Best Snacks to Pack for Summer Camp

Aside from the fact that school's out, summer is an exciting time for lots of children as it means they get to go to summer camp. And while you may think that sending a child to camp gives the parents a bit of a break, there’s one responsibility in particular that carries over from the school year - the need to pack lunch and snacks.

Even if the camp program is only a half day, you can bet that your little ones are still going to get hungry. So, today we’re here to help you out by sharing some of our top summer camp snacks.

Strawberries

They’re sweet, yet healthy, and they’re one of those foods that can help keep you hydrated - a must for a day out in the summer sun. They’re also small enough to stick in Tupperware and don’t require any crazy prep or additional supplies - perhaps just a fork if your child doesn’t want to get their hands messy.

Watermelon

Another fruit that has a high water content, and thus one that can help keep your kiddos hydrated throughout the day, watermelon can easily be packed in a lunchbox. Our recommendation is to cut the watermelon into little chunks or squares rather than your typical triangle slices because they’re much easier to pack and transport to camp this way.

Grapes

Anything that can be eaten as a finger food is a must, especially since it requires no extra utensils to be packed. That leaves more room for more snacks and drinks in your child’s lunchbox and leaves them with less to be responsible for. Grapes are super easy to pack and super delicious to eat, so make sure you at least consider them for one day of the week.

Cheese and crackers

What kid doesn’t love cheese and crackers? For this snack you can either purchase something pre-packaged or put together your own version using your child’s favorite cracker and favorite brand of cheese. Similar to what we suggested with watermelon, we recommend cutting the cheese into small cubes, as this might be easier for little ones to carry around in a plastic container.

Granola bars

Granola bars are an excellent choice since there are so many flavors out there - we bet you could even pack a different one for each day of the week so that your child doesn’t get bored of the same taste. Or, you can always go the alternative route and just pack some granola in a plastic bag (perhaps with a yogurt on the side to mix it into).

Tips for choosing summer samp snacks

While you want to make sure you’re selecting snacks that your child will want to eat, there are also a few other things to keep in mind:

• Allergies: Don’t forget to ask your child’s counselor if there are any allergies in the group so that you don’t pack anything that could potentially be dangerous for another camper.
• The heat: As much as your child would probably love an ice pop, try to avoid things that can melt easily unless lunchboxes can be kept in a refrigerator or freezer.
• The preparation: While at work you might have access to a full kitchen that includes a microwave, keep in mind that camp is a little different. That said, you’ll want to pack things that are able to be prepared at home and then eaten on the spot.

Bonus tip: If your child will be celebrating a birthday at camp this summer or if there will be a special event where treats are warranted, consider sending them with a fruit bouquet to share with their friends! They’re easy to carry, healthy, and most of all, delicious, so we’re confident that one would definitely be a big hit!