Everyone Around the Table

That’s how the cookie DOESN’T crumble – tips for sending treats to your child at camp     

No matter how much fun your child may be having at camp, a care package from home is a welcome treat. However, there are certain precautions to take to make sure your kids don’t open the box to find smashed banana bread or cookie dust.

Before you start baking (or shopping): Consider what the rules of the camp are for “outside” food.

“Families need to be sure they understand the camp’s policy,” said Peg Smith, CEO for the American Camp Association (http://www.acacamps.org/). “Often camps provide guidelines to families for sending food or drink items to camp. It is important to comply with camp requirements. What families see as a harmless treat from home may prove problematic while at camp. For example, some children have severe food allergies and contact with certain foods may cause problems, or perhaps there are requirements in place to ensure that animals do not get into cabins or tents.”

What to send?: Once you’ve checked on camp restrictions, send what you know your child would love, of course, but also think about risk for perishing. For instance, cookies, brownies or granola bars will hold up better than a loaf of quick bread like pumpkin or banana which can spoil rapidly due to their moist nature. Think, too, about the container you put the food in. While a tin will help keep contents in one piece, you don’t want to saddle your child with a tin they have to kick around until camp is over (unless it can be used as a handy storage container, of course). Plastic zipper bags work great for most goodies.

Packaging is everything: The United States Postal Service website (www.usps.com) recommends these packaging guidelines:

• If you use a regular box, use one strong enough to protect the package contents with no writing on the outside.

• Cushion contents with newspaper, bubble wrap, or styrofoam. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.
• Use pressure-sensitive or nylon-reinforced packing tape.
• Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape outside the package.
• Write “Perishable” on the outside of the box.

When deciding how quickly you want the package to get there (and therefore how much you’re willing to pay), consider how long that food item would normally last, unrefrigerated, in warm conditions.

Whether your child opens a lovingly prepared package of grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, deeply decadent brownies or just a package of lollipops, having everything arrive crumble-free will surely make for a very happy camper!