Grab your sunscreen and favorite arts and crafts; it’s summer camp time! These kid-friendly summer camp lunch ideas will keep you fueled all summer long.
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Easy Banana Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready—start to finish—in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 209 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Cranberry Turkey Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Fruity and flavorful, these hefty grab-and-go handfuls are quick to assemble, easy to handle and low in calories. We often take them in a cooler to the local stock show and eat them in the stands. Everyone seems to love them! —Bobbie Keefer, Byers, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 374 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1477mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
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Trail Mix Slices
From the Recipe Creator:
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of treats you can take anywhere.—Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
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Hummus Veggie Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Cherry Chicken Croissants
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar chicken salad at a restaurant and created my own version. It may seem like an odd combination, but the ingredients work really well together. My children love it, and it only takes a few minutes to cut everything up—so easy!
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 616 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
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Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
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Granola Trail Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 331 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
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Lunch Box Chicken Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
This lunchbox-friendly wrap is a tasty way to use leftover chicken and get kids to eat more veggies. Using colorful, thin strips of vegetables adds visual interest when the wrap is cut into slices. Suddenly spinach is too pretty to refuse. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 324 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Nutty Berry Trail Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe, my son’s favorite, earned me an A in my early childhood nutrition course. It lets you take control of what your children snack on! —Cheri Majors, Claremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 283 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
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Turkey Lunch-Box Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
These wraps taste wonderful cold or warmed in the microwave. They make a great brown-bag treat. —Denise Marshall, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 345 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1450mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Classic Egg Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to any fall function. The cranberry mayo lends a unique flavor twist, and the apples add crunch. These sammies will be the life of the party! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tea sandwich: 59 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Cheesy Snack Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
Our love for Mexican food inspired me to make party mix with taco seasoning. The flavor is so mild that it's even kid friendly. —Elizabeth Wynne, Aztec, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Cashew Turkey Salad Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite and you'll be hooked on this slightly sweet turkey salad sandwich. It's protein-packed so you can feel good while you munch! —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
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Chicken Avocado Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this chicken avocado wrap while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. The recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 329 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Nut-Free Granola Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these at least once a week for my husband, David. He takes one in his lunch every week and never gets tired of them. I love providing him with something so healthy to snack on that doesn't taste low-fat. —Jessica VanLaningham, Cockeysville, Maryland
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Italian-Style Veggie Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Yummy! There are so many great flavors and textures in these wraps. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients—use mozzarella, pepperoni or any combo you like. —Maria Simmons, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 373 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1298mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
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Monster Munchies
From the Recipe Creator:
Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 350 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein.
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Chicken Caesar Pitas
From the Recipe Creator:
Hand-held and picnic friendly, these chicken-stuffed pockets pack a double dose of whole grains from brown rice and whole wheat pitas. The chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance for a fast-fix lunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 398 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 65 mg cholesterol, 919 mg sodium, 44 g carbohydrate (3 g sugars, 5 g fiber), 31 g protein.
20/34
Quick Taco Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1538mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
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Granola Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I enjoy these honey oatmeal granola bars every day. It’s a basic recipe to which you can add any of your favorite flavors. Try them with coconut or different kinds of chips, nuts and dried fruits. —Jean Boyce, New Ulm, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 167 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
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Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Because cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini scone: 109 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Pizza Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe features the flavors of your favorite pie but only takes a few minutes to make—and there’s no cooking or baking required. Perfect for when you’re rushing to get kids on the bus! —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
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Focaccia Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Bacon-Turkey Subs
From the Recipe Creator:
On balmy fall days, this sweet and smoky sandwich is a big treat. When it gets colder, we pull out our countertop grill to make melts. Just switch to pita bread. —Rachel Bindulski, Corolla, NC
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 524 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1202mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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Cinnamon-Raisin Granola Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these chewy bars with cinnamon, raisin and maple for quick breakfast and road trip. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins. —Kristina Miedema, Houghton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Tropical Beef Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
For my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 522 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
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Ranch Snack Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Turkey & Apricot Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
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White Chip Cranberry Granola Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Tasty and nutritious, these chewy high-energy snack bars are great for road trips, lunch boxes, late-night snacks or to get college kids through exams and into the Christmas spirit! —Janis Loomis, Madison, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 140 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Mini Pizza Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Served hot or cold, these little pizzas are wonderful. Their small size makes them ideal for an after-school snack or a kid-friendly party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that little ones can help you in the kitchen! —Jane Jones, Cedar, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza cup: 75 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
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Chicken Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 477 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
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Rise and Shine Parfait
From the Recipe Creator:
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 259 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
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Pepperoni Pasta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Using zesty Italian salad dressing is an easy way to add a lot of flavor to this pasta salad with pepperoni. Serve it right away or assemble it ahead of time. Mix and match using your favorite pasta shapes, veggies and cheese. —Shannon Lommen, Kaysville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 287 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
Summer Camp Lunch Ideas FAQs:
What is a good summer lunch for kids?
A good summer lunch for kids includes a protein, fruits or vegetables, and whole grains. Some good options could be DIY lunchables or a cold sandwich made with turkey and cheese. If your kids enjoy vegetables, try sending sliced veggies with hummus or yogurt dip. Lastly, add their favorite treat, like a chocolate chip muffin or cake pops. They’ll return with empty lunch packs every day!
What should you make for lunch at camp?
When preparing lunch for camp, a good rule of thumb is to pack foods that are easy to carry and kid-friendly. Unless you pack the lunch with ice packs, it’s best to avoid anything perishable, like mayonnaise-based salads, which could spoil in the heat. Also, remember that kids love to share their meals, so be considerate of common allergens, such as peanuts.
What are the best portable lunch ideas for kids?
The best portable lunch ideas for kids are easy to pack, travel well and don’t need refrigeration, like wraps, pinwheel sandwiches, fruit kabobs, mini quiches or muffins. With so many similar-looking lunch packs in the mix, clearly labeling your kid’s lunch pack with their name and other important details helps avoid mix-ups. It is also helpful for the campers and counselors to ensure your child gets the lunch you so lovingly packed!
