Need tips to pack summer camp lunches?! Summer is underway, which brings along crazy camp activities with multiple drop-offs, juggling work schedules, and, of course, we get to pack summer camp lunches. Over the years, I have spent a lot of time planning and packing school lunches. It is a task that I somehow still enjoy and try to keep as easy as possible. The arrival of summer does not mean a break from lunchboxes, but rather creates new questions as we look into what to pack for outdoor and sports camps.
It seems like a new reality in our area is high temperatures. We are experiencing heat advisories week after week. There are things we now need to consider in terms of preparing for summer camp. Over the past three years of outdoor summer camps, I have learned a couple of tricks and tips to pack summer camp lunches that withstand these extreme weather conditions.
1. Freeze Containers
Water bottles and food containers should go into the freezer every night. There’s nothing like cold water or lemonade after a soccer practice or an outdoor adventure. To keep your water cooler for a longer period, freeze the empty containers. This will help keep the contents colder for a longer time and counter the temperatures of over 100°. Stainless steel food containers are also better when cold. I freeze mine and then use them for fresh fruits and salads.
2. Cold and Fresh Meals
Sandwiches are a great and quick option, but there are other choices to make a more rounded and refreshing meal in this weather. My kids love pasta salad, so I play around with the ingredients. You can add canned beans, all types of cut veggies, and any additional protein. We love to add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to keep it light and fresh.
3. Hydration
During the school year, I am used to having one bottled water, which often returns full. At school, kids have access to water fountains and other water sources on demand. While camps are mostly well-equipped, there will be times when there is no time to refill the water, or simply no willingness to do so as the kids are socializing. I now send one water bottle (with a frozen container) and an additional drink. For my oldest, I struggle with the idea of giving my kids Gatorade, but due to the amount of exercise and heat, I finally gave in. There are multiple alternatives when it comes to electrolyte-rich drinks, so find what works best for you. If you are lucky and your child likes coconut water, absolutely go for it.
One of my biggest tips to pack summer camp lunches is to remember that there is no right or wrong. You do what works best for you, considering your child’s preferences and the time you have to set things up. We don’t all enjoy it, so while it is a fun task for me, it might be tedious for you. The most important thing is to make it easy and as stress-free as possible. Please keep guilt aside.
