Sending your child to day camp this summer? Here are healthy snacks to send–plus how to talk to camp directors about snacks.
While some kids attend just a week or two of camp throughout the summer, others spend many weeks–or even most of the summer–at camp.
If you’re sending your child to day camp this summer and need ideas for healthy foods to pack, here are a dozen to consider.
Healthy Camp Snacks For Kids
Snacks to toss in a backpack
- Popcorn
- Dried fruit
- Energy bars
- Jerky
- Whole grain crackers
- Whole fruit such as apples, clementines
Snacks to put with a cold pack
- Cheese stick
- Yogurt cups
- Edamame
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Half a sandwich
- Baby carrots and other cut veggies
Unhappy With Snacks Given At Camp?
If you’re unhappy with the snacks or meals your child received at summer camp, it’s okay to speak up. Two ways to do this:
- Contact the director. It can be a polite phone call, an email, or quick chat in person. See below for an email template you can use.
- Give feedback on end-of-summer evaluations and surveys.
Remember to:
- Be kind and complimentary first.
- State your concerns politely and objectively. Have specific suggestions, not just complaints.
- Offer your help in some way.
- Follow up
Sample Script to Camp Directors
Here’s a sample script. Feel free to cut, paste, and customize this for your own needs.
Dear (camp director),
My child is having a blast at camp this summer. Thank you so much for all you do for the kids!
I know the camp has the children’s best interests in mind, so I wanted to touch base with you about the snacks that are being served. I understand the kids play hard at camp and need to refuel between meals. I was hoping you’d consider reducing the amount of chips, cookies, and soda and incorporating things such as bananas and apples..
I understand there may be limitations on what kind of food the camp can purchase and keep in storage, and this may not be a simple issue. But I would love to hear your thoughts, and I’d be happy to help in any way that I can.
Thanks so much for your time!
