A Summer Camp that Feeds Kids Right
This summer I am working at Camp Ballibay in Camptown, PA as their Food Education Coordinator. This is a wonderful performance arts camp that not only teaches the kids about their craft but about real food. The director, John Jannone, understands the connection between whole foods from nature and the development and well-being our children. His vision for the camp and passion is truly inspiring. This year we have Chef Jasmine Hibbitt, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and her large kitchen staff who will provide the kids real home cooked meals made using local and/or organic produce and meats. They do this for all their campers and staff members three meals a day plus snacks. Now what summer camp have you heard that feeds their kids in this way? During their stay the kids learn to play instruments, play in rock bands, dance, create, perform and have fun. On top of this they work in the garden, respectively named John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The kids learn to grow food which then gets incorporated into their meals, showing them where food actually comes from. As the Food Educator, my staff and I will take a hands on approach to showing the kids about whole foods and eating what nature provides. They will grow, touch, mix, bake, cook, learn and create. Hopefully other summer camps will learn from John and Camp Ballibay.
