you don't advocate for your kids by being THAT mom, who will? If you don't want to make a big fuss, just tell them that your child is allergic to artificial sweeteners. I have always been sensitive to "sugar-free" anything - I get a migraine and feel nauseated for most of the day after even just one bite or sip.
Ask them if you can bring a box of all-fruit pops so he doesn't feel left out (though at 16 months he probably wouldn't notice).
Then chat with the school director to suggest alternatives. I was THAT mom with cloth pull-ups at my son's daycare and the teachers were surprisingly open to it once I mustered the courage to ask.
Amy says
Erinn,
I totally understand about not wanting to be THAT mom, but if you calmly and respectfully request that the school look into other snacks, and offer affordable suggestions, there is nothing wrong with speaking up. You won't be yelling, you won't be threatening, you'll just be rational and forthright, while keeping a smile on your face. Nothing wrong with looking out for the children! I tried this at my child's preschool and while they looked at me like I had two heads, I had nothing to be embarrassed about. I was totally cool and polite. They just aren't used to requests like that, I'm sure!
Marie says
We don't have the popsicles at our daycare, but still lots of processed foods ("breakfast", lunch, & afternoon snack). My son is 20 monthes old and is already balking at me sending in alternatives.
However, for the suggestion that speak up and "offer affordable suggestions". What might one offer for snacks/breakfast (breakfast = yogurt, Nutrigrain bars, Special K bars, etc)? The school has to rely on Sams Club, or other places like that, and the options are minimal. They do not have a kitchen and have limited fridge space. (Lunch is catered - so that's a whole other rhelm :-) There's no reason why the caterer can't offer better food.)
Hallie Sawyer (@Hallie_Sawyer) says
I'm sooo with you on this. I just read an article in the Aug/Sept issue of Kiwi about schools adopting the farm to table concept (which is actually just how people USED to eat but what industrialization pushed to the side). Some schools are growing gardens and incorporating it into their curriculum! Kids are helping with the weeding, composting, and harvesting. How awesome is that?! Camps should have this on their radar as they are right in the middle of growing season in most parts.
Maybe you should start you own camp? You could call it something like "Real Food, Real Kids, Real Fun." I would sign mine up immediately. :)
eclecticdeb says
Speak up and tell the camp owners your concerns. There are PLENTY of other camps that offer clean, healthy food -- you should "vote" with your pocketbook. There is absolutely no need for soda or candy at camp. EVER. And not having water available??? That's a no-brainer.
Bethany says
It is an inspiration to me that people are trying to improve the food that kids intake at schools and camps.
Each year, our church host a sports/athletics day camp for elementary kids. high school kids are volunteers counsellors with adult coaches and administrators. I was put in charge of hospitality for the church for two years, and hence the kitchen for the camp.
as camp approached, I wrote and re-wrote menus and snacks (two snacks and a lunch) for each day until I had a balanced, kid-friendly plan. My philosophy was that if these kids were training their bodies to be healthy in exercise, they needed to be training their bodies to be healthy with food too. A retired dietician was a part of the volunteer staff; she looked over the menus and gave her approval. We knew it was not perfect and not 100% real food, but it took major steps in that direction.
The first year, I met with some resistance, ad some questions. But most people agreed or went along with what I was suggesting. Families agreed to bake homemade things, or bdonate wholesome fruits, veggies, etc. Some donations did not fit our list of needs and we found ways to use them-- like the man who brought three watermelons, a bag of oranges, and a bag of apples at the last minute!
This replaced bottle gatorades, fake juice pouches, kool-aid, candy, pre-packaged crackers with cheese spread, packaged granola bars, icee colored/flavored/ sugared water popsicles, cupcakes, sloppy joes (with lots of sugar & white bread), grilled cheese sliced sandwiches, ordered out pizza, hot dogs, etc.
For beverages, ...
Each day ice water was provided in big drink coolers in a "cooling station" under a pop-up tent. Breaks between each station allowed kids to get drinks more easily. Also, they were encouraged to drink water at snack times. beyond my control were lunch drinks-- often powdered lemonade or gatorade; water and milk were also options and some children chose these.
For snacks & desserts, we provided...
1. homemade granola bars,
2. carrots & nut butter (was supposed to be hummus, but that was not well-received)
3. celery & ranch (or nut butter),
4. apple slices & but butter
5. orange quarters
6. watermelon slices,
7. fruit cubes on sticks,
8. dark chocolate-covered frozen bananas,
9. homemade popsicles using watermelon juice & leftover fruit
10. yogurt sticks,
10. frozen yogurt sticks,
11. cheese cubes & whole grain crackers (in split bags to look like butterflies & keep moist cheese from making crisp crackers mushy),
12. simple ice cream sundaes,
13. oatmeal & dried fruit cookies,
14. homemade brownies,
15. homemade trail mix
Everything was pre-packaged by the volunteers the day before or the morning of serving. Baked goods were made the night before to keep them fresh and more edible.
For meals, we had...
1. soft taco bar with lots of veggies (easily dropped the meat for the few vegetarians or the shells for gluten free, or the cheese for dairy free)
2. turkey or ham sandwiches with green salad on the side (the goal for this year was to cook our own turkey and not use cold cuts)
3. grilled chicken strips (not breaded; marinated with Italian herbs, olive oil, etc) with a small side of pasta with homemade sauce (and lots of veggies added to the sauce)
4. hot dogs & chips were served by the sponsoring organization one year; the second year, we got them to change to pizza from a local Mom & Pop operation. I wanted to make, but got voted down; it was my hope to change that for this year).
5. grilled hamburgers with veggie tray (and bags of chips provided by the sponsoring organization)
6. peanut butter & jelly was the back-up plan for allergies or picky eaters. (after turkey sandwich day, those were possible as alternatives too).
It wasn't a home-run for all real food, low sugar, low salt, and increased fruits & veggies, but it was LOTS better than what had been served before.
This year, I was no longer in charge. The woman who took over reverted back to the original way of doing things. I don't know for sure, but I am guessing it's because that is how she feeds her family, it took less work & coordination to get donations, in her option- it is cheaper, but most of all because it is "less hassle". (sigh)
I have heard many friends complain about the food at their kids' camps. So, good luck to those of you trying to change the camp food (or school food) mentality. You need to be an advocate, and find an ally on the inside; it may take commitment on your part as well. Seriously and with all honestly, I wish you luck and would love to hear more success stories. :-)
Cary says
Great ideas Bethany! I'm hoping I can use some of your food ideas for making changes at my daycare!
Bethany says
@Cary- glad there are some ideas that you can use! Here's a little more detail in case you are interested...
The "butterfly" cheese & cracker bags looked something similar to this- http://dailydietitian.com/2013/04/05/how-to-keep-the-kids-away-from-the-easter-candy-butterfly-snacks/
The nut butters, ranch, and hummus (that never got made) were portioned in little cups with lids from GFS.
The veggies/fruits were portioned in ziploc-like snack bags. Things that would brown like apples were rinsed in a lightly salted water (instead of pop) to reduce browning.
Brownies & homemade granola bars were wrapped in press-n-seal or waxed paper with a strip of tape.
Frozen bananas were cut in half width-wise, stuck with wooden sticks, peeled, frozen on wax paper-lined trays, spooned warm chocolate over them while they were frozen, sprinkled with any "decoration" (a few sprinkles were added for fun & color; a little goes a long way. can use nuts, or shredded coconut instead). They were put back in the freezer until serving time. They were served & eaten outdoors so there would not be chocolate stuck in the carpet & furniture!
Ice cream was pre-portioned in single scoops on chilled trays, then re-chilled until serving time. at serving time, scoops were put in small bowls and a couple of toppings- sliced bananas, nuts, whipped cream, dark chocolate sauce were available.
Homemade trail mix used up our leftovers from a previous church event and from the week-
... chocolate chips (white, milk, dark)
... nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
... whole grain pretzels (or minimal ingredient, whole grain cereal)
... dried fruits (banana chips, cranberries, raisins, cherries, pineapple)
A few servings were made without nuts for nut-free, and few without grains for gluten-free. These were made before the large batch was created & portioned for the kids that were allergy free.
Taco meat was ground turkey and Penzey's Chicken Taco Seasoning was used.
Hamburgers were about 1/2 hamburger and 1/2 ground turkey (or chicken).
Every meal had a toppings that could be made into salads, or a green salad (topping varied based on what we were cooking that day). The first day, the tacos could be eaten as taco salads instead of tacos. One day the salad was served mixed lightly with a homemade Italian dressing. On other days, there was a bowl of torn up greens and smaller bowls of toppings: usually-- tomatoes, peppers, carrots, nuts, shredded cheese, dressing; and sometimes-- dried or fresh fruit, green onion, cucumbers, celery, meat, etc.
:-)
Lilian Solorzano says
I am a mother of two little girls, and although my eldest is too young for camp, I can only imagine what you were feeling when you heard the "skittles with soda" news. My daughter was in pre-k 2 last year and I remember one day arriving at her school and chatting with her teacher. Her teacher could not contain her excitement when she proceeded to show me a box of DULCE DE LECHE CHEERIOS. Now I don't know if they have these in other parts of the country (we live in Miami) but its basically CARAMEL CHEERIOS. I was stunned. She told me the kids loved it and she started buying it with her own money to give them a "treat" during snack time. At this point, I didn't want to make the teacher feel bad, so I kept my horror inside (mostly because I knew my daughter only had another month there, and then she was free of this nonsense.) Her school was great, and did have a policy of no candy or sodas. But they served tons of processed snacks like goldfish and animal crackers EVERYDAY, and my daughter's constipation got worse in the year she was there. She is starting a new school next week that emphasizes clean eating. They don't allow any treats, not even for parties. The suggestion is to share a toy or game with the class come Birthday time.
Also, I just want to also add that I LOVE your page and your website. I have used a lot of your recipes, and although my babies are still small, I know I will be coming to your site more and more. The hardest part has really been to convince my hubby that organic produce is the way to go ($$$) so we do our best, but he'll come around. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
Liz says
Our preschool snacks are the worst too! Graham crackers, gold fish, cupcakes, popsicles, candy (special treat?), etc...I volunteered this year to be a helper in the room and I am totally going to volunteer to bring healthy snacks for the class, even if I have to do it every day (3 days a week, 10 kids, not too bad, right?)
Emily T. says
I have attended camp as an adult leader for two years now, and my girls have attended for four years. I've noticed that this particular camp seems to be open to change. The first year I attended a few leaders and campers actually brought their food to supplement what was being served at camp. As the cafeteria became aware of the foods being brought, they have started including those foods in their menus. It behoves the camp to make the campers happy. So I'm sure this camp will be happy to work with you to make changes.
I do have to say that I am horrified that water was not available to your daughter! Most camps provide water at all time--it is a safe and health issue. As a leader, one of my jobs is to monitor water intake among the girls I supervise. Several times through out the years of this camp girls have become dehydratered or suffered heat stroke because of lack of water. Every camper should have a water bottle and water available to refill it or disposiable water bottles should be available.
I must say that the salad bar is saddest part of camp--even though it is often the sole source of veggies. The salad bar has lettuce (which I have a hard time eating because it has a chemical taste), cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons, "bacon" bits, sunflower seeds, cheese, and five kinds of salad dressing. If I were to go and make myself a big salad from the salad bar, I would use up most of the cucumbers and tomatoes which are meant to feed 70 campers! Cooked veggies are never part of the meal because most kids do not like veggies and whole grains are not featured for the same reason, so the salad bar serves as the main source of fiber for the week. Which makes the lack of variety and quanity so sad.
I agree with the above comment---ask the camp if they would send out a survey, and then ask if they would be open with you guiding them towards a better food culture in the future.
Angela Bennett says
My daughter and I recently spent a day at a rescue farm here in Ohio that offers day camps. I knew that the snack choices wouldn't be particularly healthy but I was very disappointed that 1. they didn't have water breaks like they said 2. every snack they served in the 6 hours we were there was sugar (donuts - popsicles - little debbies) 3. the snacks were served with fruit flavored drinks instead of encouraging the children to drink the water they told us to bring.
Mirandi says
Every year, I take a group of 4-H members to 4-H Summer Camp. The food there is absolutely delicious and they serve a lot of real foods....but not totally. The do have a small salad bar with 1c. sized bowls. But I could see where the kids would get bored with the cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes that are on it. They do serve some things that I would rather not eat, but when you're their you kind of have to eat what they give you or not at all. I would love to see an all out revolution of school cafeterias and camp cafeterias. My boys take their lunch everyday because of all of the highly processed meats and "fake" cheese they serve at school. Nacho cheese IS NOT REAL CHEESE!!!
Alison says
My kids (ages 8 and 11) go to Gwynn Valley Camp in Brevard, NC. They have their own farm (garden and animals) where the kids can choose to work. They produce 70% of what they eat at camp- fresh veggies, fruit, beef, eggs, ice cream...they have a working mill where they grind corn for feed or johnny cakes. They also use the mill to make homemade ice cream! It's the most wonderful place in the world! I want to be a camper there! My kids LOVE the food!
Kay says
At Camp Nuhop near Mohican State Park in Ohio, not only are the meals healthy, they have an organic garden! It provides a supply of fresh veggies and also teaches the campers (and their counselors and parents!) how fun and simple it is to have homegrown food.
Terri says
That's right down the street from my house and I didn't even know that! How awesome!
Wendy says
Thanks for that info, Kay. I'm near Cleveland, and it's good to know there's somewhere close to send my kids when the time comes.
juliana says
I totally agree! There is no need for that much sugar in any camp, school, etc.
I would be proud of my kids, as well! Not only for trying to make some healthy choices but for telling me the truth! That shows they can totally trust you! :)
Dana says
I am a teacher and worked at an overnight camp
The only junk we served was the nights we would have popcorn with a movie or make smores. Super hot days(heat index over 100) we did give ice cream and popsicles for snacks. It was more about staying cool than snacking though. I can't understand why you would load kids with sugar before bed. Nightime snacks were usually apples, whole wheat pretzels or granola bars. Meals weren't always the healthiest, but there was always fresh fruit and a veggie. Absolutely no soda was served. Lemonade and Fruit Punch (really watered down) were served at lunch and dinner. Milk, oj and apple juice was for breakfast. The rest of the time it was water, water, and more water. They hate it at first but after about 3 days they were used to it and stopped.
Carli says
I worked at a summer camp one year and I swear everything tasted like salt. When I asked for a sandwich (sun-butter and jelly) for a kid that hate chineese food... They eps aid unless she is allergic she has to eat what we sent out... Really cause I won't eat it either?!? Need less to say I wasn't happy there and was half starved by the time camp was over!!! Shelf life seems to be a bigger concern than health is and it's pretty sad!
Laura says
When I went to camp, we had to buy candy and soda at the snack shop. Meals were (moderately) healthy, and were served with water, juice, or (unfortunately) Kool Aid. They had breakfast cereals, but I think the most sugary option was Frosted Flakes.
Casey says
It is definitely time for a change! So what’s a parent to do? Here’s a handy checklist to use when considering summer camp nutrition.
http://kyhealthykids.com/2013/03/14/summer-camp-menus-the-good-the-bad-and-the-bug-juice-ugly/
Jenny says
I am so impressed with the balanced view you have offered your daughters! My kids attended a wonderful sleepaway camp for several years run by the Campfire organization and I was pleased to hear that they had a choice of water, milk or juice with meals (not soda or energy drinks) along with fresh fruit and salad. (And yes, I'm sure some of the other offerings were not that healthy, but my kids said they weren't way better than their school offerings and not as bad as they had expected.)
My pet peeve is why adults regularly offer sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade to kids. Are they running a marathon or doing extreme sports? If not, then isn't it cheaper and healthier to offer water? I once ran into a parent from school at Costco who had cases of Gatorade in his cart. He explained to me that his kids kept wanting juice and the Gatorade was healthier for them. I was so stunned by this reasoning I didn't know what to say. I wish I had discussed it further with him but I didn't know him well enough to be comfortable to do so, but now I wish that I had.
Scargosun says
I don't have kids but I think it makes perfect sense that parents should have input into what is offered to their kids as food when the parents are paying for the camp. It just seems like common sense.
Rebecca says
I'm really surprised they serve soda at camp. Usually it's 'bug' juice or water...
Sarah J says
We live in Washington and our kids have both attended Camp Seymour near Purdy, affiliated with The YMCA, and they have aMAZing food. They cook it all there, even the 'treats' and have a wide variety of food, grow food, and compost like crazy. I would encourage you to contact them and see exactly what they do. They definitely try to be green about most of their activities, and I must specifically rave about their homemade pizza and soup ;)
Jennie says
I have only sympathy to offer. When I saw the Sysco truck pull up to my son's overnight camp, my heart plummeted. He had raved about the food (and especially the salads!) the previous year, but at least this year, all the food was premade and pretty much just defrosted.
It's discouraging.
At least they didn't hand out candy after meals, and juice was fairly rare... and in the end, with the potable water stopping and the stomach flu, it was the least of the problems...!
Kelly says
Need advice and help! My 4yr old son was invited to a bd party next week at McDonald's. we don't eat fast food, he's never been into a fast food joint. He knows McDonald's as bad food. The person the party is for is a good friend of his from his preschool. I was thinking of brining my own food, do you think that would be okay?
Jennifer says
Kelly, I would probably feed my kids first if it was a party that you are really wanting to attend. I think bringing your own food may be a little in-your-face, and since this can be a sensitive topic, I'd fill up beforehand! That way you can partake of the party, but not the poison! :)
eclecticdeb says
Agree with Jennifer. Feed him first, then bring your own snack. Not a big deal.
Kelly says
Thank you!! I will def do that!
Kelly too says
Kelly, check out McDonald's website for a menu before hand... I've heard they are offering more healthy options although I truly don't know. If they don't have anything remotely healthy to choose, you could pull an allergy card and bring your own (say "he's allergic to junk"). Or you could just go with it knowing that its a one time occurrence. I know with a 4yr old of my own, I'm afraid of exposing her to fast food and having her like it, but on the flip side I don't want her to feel left out when all of her friends are able to have something and she's not.
Stephanie says
I'm sorry this was your experience.
The camp our children attend has a fantastic menu of homemade, fresh food.
Mindy says
You should totally start an overnight camp or partner with one that has all of the usual fun activities, but is filled with a fun way of learning about real food. I would SO send my two kids :)!
Dorothy says
Maui surfer girls has a wonderful camp for girls 12-17. Organic chef on staff and the menu looks amazing. It's not cheap but I'm saving my pennies til I can send my (now 10 year old) daughter. Great focus in girl power and healthy living.
Rebecca says
All I can say is WOW! My daughter's overnight camp does not offer that kind of junk food. No candy, soda, or sports drinks. They offer water - a lot of it, in fact all campers are to carry water with them at all times, milk is offered and at breakfast juice. Yes, there are items such as hot dogs and such, but over all it's pretty much homemade food. Lots of fruit and veggie choices, served at the table, no salad bar. The biggest sweets offered include smores' or toast buffet (where they can add cinnamon, sugar, chocolate chips, butter, jam - whatever they'd like to toast - offered only once, if that, a visit and only during a campfire breakfast.) You mentioned paying a pretty penny to send her, my guess is you are paying for all those fancy, sugary choices. Water is a whole lot less expensive! Like I said, these items aren't even offered at all camps!
Nikki says
When I was 19 I worked at an expensive summer camp that was one of those 3 week session camps. The food was particularly dreadful too. The worst thing they did was--- and you may want to sit down for this one-- mix nacho cheese from a can with macaroni call it mac n' cheese.
BARF.
There was a salad bar, but the line was RIDICULOUSLY long which deterred a lot of campers (and counselors as well) and of course, the options were sparse. I was lucky if I could grab a banana at breakfast.
Not everything was terrible, but it was definitely a struggle-- especially when the only bread option was white wonder bread. AND WHO SERVES BLTS to 8 year olds? THe camp would smell like grease for days after BLT day. I just didn't get it. Here we were having these kids run around all day and we were feeding them crap.
What was even harder was my bunk had a girl we were told to help her make healthy choices cuz her mom was trying to get her to lose weight. Try getting that one to happen when the options aren't helpful.
But not all of it was terrible, like I said. Twice a day they had an optional "snack time" where you could meet in between your class/activity and grab an apple or orange. A lot of kids would do it too. And candy was only given once a week as a bribe to get the kids to write letters home (when they traded their letters in, they'd get a full-size candy bar). They did do dessert every night after dinner but it was usually a tiny brownie or blondie. Super small.
OH but cleanest bunk got to get ice cream once a week--- and they were allowed to order a PINT to eat by themselves.
just thinking about camp is now giving me a stomach ache. I told my husband that a dream of mine would be to have a healthy summer camp that doesn't get the wrap of a "fat camp" but is known for great physical activities and good, wholesome foods. Please do something!
Em says
Kelly~ can you guys eat first so he is not hungry when he arrives, and pack inconspicuous snacks in your purse? I wouldn't outright bring my own food though.
Kelly says
Thank you! Thankfully the party is only an hour and a half, I plan on going a bit "late", or possibly leaving a few minutes early just to avoid any food issues. I don't want to go but my husband says I should because its one of his close friends ugh!
Stephanie says
My youngest child's classroom just banned birthday food treats because of extremely severe food allergies in the class (but only for this year). But I let the teacher know that I supported it for other reasons and that I hoped it could soon be school wide. 3/4 of the kids have birthdays during the year and bring in cupcakes, etc. She suggested pencils or stickers or things like that.
I have a particular neighbor who seems to relish in feeding my kids junk when they are playing in front of her house or with her kids. I have tried talking to my kids about politely declining but I know that I'm going to have to ask her not to do that in the future.
Kelly Wright says
My daughter also had her first sleepaway camp experience, she's 11. They, however, had a full on cafeteria with hot breakfasts, lunches and dinner. The downside was the 'free snack time' where they could spend their camp money on anything they wanted. My daughter chose the grape soda every single day and skittles-considering she rarely gets these things at home. I didn't mind as much since they did provide three square meals. Not sure if you can publish this, but it was through 4H and they went to the Eastern 4H Center this year in Columbia, NC. Awesome experience and she will be going back. I do agree, if we give them options and reinforce the positive, whole food choices then that's the best we can do.
Mary says
I have no experience with this but I would be willing to bet that if you start contacting the camp organization now, in preparation for next year, you might be able to help them prepare for a 'healthier' summer, and MARKET it as well! Teaching kids to eat the things their body needs to be active is awesome and the camp should support that. The counselors may have a better time getting them to sleep at night if they dont get them all hopped up on sugar just before bed :) Good job Mama! I hope to read about how you got them to improve their menu for the young campers!
Beth says
Check out camp Chestnut Ridge, a Methodist camp in Efland, NC. They emphasize healthful eating. My kids go on and on about how good the food is.
Stephanie says
I can think of a reason for skittles every night... sponsorship pure and simple. When I went to camp a quarter of a century ago (god that makes me feel old!) I remember asking why they didn't have anything good to drink but koolaid and sodas. I think their sponsor was Coke.
Kelly G in ATX says
I was just going to comment about sponsorship...Powerade is a Coke product. It's more than likely that Lisa's daughter's camp have some sort of partnership with Coke and therefore offer their products in lieu of healthier options...this is pretty typical in a lot of places sadly. I can't believe they didn't have water to offer the kids at all times! Not sure where this camp is, but here in Texas, it would seem a crime to not keep kids hydrated with water in the summer time!
Heather @ Girl and Her Kitchen says
Why do we have to reward kids with food? It is like this after my daughter's ONE HOUR soccer game. Apparently after only one hour of exercise at 10 in the morning, the kids need a gatorade, Rice Krispie treat and fruit roll up. Huh? My daughter doesn't even want it and we cannot figure out whey the soccer club does not make more strict rules regarding snacks. And we wonder why kids today are so unhealthy! Good for your daughter for making some healthy choices, but shame on the camp for making none!
Annalisa says
I have been battling this for four years as the team mom to my twins soccer team... This year I gave up! The food industry has made it so that people are so brain washed regarding food and what is "good" after a game. I would tell my parents... To bring a banana and a small water after a game (after I was shot down for suggesting a snack was not needed) I told them that they would be hydrated from the water and would get potassium and other needed lates from the fruit... Ya you would have thought I gee 5 heads... I would love to hear if you are ever able to change behaviors because I have tire so many different ways and people just don't want to possibly learn a possible different thought process
Christine says
When I worked at a summer camp there was no pop and candy was sent to campers by parents, I say approach the camp! Ask the camp to send out a survey to recent and returning campers and see what suggestions or feedback they get. You may have more people on y our side than you think!
Chassidy says
I went to 5th grade overnight camp with my little sister last year as a chaperone. They didn't have any soda for the kids to drink. They had juice, milk and big coolers of water. They also had a nice salad bar, but the kids weren't allowed to eat off of it???? 3 days with no fresh veggies? Seemed a little crazy to me, so I was sneaking cucumbers to my cabin!
Ashley says
When I went to overnight camp (ages 8-14, I'm now 29) our after dinner snack was always a piece of fruit. Peach, apple, banana, etc. The only time they offered candy was in the afternoon, they called it "tuck" and your parents set up how much money you could spend toward junk food. The rest of the meals were whole foods. It was not a fancy camp either.
Cristina Andra says
I would really like it if you would start a camp that will help kids learn how to eat healthy :) My kiddos would be the first ones to join :)
Lisa says
Great post. I love that you are positive, respectful and realistic about change. I also love the tip about asking for water. Keep up the great work and way to be proud of your kiddo's good choices.
Debbie says
I'm very interested to hear what you come up with...I completely agree. Kids are kids and they will usually go for the "junk food" when it's offered. Even kids who are being raised to eat "real food". My kids have never been given white bread at home, but when we order sandwiches out, they specifically request white bread...what's up with that?? I subscribe to the idea that as long as most of their food is "real", I'm OK with what they have elsewhere...but a whole week away at camp is hard! Thanks for all of the hard work that you put into this site...it's changed the way I feed my family.