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Food & Nutrition
Caring ... Honesty ... Respect ... Responsibility
Nutritional Standards & Activate America
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America's children are suffering from something that only a few generations ago would have seemed completely out of the realm of possibility.
Obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition have become major health risk factors.
To combat these problems, the YMCA has created its Activate America initiative.
On a national level, this bold new approach builds partnerships to address the health challenges facing children,
while also making the most of opportunities that can reduce the effects of chronic disease and related risk factors.
Camp Echo is committed to the National YMCA's Activate America initiative.
All of the diverse facets of camp, particularly our nutritional offerings, positively impact the health of the children we serve.
Our kitchen serves delicious meals, using low fat, low salt, and high fiber ingredients.
We meet or exceed Michigan nutritional standards and provide the important energy our campers need to take part in the activities and exercise we offer.
The food offerings and preparations styles give campers many healthy choices at every meal.
Our high standards of nutrition and quality food service are detailed in the following examples:
- Skim, as well as two percent, milk is offered at every meal
- Fresh fruit is available at every meal
- All sliced bread and most dinner rolls and cereals are whole grain
- All of our dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream, etc.) are low-fat or fat-free
- All potato products are baked, not fried
- A steamed or baked vegetable choice is available at every lunch and dinner meal
- A fresh salad bar is offered at lunch and dinner
- All salad dressings are low fat or fat-free
- Our desserts are reduced-sugar or low-sugar
- No carbonated "pop" products are sold
Food Service in our Dining Hall
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Menus are prepared by a food service professional and reviewed by a licensed nutritionist to be sure they meet standards for healthy eating.
Cold cereal is always available at breakfast.
Peanut-free "peanut butter" (soy nut butter) and jelly is always available at lunch and dinner.
Fresh fruit is available at the service counter during all meals, and a basic salad is available during lunch and dinner.
People temporarily wear one of two 'wrist bands' kept at each table while going for PB&J, fruit, or salad;
this system is in place to control traffic in the Dining Hall.
At every meal, we post the "Meat of the Meal" and "Today's Specials" on chalkboards next to the food service window.
Food Service in Birches, Outpost (dinners), and on Adventure Trips
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In the Birches and on Adventure Trips, all meals are provided by camp [except the Rangers night out],
including meals eaten while traveling to and from destinations.
We plan healthy meals and do our best to provide adequate portions.
Food Allergies and Special Dietary Needs
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Any food allergies or special dietary needs are noted on the camper's Health Form and the Personal History Form.
If the allergy is life-threatening or requires special arrangements, parents, the Camp Director, and the Health Officer work together
to create a plan that ensures the safety and comfort of the camper concerned.
Because we order food for Adventure Trips well in advance, call the Camp Director soon after regstration to let us know about food allergies or dietary needs for trip participants.
Neither peanuts nor peanut oil are used in the preparation of camp meals.
In the Dining Hall, we provide only peanut-free "peanut butter" (soy nut butter).
There may be peanut butter sandwiches consumed on the bus to camp.
Please let us know if seating needs to be adjusted so that proximity to peanuts does not trigger an allergic reaction.
We have been able to accommodate campers with an allergy to wheat or gluten by having parents send appropriate food
substitutes and by allowing those campers to use a separate toaster oven or microwave oven to prepare some meals or substitute menu items.
Upon request, the Camp Director will fax you the menu a few days before the start of your child's session at camp.
Dry and frozen foods sent up on the bus are stored in the kitchen.
Upon request, a small food allowance rebate will be credited to the camper's TP account.
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Summer Camp & Teen Trips
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