Food & Nutrition
Food & Nutrition
The food at Camp Ozark is planned and produced in fresh and creative ways, as our food service department is dedicated to preparing food that provides a balance between healthy food options and options that we know kids enjoy.
In general, our foods are made from scratch the same day they are served with very limited use of convenience foods. Our food service supervisors are "Serve Safe" certified, a program that emphasizes food safety and proper food handling. At every meal, campers have the option to eat from the main hot food line or an always healthy breakfast bar featuring oatmeal, granola, yogurt, fruit, eggs and bagels or, at lunch and dinner, a soup, salad, potato and pasta bar option. Campers always look forward to the picnics that are offered throughout the session as part of our fun and exciting special events.
Healthy Food Preparation
All fried foods are prepared with Zero Trans Fat Oil. This oil provides a much healthier alternative to oils that are made with hydrogenated oils. Vegetables are seasoned with a combination of Butter Buds and margarine to limit the fat content. Low fat salad dressings are offered for salads, along with whole fruit at all meals.
Food Allergies
Some campers have allergies to ingredients in foods that can cause severe or life threatening consequences if those foods are ingested. When a food allergy is identified by the medical staff, communication is initiated between the food service supervisor, parent and all other staff members who might be in direct contact with the camper. Menus may be evaluated by the parent and food supplements may be sent from home. Upon arrival at Camp Ozark, the camper and counselor meet with the Medical Staff and the camper will be given a special identification band to wear with the life threatening allergy written on the band. Then the camper and counselor will meet with the Food Service supervisor who stores any necessary food supplements in a cabinet that is available to the camper at the meals. If the camper has a life threatening allergy, a Polaroid picture is taken and posted at the beginning of the serving line, so the staff becomes familiar with the camper and can provide substitutes as needed. The kitchen staff is instructed when food substitutes are needed. In addition, allergy signs are posted on the main serving line. Epi-pens are available at all food service areas as an extra precaution.
