Thriving in 2026: Trends, Opportunities, and Smart Solutions for Camps

As we look ahead to the 2026 camp season, change is in the air and that’s not a bad thing. From new technologies to evolving staff expectations and creative menu planning, camps have exciting opportunities to strengthen operations and deliver unforgettable experiences. Foodbuy spoke to Matt Wilfrid, Executive Director of the Canadian Camps Association to better understand what’s shaping the industry and how you can stay ahead.

Adapting to Nature’s Curveballs

Canadian camps have always embraced the outdoors, but recent summers have introduced new challenges such as, wildfires, smoke, flooding, and sudden heat waves. Camps are responding with practical adjustments that keep kids safe and comfortable while preserving the magic of camp. As Matt Wilfrid explains, camps are considering “creating more shade spaces, cooling areas, and even buying air purifiers for smoke days” to adapt to changing conditions.

These strategies include:

• Flexible programming: Extending rest hours or adding indoor activities during peak heat.
• Comfort upgrades: More shaded spaces and cooling areas for campers.
• Air quality solutions: Portable purifiers for smoky days.

These changes aren’t just about safety, they’re about ensuring campers can enjoy their experience no matter the forecast. It’s a testament to the resilience and creativity that defines the camp community.

Staffing: Building Stronger Teams

Staffing is evolving and that’s a good thing. Gen Z counsellors are bringing fresh energy and higher expectations around wellness and work-life balance, and camps are responding by rethinking how they support their teams. Competitive pay, flexible scheduling, access to mental health resources such as CCA’s partnership with Advica for affordable counselling, and intentional efforts to build positive, inclusive cultures all play a role. Even small gestures, like personalized snacks or public shout-outs for great work, can make a meaningful difference. When staff feel heard, supported, and valued, they’re far more likely to show up at their best for campers.

Technology and AI: Your New Best Friend

Technology isn’t replacing the magic of camp, it’s freeing up time for directors to focus on what matters most: relationships and experiences and AI tools can help in many ways including; drafting emails and streamlining communications; generating allergy-friendly menus based on pantry inventory and suggesting creative programming ideas, as examples.

As Wilfrid explains:
“Using tools helps camp directors get back to the things that really move their mission forward. They’re good at building relationships and making families feel their kids are safe, and AI can’t do that. But it can take care of the back-and-forth emails and planning so directors can focus on what matters most.”

Beyond AI, activity scheduling software and registration platforms are making operations smoother. And don’t forget that association partnerships often mean discounts on investments.

Food Service: Comfort, Culture, and Creativity

Food is more than fuel – it’s a cornerstone of the camp experience. Mealtime is where campers connect, share stories, and feel at home. Today, food service is evolving in three key ways:

Managing Allergies and Dietary Needs

The rise in food allergies and intolerances means kitchens must be nimble. AI tools can help by quickly generating safe recipes based on pantry inventory and dietary restrictions – saving operators time and stress.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

Camps are welcoming increasingly diverse camper populations. Food is a powerful way to make every child feel included. Consider these strategies:

• Survey camper demographics before the season to identify cultural preferences.
• Introduce global flavours – alongside traditional camp favourites.
• Offer familiar comfort foods for campers far from home – simple changes can make a big difference.

As Wilfrid shared:
“Food is so connected to people’s feeling of welcome and being home. It’s an opportunity for camps to meet kids and staff where they’re at.”

Simplifying for Kitchen Staff

Many camp kitchens are staffed by cooks, not professional chefs. That’s where Foodbuy’s Camp Buyer Guide shines. It curates products ideal for camp menus and highlights products for cost efficiencies and rebate structures.

Pair this with cultural awareness, and you’ll have menus that are inclusive, budget-friendly, and stress-free.

The Big Picture: Why Camps Matter

Camps aren’t just summer fun, they’re economic and social powerhouses. Preliminary CCA (Canadian Camps Association) data shows camps spend an average of $126,000 annually on food, totaling an estimated $130 million industry wide. Add lodging, insurance, and staffing, and the sector easily reaches multi-billion-dollar impact.

This scale strengthens advocacy efforts and reminds policymakers that camps are essential – not only for childhood development but for local economies.

“At the end of the day, camps are one of the few places where kids can unplug, connect, and grow. That’s something worth protecting and celebrating.” Matt Wilfrid

Your 2026 Camp Operations Checklist

• Plan for flexibility: Update emergency protocols and add comfort measures.
• Invest in your team: Competitive pay, mental health support, and recognition.
• Leverage technology: Use AI and software to save time and reduce stress.
• Celebrate diversity: Adapt menus for cultural inclusion and dietary needs.
• Maximize partnerships: Tap into Foodbuy for savings and menu solutions.

By embracing innovation and staying responsive to trends, and by making use of Foodbuy’s purchasing programs to maximize savings potential, you’ll make 2026 a season of success, not just for your camp, but for every camper who walks through your gates.

If you are a provincially accredited camp and not yet connected to Foodbuy, contact Rita Anderson at [email protected] or find out more about the CCA’s Foodbuy Partnership at www.ccamping.org/foodbuy