Camp Meals, Snacks, and Food Allergies: Everything You Need to Know

You want to feel confident that your camper will be well-nourished and safe. Your child's well-being is important, and understanding how meals, snacks, and allergies are handled bring you peace of mind.

At Future Stars Summer Camp, food, snacks, and allergy management are handled with thoughtful care. Your child will stay energized, happy, and secure throughout their ultimate summer camp experience!

Each location may vary. If you have additional questions, please contact the camp office for specific lunch menus, prices, and information.

Lunchtime at Future Stars Summer Camp

Lunch at Future Stars Summer Camp is a vital time for your camper to refuel and socialize! You'll want your child to feel comfortable and ready for their afternoon activities.

At Future Stars, depending on the camp, you have two excellent choices for your child's lunch.
No matter which option you choose, lunch typically lasts about 40 to 45 minutes. This gives your child plenty of time to eat and connect with their fellow campers. Campers from the same program usually eat lunch together, and camp coaches always eat with the kids, providing supervision and a friendly presence.

Option 1: Weekly Lunch Program

Please note: The Weekly Lunch program isn’t available at Purchase, Nassau, Patchogue, and Greenport locations. Campers at these locations must bring their own lunch.

For an additional $80 per week, your child can enjoy a delicious daily lunch provided directly at camp.

These lunches are prepared by the provider of the local college closest to each camp site. Their full-time staff is dedicated to making delicious meals and overall food safety, ensuring your child receives tasty and safe meals.

Your camper will enjoy their lunch in a comfortable, air-conditioned cafeteria. Menus are planned with variety and taste in mind, so your child can relax and enjoy themselves. Camp staff will also make sure your camper has the food they enjoy!

Here's a glimpse of what your child might find on the "all you can carry" menu:

• Pizza Station: Freshly prepared cheese & pepperoni pies.
• Grill Station: Favorites like chicken fingers, hamburgers, hot dogs, quesadillas, and grilled cheese.
• Healthy Options: Fresh apples, bananas, oranges, as well as a daily veggie. (Camp staff is present to ensure kids eat some healthy foods at each meal.)
• Sides: Mozzarella sticks, french fries, and tater tots.
• Beverage Station: Juices, water, milk.
• Dessert Station: Cookies, brownies (and ice cream on Fridays!).

And yes, “all you can carry” means exactly what it sounds like. The majority of our sites offer buffet-style eating, so your child has access to the type and amounts of food they need.
Planning to choose the Weekly Lunch option for your child? All you need to do is provide one week's notice to participate. 

Option 2: Pack Your Own Lunch

At all of our sites, your child can bring their own lunch and enjoy it in shaded picnic areas or other designated spots. This allows your child to relax and eat comfortably outdoors, weather permitting. (No matter where they choose to eat, they’ll be supervised.)

Remember to pack your child's lunch in an insulated lunch bag! Campers keep their lunch bags with them throughout the day. For this reason, it’s recommended to pack foods that can safely remain at cooler temperatures within an insulated bag.

Morning and Afternoon Snacks

Active campers need consistent fuel! As part of our daily schedule, your child will have opportunities for snacks and breaks throughout the day.

• Morning Snack: Generally, it's best to pack your child's morning snack. This gives you control over what they eat to kickstart their day.
• Afternoon Snack: An afternoon snack is typically provided for all campers. Often, this is an ice pop (like the classic "freezy" tubes that bring back happy memories for many parents!) on a hot day. Other days, it might be a savory snack, such as Goldfish crackers.
• Bringing Extra Snacks: If your child tends to get extra hungry, they are welcome to bring additional snacks from home.

What Happens If Your Child Forgets Lunch or a Snack?

It happens! If your child forgets their lunch or a snack, don't worry. Camp staff will contact you early in the day so you can bring in the forgotten meal or snack. Alternative snack options are also available at camp to ensure your child doesn't go hungry.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Your child's safety is paramount at Future Stars, especially when it comes to food allergies. Clear protocols are in place to manage allergies and help you feel at ease.

Awareness and Communication

Special dietary needs can be met, and food allergies are not a problem. Any allergies or food restrictions are communicated to the camp before children arrive, ensuring that all necessary staff members are aware. This includes camp staff, such as coaches and group leaders.

But preparing ahead of time is key! You are also encouraged to speak directly with your child's counselors or the cafeteria staff (at locations offering purchased lunch) to discuss any specific food restrictions or concerns.

Creating a Safe "Nut Conscious" Environment

Future Stars is not "nut free" but "nut conscious." Roughly 90% of the food available through the lunch program is nut-free. At Future Star Summer Camp locations with cafeterias, you'll find nut-free tables or designated areas to prevent accidental exposure.

In cases where there are severe nut allergies, some specific groups may implement a "no nuts" policy. If this applies to your child's group, all families will be directly notified by the camp or program director.

Other Dietary Restrictions (Gluten-Free, Kosher, Religious/Cultural)

Gluten-free and other dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, Kosher, and other religious or cultural dietary restrictions, are also addressed at each camp location. Alternative options for provided snacks are typically available, but you are always welcome to pack special food for your child if you prefer.

The communication and handling process for these dietary restrictions is the same as for allergies. 

Parents can always speak with the person in charge of the cafeteria to discuss how food is prepared or any specific dietary restrictions they want to ensure are addressed. Similarly, speaking with counselors or cafeteria staff is encouraged to discuss any food restrictions they have.

Emergency Preparedness

Camp staff members are comprehensively trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions.
If your child requires an EpiPen, it will be kept with their group at all times. Please ensure all necessary forms and doctor's prescriptions are submitted prior to camp.

Birthday Treats

If you wish to bring treats for your camper's birthday, please notify the counselors in advance. This ensures any allergies within the group can be accommodated.

Give Your Child a Summer of Confidence and Fun!

Knowing that your child’s nutritional needs and any allergy concerns are expertly managed can give you immense peace of mind. 

You can feel confident and excited about sending your child to Future Stars Summer Camp, knowing they’ll be well-fed and well-cared for.

Enroll today and let your child experience a summer filled with expert training, new friendships, and happy, lifelong memories!