Fueling Camp Days the Elmwood Way

By Leora Cohen on March 16

đŸ„•đŸŽWhat Campers Eat to Power Their Play đŸ„ȘđŸ„’

If you’re old enough, you might remember ABC’s catchy cartoon jingle reminding us, “You are what you eat from your head down to your feet!” While the tune may feel nostalgic, the message still rings true today—good nutrition and movement help kids feel their best. At Elmwood, we believe that fueling campers with healthy, kid-friendly food helps power their play, sharpen their focus, and support their overall well-being.

We also know that kids come with all kinds of taste buds and texture preferences—and that camp can be the perfect place to try something new. That’s why we offer a wide variety of lunch and snack choices. Our goal is simple: every camper should have a reliable “go-to” option and the chance to be a little adventurous.

Each day brings plenty of choice—from a fresh salad bar loaded with veggies, beans, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, pasta, and fruit, to a sandwich and bagel bar featuring turkey, soynut butter and jelly, cheese sandwiches, and bagels topped just the way campers like them (or kept plain!).

🧀🍌Thoughtful Nutrition for Growing Campers 🍉 đŸ„š

Meals are an important (and social!) part of the camp day, and we work hard to ensure snack and lunch are positive experiences for every camper. No one is singled out for food restrictions, and safety is always top of mind. Elmwood is a peanut- and tree-nut-free facility, and we offer daily gluten-free and dairy-free options. We proudly serve a completely trans-fat-free menu, 100% whole-wheat bread products, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and organic dairy.

For campers who need a more personalized approach, Hillari and our Division Heads partner closely with families to ensure each child feels safe, supported, and cared for. As campers grow older, we encourage them to take an active role in understanding their food choices—building confidence and learning to advocate for themselves.

Our menu continues to evolve as our campers do. What will never change is our commitment to serving fresh, high-quality food—made with care and lots of love. 💚