06/07/2023

Fuelling Fun and Adventure

Sending your child off to a school holiday club is an exciting adventure, but it's also important to make sure they're well-fed and nourished.

One of the best ways to make sure that your child stays healthy and energized throughout their day at summer camp is by packing a nutritious and tasty lunch.

5 top tips for packing healthy lunches at camp:

1. Plan ahead: Planning your child's lunches ahead of time will ensure that you always have the ingredients on hand to make healthy and delicious meals. Try to plan out at least a week's worth of lunches to save time and stress.
2. Keep it balanced: A healthy lunch should contain a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. For example, you could pack a sandwich with whole-grain bread, turkey, cheese, and avocado, along with some cut-up vegetables and a piece of fruit.
3. Make it fun: Children are more likely to eat their lunch if it's fun and visually appealing. Try cutting sandwiches into fun shapes, using cookie cutters, or packing fruits and vegetables in fun containers.
4. Get creative: Mix it up by trying new ingredients and recipes. For example, you could pack a salad with grilled chicken, chopped veggies, and a tasty dressing, or make a wrap with hummus, veggies, and turkey.
5. Involve your child: Involve your child in the planning and packing of their lunch. Ask them what they like and dislike, and try to include their favourite foods in the mix. This can help increase their excitement about eating a healthy lunch at camp.

We want to make sure that every child who comes to camp has enough nutritious food to give them the energy they need to have a great time.

It’s a long day at camp so always remember to pack some snacks for the morning and afternoon.

5 great snack ideas for kids while at camp:

1. Fresh fruit: Pack a variety of fresh fruit, such as apples, bananas, and grapes, for a tasty and nutritious snack.
2. Yogurt: Pack a single-serving cup of Greek yogurt or a flavoured yogurt for a tasty and nutritious snack.
3. Rice cakes: Top rice cakes with a drizzle of chocolate, sugar free icing or cream cheese for a tasty and filling snack.
4. Carrot sticks: Pack a bag of carrot sticks for a crunchy and healthy snack.
5. *No-nuts Trail mix: Mix a variety of dried fruit, and whole grain cereal for a tasty and filling snack.

These snacks are easy to pack and provide a great source of energy and nutrients to help keep kids fuelled throughout the day while they are at camp.

*Please note, we are a no-nuts camp.

Waste-Free Lunches

In addition to packing healthy lunches, it's also important to consider the environmental impact of the packaging and containers used. Here are five ideas to help create a waste-free lunch:

1. Reusable containers: Instead of disposable plastic bags and containers, use reusable containers, such as waxed canvas lunch bags or stainless steel lunch boxes. Not only are they better for the environment, but they are also more durable and long-lasting.
2. Eco-friendly utensils: Pack reusable utensils, such as bamboo or stainless steel, instead of disposable plastic ones.
3. Use cloth napkins: Replace paper napkins/wipes with cloth napkins, which can be easily washed and reused.
4. Pack a reusable water bottle: This not only reduces waste but also helps to keep your child hydrated throughout the day.
5. Avoid processed snacks: Instead of processed snacks, pack fresh fruit, veggies or seeds. These snacks are healthier and less wasteful, as they don't come in packaging.

Packing a healthy and waste-free lunch for your child at camp is easy and fun with these tips.

By involving your child in the process and being creative with the ingredients and packaging, you can help ensure that your child stays healthy and energized throughout the day.

10 healthy and delicious lunch ideas for children

1. Ham and cheese sandwich: Layer ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato on whole grain bread for a tasty and filling lunch.
2. Egg salad sandwich: Mix boiled eggs with a light mayo and some veggies, such as celery and onion, and serve on whole grain bread for a tasty and filling sandwich.
3. Cucumber and cream cheese sandwich: Spread cream cheese on whole grain bread and top with sliced cucumber for a tasty and nutritious sandwich.
4. Tuna and sweetcorn sandwich: Mix canned tuna with sweetcorn and a light mayo and serve on whole grain bread for a tasty and filling sandwich.
5. Carrot and raisin salad: Mix grated carrots with raisins, a light dressing, and a touch of mayo for a delicious and healthy salad.
6. Greek yogurt and fruit: Serve Greek yogurt with a variety of fresh fruit for a tasty and healthy snack or lunch.
7. Chicken and vegetable wrap: Fill a whole grain tortilla with cooked chicken, veggies, such as peppers and carrots, and a light dressing for a tasty and nutritious wrap.
8. Bean salad: Mix a variety of beans, such as kidney beans and chickpeas, with veggies, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and a light dressing for a delicious and filling salad.
9. Cheese and crackers: Pack a variety of cheese and whole grain crackers for a tasty and nutritious snack or lunch.
10. Jam and banana sandwich: Spread sugar free jam on whole grain bread and top with sliced bananas for a tasty and healthy sandwich.

These lunch ideas are packed with nutrients and energy and are sure to keep your child satisfied and energized throughout the day.

Don’t forget to keep it fun and your children will love every lunch you make.