Coeliacs at Summer Camp

When we plan our summer camps, as with all the activities we carry out throughout the year, we conduct a thorough, personalised study of our participants’ needs. After all, the preparation work we do before camp makes our day-to-day work considerably easier. And of course one of the things we pay the most attention to is the different menus to be provided during the camps.

Allergies and dietary conditions can become a real headache if we do not plan ahead. Only by keeping a personalised record of each case can we ensure that no problems arise in connection with the various allergies our campers may have.

How Is the Menu for Coeliac Children Prepared?

When drawing up the menu — balanced and in line with the energy and nutritional requirements of our campers — we focus in particular on identifying allergies, intolerances, and various dietary conditions, working these through with the kitchens at our facilities in advance. The cases we encounter are very diverse, and each one must be handled individually. Amongst all the specific requirements we come across — menus without pork for religious or cultural reasons, lactose or milk-protein intolerance, various allergies… — menus for coeliacs stand out without a doubt. Intolerance to gluten and wheat has spread enormously throughout Spanish society in recent years and is notable for being a dietary condition that is diagnosed very early, which is why at summer camps we encounter a large number of children who have coeliac disease. Today, all of our camps not only take great care with menus for coeliacs, but all of our monitors also have the training and information needed to prevent any contact between children and foods containing gluten.

Natuaventura is proud to be a collaborating organisation with the Association of Coeliacs and Gluten-Sensitive People of the Community of Madrid. In this way, we ensure that we are always informed and up to date with any developments relating to this dietary condition. We follow to the letter all the protocols set out by the Association, which are updated each year. In addition, our coordinators attend courses run by the Association itself. We can say with confidence that the camps we run are 100% coeliac-friendly.

The health of each and every boy and girl who takes part in our summer camps and other activities is paramount, and for that reason any effort and precaution is worthwhile in order to prevent any degree of harm to the children in our care.