Food is at the heart of the camper experience

With over 15 years in the camp industry, Reid Nickerson knows that food is at the heart of the camper experience. As Food Services Manager at Camp Squeah, he ensures that every meal is nutritious, high-quality, and inclusive of various dietary needs.

His experience highlights both the challenges and opportunities in camp food service, and how Foodbuy’s support helps camps deliver meals that make a lasting impression.

“The kitchen and dining hall are the heart of camp,” Reid shared. “If we serve poor-quality food, that’s what campers will remember the most.” A great camp experience isn’t just about activities, it’s about creating a welcoming environment where every detail, including food, plays a role.

Nutritious, high-quality meals bring people together and improve the overall camp experience. This is where Foodbuy comes in, providing access to premium ingredients, cost-saving programs, and trusted supplier partnerships to help camps serve meals that leave a lasting, positive impression.

Dietary accommodation is one of the top concerns in the camp industry. Many campers face dietary restrictions that can make mealtimes stressful. Reid and his team work hard to ensure inclusivity by offering equivalent meals that allow campers with dietary restrictions to eat alongside their peers without feeling excluded. With Foodbuy’s support, camps can access allergen-friendly and specialty food products while keeping costs manageable. Over the years, advancements in food options have significantly improved the ability to meet diverse dietary needs, making it easier than ever to provide inclusive meal options.

Efficiency is key in camp kitchens, where teams must work seamlessly to keep meals running smoothly. Foodbuy’s food programs help reduce prep time while maintaining meal quality. Reid also emphasized the impact of Foodbuy’s rebate programs, stating, “We used our rebate cheques to replace old kitchen equipment, turning an intangible savings into a real investment opportunity for our camp.” This tangible benefit allows camps to reinvest in operations while keeping costs under control. Many camp operators don’t always see the immediate impact of cost-saving programs, but being able to put those savings directly back into the camp’s infrastructure ensures long-term success.

Beyond the kitchen, social media has become a powerful tool for attracting new campers and keeping families engaged. Reid emphasized the importance of maintaining an active online presence, noting that parents and campers look for regular updates, photos, and content that showcase the camp experience. A strong social media strategy helps build trust, reinforce the camp’s values, and keep enrollment strong year after year. Many camps have started to invest more in digital marketing to ensure they remain competitive in an increasingly connected world.

Foodbuy helps camps stay competitive and efficient, so they can focus on creating the best experience for campers. Whether it’s reducing costs, improving food quality, or ensuring dietary inclusivity, Foodbuy provides the tools and resources needed to optimize camp food programs.

Article as published in Foodbuy’s 2025 Camp Guide.