Camp Meal Plan & Shopping List
Creating a meal plan for 100 campers aged 8-12 for a week at a summer camp is a significant task, but I'll provide you with a sample plan to get you started. Please adjust the quantities and specific brands based on your camp's budget and dietary preferences. I'll also incorporate options for common food allergies like nuts and gluten.
Note: Please consider consulting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to tailor this plan to your camp's specific needs.
Meal Plan
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Scrambled Eggs, Whole Wheat Toast, Fresh Fruit, Milk | Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches (on Whole Wheat Bread), Carrot Sticks, Apple Slices, Water | Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce (Gluten-free option available), Mixed Green Salad, Garlic Bread (Gluten-free option available), Water | Mixed Nuts (without peanuts), Assorted Cut Vegetables, Hummus, Water |
| Tuesday | Oatmeal with Berries, Honey, Milk | Grilled Chicken Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing (Gluten-free option available), Quinoa, Grapes, Water | Baked Fish Sticks, Sweet Potato Fries, Green Beans, Water | Greek Yogurt, Granola, Fresh Fruit, Water |
| Wednesday | Whole Wheat Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Banana Slices, Milk | Turkey and Avocado Wraps (on Whole Wheat Tortillas), Celery Sticks, Orange Slices, Water | Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry (Gluten-free option available), Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Water | Trail Mix (no peanuts), Baby Carrots, Ranch Dip, Water |
| Thursday | Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Mixed Berries, Milk | Vegetarian Pasta Salad (Gluten-free option available), Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber Slices, Water | BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, Water | Rice Cakes with Almond Butter (ensure nut allergy safety), Sliced Peaches, Water |
| Friday | Breakfast Burritos (Eggs, Black Beans, Salsa, Cheese, Whole Wheat Tortillas), Water | Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches (on Whole Wheat Bread), Bell Pepper Strips, Pineapple Chunks, Water | Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas (Gluten-free option available), Guacamole, Water | Mixed Berries, Cheese Cubes, Crackers, Water |
Shopping List
Here's a comprehensive shopping list for the week. Please adjust quantities based on the actual number of campers and your camp's preferences.
Proteins:
- Eggs
- Turkey (sliced)
- Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts and drumsticks)
- Fish sticks (or alternative protein for fish allergy)
- Ground beef
- Greek yogurt
- Black beans (canned)
- Almond butter (or alternative for nut allergy)
Grains:
- Whole wheat bread
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Whole wheat pancakes mix
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Gluten-free pasta (for those with gluten allergies)
- Rice cakes
Fruits:
- Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, peaches, berries)
- Berries (frozen for oatmeal)
- Banana slices (frozen for pancakes)
- Pineapple chunks (canned)
- Dried fruit (for trail mix)
Vegetables:
- Fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber)
- Mixed salad greens
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Corn on the cob
- Coleslaw mix (pre-cut)
- Onions, garlic, and mixed veggies for stir-fry
- Avocado
- Guacamole ingredients (avocado, tomato, onion, lime)
Dairy and Alternatives:
- Milk (regular and dairy-free alternatives)
- Cheese slices (for sandwiches)
- Cheese cubes
- Hummus
- Ranch dip
- Vinaigrette dressing
- Almond milk (for nut allergies)
Pantry Staples:
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Marinara sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
- Spices and herbs (for flavor)
- Trail mix ingredients (chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, pretzels)
Other:
- Water
- Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
- Foil for grilling
- Camp-friendly condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)
Please note that this plan is a starting point, and you may need to adjust it based on specific dietary restrictions and the preferences of your campers. Additionally, consider involving a professional nutritionist or dietitian for further guidance to ensure the meals are nutritionally balanced for growing children.