The food we consume at camp is the fuel that drives campers and staff throughout their action-packed days at camp. Delivering enough food while consuming the vital components of a healthy meal is an integral part of the overall experience. A lot more than most people realize.
Camps should really pay attention to this aspect of their operation as it will directly affect the campers and staff. The food should deliver a positive impact by using low fat, low salt, and high in fiber ingredients. In order to maximize what the camper is getting out of camp, a well-balanced diet, combined with healthy eating habits are key. The best way to go about this is to align your camp with professional culinary staff that focus on healthy eating or by utilizing a food service such as Tastebuds Food Service.
Camp staff should be able to monitor what campers are eating and be educated on the importance of healthy food choices. This way they can make suggestions and encourage campers to try new things – after all that is what camp is all about right? Expanding horizons, pushing limits, and growing as a person.
A child’s body needs nutrition, not just food. Allowing children to eat processed and fast foods instead of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods is pushing them toward having lifelong health issues. Healthy eating is vital. If nutritional needs are unmet because too many sugary and high-fat foods are replacing nutritious food, children may be unable to perform at age-appropriate levels. Children have a higher metabolic rate, requiring more caloric intake than adults, but it's vital that the calories they consume be nutritious.
We have seen the difference first hand at camp when it comes to nutritional standards and we recommend taking a look at how you can add value to the camp experience through food. This is often overlooked and that is why we are bringing it directly into the limelight. Educating children on eating healthy is often a problem that stems from the parents and educating their children on eating healthy while at camp can really add that value to the camp experience in a BIG WAY. This all starts with taking a little closer look at your camps food service operation.
If you have any questions regarding the topic, please email us at [email protected] and we will gladly help you tackle the any concerns you may have in your camps culinary arena.
We are all about nourishing our youth and educating them on healthy food choices!