Now that school is out, the weather is hotter, and my daughter is at day camp instead of a school building, I have to change my approach to our usual school lunches.
Instead of knowing that the packed lunch will be in a temperature-controlled environment until it’s time to eat, I have to plan for items that will last during warm, day-long field trips with just a lunch box (sometimes an ice pack). I also know there isn’t access to a microwave.
I want to provide items that will stay fresh while still providing some variety and good fuel for a long and active day. Most meats and dairy won’t last very long, and only some fruits and veggies will store well. Chocolate as a dessert item is also not a great idea.
Below, I rounded up some options for lunch items that don’t need to be refrigerated and lunch items that require minimal refrigeration, so my kid can enjoy a decent lunch in the middle of a zoo-day field trip that isn’t warm, spoiled or melted.
With an option from each of the categories on the list below, you can pack a filling lunch that will last on even the warmest of July afternoons. From the list, I mix and match a main item with a fruit and/or veggie, and a side dish or two to include grains or additional protein. A couple times a week I’ll add a dessert for a surprise.
Summer Camp Lunch Ideas
No Refrigeration Needed
The items below are for when you can’t rely on any refrigeration. Sometimes at camp there are field trips that require a sack lunch (in a disposable container) so I know I can’t rely on a lunch box keeping items cool. These are some of the items that keep my daughter full that I know won’t spoil in a paper bag.
Mains
- Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or Nutella in a sandwich, roll-up, or on top of a rice cake
- Tuna or chicken salad and crackers pack
- Packet of tuna or chicken salad and a tortilla or pita
- Summer sausage or pepperoni and crackers
Fruits & Veggies
- Whole fruits that don’t need to be stored in a fridge or pre-cut before eating: apples, bananas, clementines, pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries
- Fruit cup
- Apple sauce cup
- Dried fruit
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Mini cucumbers
- Mini bell peppers
- Broccoli florets
- Individual cup of black olives
Source: Brigette Marshall
Source: Brigette Marshall
Sides
- Sun Chips
- Wheat Thins
- Triscuits
- Smart Pop
- Pretzels
- Granola bar
- Veggie Straws
- Beef jerky
- Animal crackers
- Dry cereal
- Fruit strips
- Nuts (if allowed) like almonds, peanuts, cashews, pistachios
Treats
- Chocolate pudding cup
- Mini muffins
- Oreos
- Nutella and Go sticks
No Refrigeration Lunch Ideas
Tuna salad packet with tortilla, apple, mini cucumber, and Nutella breadsticks.
Source: Brigette Marshall
Turkey pepperoni and crackers, bell pepper strips, cherries, and pistachios.
Source: Brigette Marshall
Minimal Refrigeration Needed
The items below can be used when you know that the lunch can stay a bit cool (i.e. not on a field trip day) until it’s time to be eaten but you are just relying on a lunch box and ice pack. Usually at day camp, we can pack lunch this way, but I know I can only count on the ice pack and container for so long before food starts to get warm.
Mains
- Bagel or pita with hummus
- Frozen Uncrustable (so that it will be thawed by mid-day)
- Grain or bean salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Pasta, rice, or quinoa salad
- White bean salad
- Chickpea salad
Fruits & Veggies
- Grapes
- Berries
- Sliced watermelon
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper slices
- Baby carrots
- Celery sticks
- Snap peas
Sides
- Frozen yogurt tube (so it will be thawed by mid-day)
- Chips and salsa
Treats
- Chocolate chip cookie
- Tootsie pop
- Gummy candy
And importantly, don’t forget to send along a reusable water bottle for those warm, active days!
