Meal times are a big part of the camp experience. They give students a chance to refuel, relax, and spend time with their peers. Most school camps provide all meals on site, with menus designed to be filling, balanced, and suitable for a range of dietary needs.
If your child has food allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary requirements, it’s important to let the school know well before camp. This allows staff to plan ahead and ensure your child is catered for safely.
How Meals Are Provided at Camp
Most school camps provide all main meals and snacks on site. The food is usually simple, hearty, and designed to suit a range of ages and appetites.
Typical Meal Setup
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at set times in a shared dining space
- Morning and afternoon tea are often included
- Meals are prepared by the camp kitchen or catering team
- Menus are designed to be balanced and kid-friendly
Helping with meal times
- Students are often rostered on to help set tables, serve food, or clear dishes
- These tasks are supervised and are part of the team-building experience
- Everyone is expected to be respectful and contribute when it’s their turn
Meal times are social, structured, and supervised — and for many children, they’re one of the highlights of camp.
Common Dietary Requirements Accommodated
Most school camps can cater to a variety of dietary needs, but it depends on who is preparing the meals and what facilities are available. Meals may be cooked by the camp kitchen team, school staff, or parent volunteers — so clear communication ahead of time is essential.
Examples of Commonly Accommodated Diets
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- Halal (if the camp is able to support it)
- Intolerances such as lactose or fructose sensitivity
Dietary information is usually collected through a health or camp form sent out by the school. Wherever possible, alternative meals or ingredient substitutions are arranged so students can eat safely and feel included at meal times.
If your child has specific or complex needs, it’s best to speak with their teacher well in advance to confirm what arrangements are possible.
How Schools Manage Food Allergies
Before Camp
- Schools collect allergy information through health or medical forms
- Teachers share this information with whoever is handling food, whether it’s camp staff, school staff, or parent helpers
- Plans are made to avoid cross-contamination, such as using separate utensils or prep areas
During Camp
- Teachers know which students have allergies and monitor them during meals
- Students may be given separate meals or served first to minimise risk
- Emergency medication (e.g. antihistamines or EpiPens) is kept accessible at all times
- Staff are briefed on what to do in case of an allergic reaction
If your child has a serious allergy, make sure their medication is clearly labelled and handed to the teacher before camp. It’s also helpful to talk directly with the school about any additional precautions you’d like taken.
When Parents Need to Supply Food
Food allergies are taken seriously at school camps, and steps are put in place to reduce risk and respond quickly if something does go wrong. The level of support may vary depending on who is managing food preparation, so providing detailed information early is essential.
In some cases, schools may ask parents to provide food from home, especially if a child has complex dietary needs, multiple allergies, or a medical condition that requires stricter control.
When This Might Be Needed
- The camp kitchen or volunteers are unable to cater to certain requirements
- The risk of cross-contamination is too high for the allergy involved
- The student’s usual food is highly specialised or medically prescribed
What to Pack
- Clearly labelled meals and snacks, with your child’s name on each container
- A list of what has been packed and any storage instructions
- Food that doesn’t require reheating, unless facilities have been confirmed
Storage and Supervision
- Schools will advise whether food can be refrigerated or heated
- Teachers will help your child manage their meals during camp
- If food is kept separately, staff will ensure it’s handled safely
Always speak with your child’s teacher before sending food, to confirm what is needed and how it will be managed at camp.
Reminders for Parents
Preparing for meals at camp doesn’t need to be complicated, but clear communication helps ensure everything goes smoothly.
Key Things to Remember
- Fill out all dietary and medical forms carefully and return them by the deadline
- Be specific when listing allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions
- Let the school know if your child’s needs change after forms have been submitted
- Avoid sending snacks unless the school has said it’s okay
- If your child needs to bring food, pack it in labelled containers and confirm storage details with the teacher
Schools and camps aim to include all students at meal times and take reasonable steps to support their needs. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to ask questions in advance.
With meals sorted and dietary needs covered, the next question is often about contact. The next page explains how communication works during camp, what to expect, and how schools support students who might feel unsettled while they’re away.
