Food for thought: Allergies and dietary restrictions at overnight camp

As we prepare for another busy and playful summer at YMCA Camp Pine Crest , we are fielding many questions from equally excited and anxious parents. One that comes up a lot, for good reason, is “What will my child eat while they are at camp?”

Every family has their own traditions when it comes to mealtimes and the food they serve their children. From vegetarianism and religious and cultural dietary customs to accommodating severe allergies, dinner tables of Canadian families are as diverse as the country itself. Since leaving for summer camp can carry with it some unease about how specific dietary needs will be addressed, here is some valuable information about how to prepare for a summer of great meals at Camp Pine Crest:

Before registering for camp 

• Talk to your child about their concerns regarding their allergy or dietary restriction. We are a nut-aware site, so we don’t purchase any products that contain or may contain nuts, nor do we allow parents or staff to bring these products to camp. We can also accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies including lactose intolerance, gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, shellfish, sesame, halal and kosher diets.


• Connect with Camp Pine Crest regarding your child’s routines and dietary accommodations to ensure we have a plan for you. Our Food Services Team loves to develop strategies to make sure everyone is as comfortable as possible before you make a decision about sending your child to camp. You can reach us at 1-877-878-9622 or camp.pinecrest@ymcagta.org.


• Know that our staff are highly trained in reacting to allergic events. All of our staff have their Standard First Aid and CPR-C certificates, and know how to respond in the case of anaphylaxis or mild allergic reactions. Our kitchen staff complete even more intense training through Food Allergy Canada, and regarding cross-contamination, so we make sure everyone is as safe as possible.

Before arriving at camp

• Ensure that you have filled out your child’s Health and Medical Information Forms with as much detail as possible. We want to be as prepared as we can be when welcoming your child to camp, and these forms really help. We would also love a copy of your school’s Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan.


• Make sure you send well-labelled allergy medication (Benadryl, etc.) and/or EpiPen(s) if necessary for your child. These will be kept by our on-site Camp Nurse and administered if required.


• Pack some of your child’s “safe snacks” that they enjoy having at home. Special gluten-free breads, particular brands of granola bars, or dairy-free cheeses are helpful in making your child’s camp transition as smooth as possible. This is particularly handy for when your child goes on their out trip. Just make sure these products are nut-free!

After arriving at camp

• Visit our Wellness Department to introduce your camper to the Camp Nurse. She is always excited to see new faces and learn about each camper’s individual needs.


• Drop by our kitchen to introduce your camper to the Food Services Team. These are the folks who will need to be able to recognize your child and provide them with their specific meal options. Becoming comfortable with approaching the kitchen is important in ensuring your camper’s safety.


• Call our office at 1-877-878-9622 after the second or third day of camp to check in on your child. We are happy to provide information about how they are adjusting to eating camp food, and discuss ongoing strategies to make them as comfortable as possible.

We work hard to accommodate any allergy and dietary restriction that we encounter. You can feel safe and secure about your choice to send your camper to a YMCA overnight camp, because we pride ourselves on upholding very strict camper-care standards.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding how your child will eat at Summer Camp, whether or not they have dietary concerns, please reach out to us. Your feedback is paramount to ensuring that we have an environment where campers are happy and healthy during their time at Camp Pine Crest.