If you went to camp, you probably didn't serve yourself
lunch from a salad bar. Times have changed! Now the
majority of camps offer salad bars—just one sign that camps' menus
are reflecting all our families' changing tastes. This
is one of many updated ways camps are encouraging the longstanding
tradition of healthy behavior—in the dining hall as well
as on the playing field or at the swimming pool.
Camps are doing much to help address concerns about kids eating
the right foods, as one of the healthy ways to promote well-being. At
camp, thoughtful menu planning—along with physical exercise—is
helping stem problems of weight gain among children. Wellness
is especially important in today's society, particularly
with concerns about childhood obesity and eating disorders. A
summer camp experience can provide the structure and activity
needed to keep kids healthy year-round.
According to research conducted by ACA, 63 percent of children
who learn new activities at camp tend to continue engaging in
these activities after they return home.
What are some of the things camps are doing?
Over two-thirds of all camps accredited by ACA say that they've
started serving more fruits and vegetables. About
four in ten have explicitly reduced the use of fried foods and
sweets or sugary foods. Some offer low or no-fat options.
Cooking with olive oil, adding flax, avoiding partially hydrogenated
oils, making food from scratch—these are all ways for children
to eat healthier that camps are incorporating into their menu
plans. Even in the camp canteen, the trend is toward healthier
choices and less candy or "junk food." Although
22 percent of camps have policies prohibiting care packages from
home, some camps allow parent-sponsored cabin or bunkwide "parties" with
options of healthy snacks for all.
Kids are being introduced to all kinds of foods—whole
grains, tofu, even fruit soups. In a recent survey, two-thirds
of all camps responding said they offer vegetarian
options, with
21 percent offering vegan choices. More than one in ten
camps provide foods that are organic and/or locally grown.
Responding to concerns about allergies, many camps provide choices
that address each child's allergy issue. The peanut-free
option is provided often, with nearly 40 percent of all camps
saying they offer this choice, potentially including items like
soy nut butter. One camp, for instance, sets up a no-nuts
table at meal time. Camp directors also report being more
attuned to children who have sensitivity to gluten.
For other special diets, meals that are kosher, calorie controlled,
or designed for diabetic campers are also available. Ask
the director of the camp you're considering what is offered.
In addition to new menu choices, there are camps that use specific
programs to teach healthier eating habits. One day camp
even says it invites families to family night programs where
topics such as healthy choices are discussed. Another camp
schedules a mandatory class on nutrition for its campers.
Camps have always placed an emphasis on health and fitness. Today,
the activities and food options they provide—and the healthy
behaviors they teach—are more important than ever.
Top of page |
