Camp Food Safety: Allergies, Dietary Needs & Mealtimes
Food is a big part of the camp experience, and for parents, it’s also one of the biggest concerns. Will my child eat well? Will allergies be taken seriously? And how do you keep food safe for so many children?
At Educamps Adventures, food safety is taken just as seriously as activities and supervision. From advance menu planning to strict food hygiene standards, we ensure every child enjoys safe, nutritious and enjoyable meals throughout their stay.
Carefully Planned Meals, Prepared by Qualified Cooks
All meals at camp are planned in advance to ensure they are balanced, age-appropriate and suitable for active days outdoors. Menus are designed to provide the energy children need while still being familiar and enjoyable.
Our meals are prepared by a qualified chef who understands food hygiene, allergy awareness and safe preparation practices. Examples of meals include:
BBQs
Pasta dishes
Sandwiches and salads
Fish and chips
Fajitas
Meals are filling, varied and designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Food Hygiene & Safety Standards
Food hygiene is a non-negotiable part of camp life. Our kitchen and food service follow strict procedures to reduce risk and maintain high standards, including:
Safe food storage and temperature control
Clean preparation areas and equipment
Clear routines for serving food safely
Awareness of cross-contamination risks
These practices align with UK food safety guidance and help ensure that every meal is prepared and served responsibly.
For more information on national food safety standards, parents can visit the Food Standards Agency website:
Catering for Allergies & Dietary Requirements
We understand that many children attend camp with allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs. These may be medical, cultural, religious or personal — and all are respected.
Before camp begins, parents provide dietary information through the booking form. This allows our team to:
Plan meals in advance
Brief relevant staff
Ensure safe alternatives are available
Reduce the risk of allergens being served incorrectly
We cater for all dietary requirements and allergies to ensure every child enjoys safe and nutritious meals. Clear communication between families and staff is key, and parents are encouraged to share as much detail as possible.
For additional guidance on allergies in children, parents may find Anaphylaxis UK helpful:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
Snacks & Keeping Energy Levels Up
Camp days are busy, and children need regular fuel. Snacks are available throughout the day, including:
Fresh fruit
Yoghurts
Savoury snacks
Fruit and snacks are always available, helping children stay energised between meals.
In addition, our tuck shop offers optional treats such as chocolate, crisps, sweets and drinks. Children can choose to purchase extra snacks if they wish.
Mealtimes & Supervision
Mealtimes are structured, supervised and social. Staff are present to:
Support younger children
Ensure the right meals go to the right children
Monitor allergies and dietary needs
Encourage positive eating habits
This supervision helps children feel relaxed and confident, especially those who may feel anxious about eating away from home.
Packed Lunches & Excursion Days
On excursion days, children choose their own packed lunch from a selection of sandwiches, plus snacks and fruit. This ensures everyone has a lunch they enjoy while off site and helps maintain routine even when away from camp.
Access to Local Shops
There is a small shop in town, and children can be taken there if they need to buy essentials or extra snacks. All visits are fully supervised by staff, ensuring safety and appropriate choices.