Is packing a kid's lunch for camp supposed to be this stressful?

Dec 151 min read

My 8yo is going to soccer camp next week for 5 days and the parent guide has this whole section on lunch expectations. Like... it's lunch? I was planning PB&J, apple, chips, and a juice box. Do I need to get fancy? Some of these parent comments are talking about bento boxes and organic snacks. Meanwhile my kid would eat plain bread if I let him. Tell me I'm not overthinking this.

10 comments203 views

Comments(10)

KKurt D.RegularDec 15

Five days of the same basic lunch is actually perfect for a kid that age - consistency matters. Swap it up a little day-to-day (different fruit, some pretzels instead of chips) but your baseline is fine. The real stress-saver is just prepping it the night before.

MMatt D.RegularDec 16

PB&J is fine. camp directors put that stuff in there to cover their asses legally. unless there's specific allergy stuff, you're overthinking it

PPaul W.RegularDec 16

That packing anxiety hits different for camp. But honestly your plan is solid. Maybe swap the chips for something slightly less messy (goldfish instead of regular chips?) but you're not sending your kid with garbage. The expectations guide is generic BS.

HHank C.RegularDec 18

The guide is trying to prevent kids from showing up with just candy and soda. You're clearly not that parent. Your plan is great and your 8yo will be fed and happy.

CChuck M.RegularDec 16

lol camp lunches are literally just 'keeps the kid full til 3pm'. i did PB&J for a whole week at soccer camp, my 8yo was fine, coach didn't care, no problems. you're way overthinking this.

DDante J.New DadDec 16

lol i packed my kid the same thing for soccer camps for 2 years and nobody said anything. they care about hydration mostly, make sure the water bottle is actually filled

DDom F.RegularDec 18

The guideline is usually just their way of saying "pack something your kid will actually eat and nothing that melts in the heat." Your plan checks both boxes. You're good

HHenry M.RegularDec 16

One thing - if it's 5 days in summer heat, rotate what protein you use. PB&J all 5 days gets old fast for kids. Turkey sandwich one day, ham another. Takes 30 seconds to swap

TThomas H.RegularDec 17

It's camp food theater honestly. They want it to look good in case a kid opens it around other kids. I started adding a string cheese and grapes to mine just to make it look less sad, but the actual sandwich/chips/fruit thing is the real meal

AAdam J.RegularDec 18

PB&J, apple, chips, juice box is perfectly fine nutrition-wise for a single day. The 'expectations' section is probably just covering their asses legally. Don't overthink it. Soccer camp staff aren't judging your lunch choices.