Kids and Teens ( 5 Tips For Eating Healthy At Camp )

Kids and Teens ( 5 Tips For Eating Healthy At Camp )

Summer is not only a break from school, but also a time for fun with or without family!

I love the idea of kids experiencing new and exciting adventures at sleepover camps. Whether its exploring the woods or perfecting musical talent in the city, your children will bring home lifelong memories. They get to be with people from a variety of hometowns and backgrounds who have similar interests. Campers are challenged to go beyond their comfort zone helping them reach new goals as well as set new ones!

How do you pick a camp?

I'm sure the first thing parents and children look at when choosing a camp is the theme. If your child wants to try canoeing and/or horseback riding, you probably won't be looking into an ice skating camp. Or if your child wants to perform Shakespeare, you won't be checking out the circus camps. It just takes a few seconds to Google search the camp of your child's dream. Whether you type in specific words such as "swim camp" or "find a camp" you are sure to find several camps throughout the country. Price and location are other factors to consider. These points alone take time and planning, but I wonder how many people consider the food available at camp?

Unfortunately many camps fill their menus with processed foods.

Why? These foods are often more convenient and cheaper to make in large quantities. But what if your child is on a special diet or if your child simply prefers whole foods? Here are a few tips to help you through the process.

1. Contact a few of your top camp picks and ask if they accommodate special diets. Most camps probably offer vegetarian dishes, but if your child has peanut, dairy, or gluten allergies, make sure there are options for them. I would also ask what kind of oil is used and how the food is prepared. If processed food is a main staple, I would be concerned. For example, gluten may be hidden in the ingredients as barley, rye or malted vinegar. Because CJ is so sensitive to gluten, I don't feel comfortable sending him to camp. There is a website; however, with a list of kids gluten-free friendly camps.

2. Ask for a copy of their menu. Even if camps accommodate special diets, it's always best to see for yourself. I'm always wary that even the GF foods will not be healthy/gut friendly. You can go over the meals with your child so they know in advance what they can eat and what they should avoid. This is also a good idea for children who just like to eat healthy and avoid processed foods. They will have a better idea of what foods will be available to them.

3. Find out how your child's food allergies/preferences will be addressed with all the staff, especially those in the kitchen. It's particularly important to know how food cross contamination will be avoided for children with severe allergies, especially those with wheat and nut allergies. You also need to know how your child's camp counselor will be notified as well. Everyone needs to be on board with your child's eating necessities and/or preferences.

4. Pack healthy snacks and drinks. Even the most conscientious eater may be tempted to eat unhealthy foods if they're hungry. Many camps set snacks out all day for munching. Although there will probably be some fruit and veggie choices, unfortunately most snacks will likely be pre-packaged. Make sure when packing the extra socks and underwear, you also add nuts, fruit and filtered water. Our favorite packaged snacks include plentils lentil crackers, squarebar organic protein bars and tankabar buffalo jerky. As a special treat I would send some favorite healthy homemade snacks. Make sure you send enough to share because I'm sure there will be other campers wanting yummy, good-for-you food!

5. Replenish good gut bugs. Your child will be exposed to many new and different experiences. They'll also be exposed to lots of bad bacteria in the food or from fellow campers who get sick. Protect their immune system with fermented foods. Replenishing their good gut bugs will protect them from "traveler's stomach" that often results in diarrhea. It may also prevent colds and pollen allergies. My son Nolen has gone to sleepover camp for several years and always brings a few bottles fermented probiotics.

Sleepover camps offer so much fun, excitement, education and independence.

With a little planning you can also make it a healthier experience! It's always bittersweet when your child leaves for camp-especially for the first time, but following these 5 tips will help relieve some of your worries. What to do about missing your child? Now that's a whole separate topic for discussion.

Tamara Yapp, a mother of 7, is CEO and Founder of Real Food. Real Life (RFRL), a company that is dedicated to helping others lead healthier lives through their innovative line of top-quality probiotic products and lively edutainment online TV show that brings the best healthy products and information to consumers everywhere.