Campfires & Cupcakes
Nurturing Body Positive Nutrition Training for Summer Camps
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Summer camp creates magical moments of growth, friendship, & discovery.
At Appleman Nutrition, we understand the profound impact that positive food experiences can have during these formative weeks.
Our specialized Campfire & Cupcakes program equips camp counselors and staff with the knowledge and skills to create nurturing, body-positive food environments that support every camper's relationship with food and their developing sense of self.
We believe camp should be a place where children feel safe to explore, grow, and develop confidence – including around food. Our evidence-based approach helps camp communities foster inclusive environments where all campers can thrive.
OUR MISSION
Empowering camp communities to embrace body positivity and food neutrality, creating environments where every camper feels valued, supported, and confident in their own skin.
Comprehensive Training Programs
Online Counselor Training
Our accessible virtual training platform provides camp counselors with essential skills for creating body-positive food environments.
Training Components:
Understanding normal, balanced eating and its varied presentations
Recognizing Health at Every Size principles and their impact on camp culture
Learning the principles and practices of body positivity
Identifying signs and symptoms of disordered eating
Developing confidence in food-neutral language and supportive communication
Creating inclusive environments for campers of all body types and eating styles
Enhanced Interactive Training
Our comprehensive program includes live, interactive components for deeper learning and skill development.
Enhanced Features:
Real-time discussion sessions with our expert team
Scenario-based learning opportunities
Confidential support for specific situations
Peer learning and experience sharing
Summer Support Services
Continuous guidance and consultation to ensure your camp community feels supported throughout the season.
Support Services Include:
Available consultation for camp directors and staff
Support for addressing challenging situations
Ongoing consultation throughout the camp season
Resources for communicating with parents about body positivity
Strategies for maintaining consistent messaging across all camp activities
Crisis support and intervention guidance when needed
Our Approach to Camp Nutrition
At a time when young people are undergoing significant physical, emotional, and developmental changes, it's essential that their summer camp environment supports body positivity and food neutrality.
Our training helps camp communities understand that children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to the language, imagery, and behaviors they observe from trusted adults. During these influential weeks, counselors who embrace food-neutral practices can have an invaluable impact on campers' developing relationships with food and body image.
We believe every child deserves to experience the joy of summer camp without the burden of food anxiety, body shame, or the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. Our evidence-based approach creates the foundation for positive experiences that last long beyond camp.
Our goal is for parents to feel confident that their children are being exposed to healthy messages about food, weight, shape and size, and for camp directors to feel confident that they are providing the best mentorship with body positivity and food neutrality.
Creating Lasting Impact
Children and adolescents living in developing bodies and minds are incredibly susceptible to the language, imagery, and behaviors exhibited by their trusted mentors.
During this time when parents may not have daily oversight, it's essential that camp counselors understand their role in promoting body positivity and food neutrality.
Our Campfire & Cupcakes program provides the foundational education that helps create environments where campers can develop confidence, build authentic relationships, and create memories that support their lifelong wellbeing.
WHY CHOOSE CAMPFIRES & CUPCAKES?
Evidence-Based Approach: Our training is rooted in the latest research on pediatric and adolescent nutrition, body image development, and eating disorder prevention.
Experienced Team: Led by registered dietitians with decades of experience in pediatric and adolescent nutrition and eating disorder treatment.
Practical Application: We provide real-world tools and strategies that counselors can immediately implement in their daily interactions with campers.
Training Curriculum Highlights
Foundation Modules
Understanding normal eating patterns in children and adolescents
Recognizing the diversity of healthy bodies and eating styles
Learning food-neutral language and communication strategies
Understanding the camp counselor's role in body image development
Advanced Skills
Identifying early warning signs of disordered eating
Responding appropriately to food-related concerns
Creating inclusive meal and snack environments
Supporting campers with diverse nutritional needs
Practical Implementation
Role-playing challenging scenarios
Developing camp-specific protocols
Creating parent communication strategies
Building sustainable body-positive camp culture
The Campfire & Cupcakes Difference
✔ Compassionate Understanding
We recognize that creating body-positive environments requires sensitivity, knowledge, and ongoing support. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by camp communities.
✔ Holistic Approach
Our training addresses not just what to say about food, but how to create an entire camp culture that supports positive body image and healthy relationships with food.
✔ Customized Solutions
Every camp community is different. We work with you to develop training and support that meets your specific needs and aligns with your camp's values.
✔ Family Connection
We provide resources to help camps communicate effectively with parents about body positivity and inclusive nutrition practices.
Get Started Today!
Ready to transform your camp community? Join us in creating summer experiences that nurture positive relationships with food and body for every camper.
Rebecca Appleman, RD
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Connect with our founder, Rebecca Appleman, RD, to learn how Campfire & Cupcakes can support your camp community.
