Make Your Camp the Ultimate Teen Destination with These Tips!

Hey there, camp operators! Are you ready to make your summer camp the hottest spot for teens this summer? Well, listen up because I’m about to spill the beans on what us teens are really looking for when choosing a camp.

Why Going to Camp is Cool: First things first—let’s talk about why going to camp is the coolest thing ever! Camp isn’t just about spending time away from home. It is a home away from home. It’s about diving headfirst into adventure, making lifelong friends, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. From thrilling outdoor activities to late-night campfire chats, camp is where we can truly be ourselves and embrace every moment to the fullest. Plus, it’s a chance to unplug from our screens and connect with nature in a whole new way. And, it’s about the food. Trust me, there’s nothing cooler than that!

Active happy family. Girl with her mother having fun together enjoying adventurous experience kayaking on the river on a sunny day during summer vacation

What Teens Look for When Choosing a Summer Camp:

Now, let’s talk about what us teens prioritize when choosing a summer camp:

  •  Food Quality: As much as we love adventure, we also love good food! When choosing a camp, we want to know that we’ll be well-fed with tasty (and nutritious) meals that keep us energized for all the fun activities. Think fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and protein-packed snacks. Bonus points for accommodating dietary restrictions and offering plenty of options to suit everyone’s tastes. The more like home the better.
  • Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: After a day full of excitement, we need a cozy place to recharge. Comfortable cabins or tents with clean bedding and proper ventilation are a must. And let’s not forget about those late-night pillow talks with our bunkmates—they’re the best part of camp!
  • Sporting Activities: We’re an active bunch, so we’re always on the lookout for camps that offer a wide range of sporting activities. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, swimming, or hiking, we want opportunities to challenge ourselves physically and try new things. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone!
  • Security: Safety is a top priority, so we want to feel secure and protected at camp. Knowing that there are trained staff members nearby and clear emergency protocols in place gives us peace of mind and allows us to fully enjoy the camp experience.

 Healthy Foods Teens Love to Eat:

Now, let’s talk about the top five healthy foods that teens can’t get enough of:

  • Avocado: Whether it’s smashed on toast, sliced in salads, or blended into smoothies, avocados are a teen favorite for their creamy texture and delicious flavor.
  • Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a go-to snack for teens looking for a tasty and nutritious pick-me-up.
  • Berries: From strawberries and blueberries to raspberries and blackberries, teens love snacking on fresh berries for their sweet taste and antioxidant-rich goodness.
  • Eggs: They’re so versatile from omelettes to scrambles and boiled to fried, with or without ketchup, they’re an easy and healthy food to fill us campers up.
  • Pasta: Bring on the delicious and energy-producing carbs! Campers love pasta in all shapes and forms and with all types of sauce or simply topped with butter and a sprinkle of cheese.

A boy eats pizza on a lunch break at school.

Must-Have Not-So-Healthy Foods:

But hey, we’re not always about the healthy stuff! Here are the top five not-so-healthy foods that teens can’t resist:

  • Pizza: Whether it’s cheesy, saucy, or loaded with toppings, pizza is a classic comfort food that teens just can’t get enough of.
  • French Fries: Crispy, salty, and oh-so-addictive, French fries are a guilty pleasure for teens everywhere.
  • Ice Cream: From creamy sundaes to refreshing milkshakes, ice cream is the ultimate indulgence on a hot summer day.
  • Burgers: Juicy burgers topped with all the fixings are a staple of teen diets, whether they’re homemade or from a favorite fast-food joint.
  • Chocolate: Whether it’s in the form of bars, cookies, or candy, chocolate is a sweet treat that teens crave when they need a pick-me-up.

Marketing Tips for Camp Operators:

Now that you know what teens are looking for in a summer camp, here are some tips to help you market your camp effectively:

  • Highlight the Adventure: Show off all the exciting outdoor activities and adventures that await at your camp. Use vibrant images and videos on your website and social media channels to capture our attention and get us excited about the possibilities.
  • Emphasize Food Quality: Let us know that we won’t go hungry at your camp! Highlight your commitment to providing tasty and nutritious meals made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
  • Showcase Comfort: Give us a sneak peek into your accommodations and facilities. Show off those cozy cabins, comfy beds, and clean bathrooms—we’ll appreciate knowing that we’ll be well taken care of during our stay.
  • Promote Sporting Activities: Highlight the wide range of sporting activities available at your camp, from traditional favorites like soccer and basketball to more adventurous options like rock climbing and kayaking. Let us know that there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
  • Assure Safety: Assure us that safety is your top priority. Highlight your staff’s training and qualifications, as well as any safety certifications or accreditations your camp holds. Show us that we’ll be in good hands and that we can feel confident and secure during our time at camp.

So, there you have it, camp operators! Follow these tips and watch as teens flock to your camp for the summer of a lifetime. Let’s make this summer the coolest one yet!

This is an excerpt from the Foodbuy 2024 Camps Guide. To read the guide, click here.

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