Camp Meals

At Camp Bear Creek, we understand that good food gives us the energy we need to learn, adventure, and explore. This is why our daily camp meals are not only delicious, but also nutritious and balanced. It is around the table that relationships are strengthened and we can laugh, share stories, and be our authentic selves. Meal time is about more than eating. It’s about building community, empathy, and respect.

Dining Hall Meals

Campers will eat most of their meals in the dining hall. Our sample menu below gives you an example of the kinds of foods served. Please notify us ahead of time when you fill out your health form if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies so that we can be ready with alternative options for you. If you don’t like what is being served, you can always visit the cereal bar at breakfast or request a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at lunch and dinner.

BreakfastLunchDinner
SundaySpaghetti with Meat Sauce
Garlic Bread
Salad Bar
Water
Dessert: Ice Cream Sandwiches
MondayScrambled Eggs
Bacon
Biscuits
Cereal Bar
Orange Juice & Water
Tacos
Potato Oles
Black Beans
Corn
Water
Hot Dogs
Mac & Cheese
Salad Bar
Water
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies
TuesdayPancakes
Sausage
Grapes
Cereal Bar
Apple Juice & Water
Maid Rite Sandwiches
Waffle Fries
Watermelon
Peaches
Water
Fried Chicken
Macaroni Salad
Salad Bar
Water
Dessert: Rice Krispy Treats
WednesdayBagels & Cream Cheese
Grilled Ham
Yogurt
Cereal Bar
Grape Juice & Water
Ham & Cheese Pretzel Sliders
Cheddar Sun Chips
Veggie Medley
Carrots & Ranch
Water
Turkey & Gravy
Roasted Red Potatoes
Salad Bar
Water
Dessert: Fudge Bar
ThursdayScrambled Eggs
Sausage
Croissants
Cereal Bar
Orange Juice & Water
Country Fried Chicken and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Broccoli & Ranch
Water
Cheese Ravioli with Meat Sauce
Breadsticks
Salad Bar
Water
Dessert: Cupcakes
FridayFrench Toast Sticks
Bacon
Cantaloupe
Cereal Bar
Apple Juice & Water
Cheeseburgers
French Fries
Pears
Mandrin Oranges
Water

Cookouts

Most camp groups will cook at least one meal over the fire while they are here! Campers get to be a part of the meal from beginning to end. They’ll help build the fire, cook the food, and clean up. Campfire meals usually have a fun twist and are the perfect chance for groups to bond, hang out, and learn together. What kinds of dishes might you make? Check out the options below to explore some of our favorite cookout meals!

Choose your favorite mix-ins for this meal. Add beef, potatoes, and options like corn, cheese, beans, carrots, peppers, onions, and seasonings. Add them all together in your tin-foil packet and fold it up. This meal is best made by building a big fire, letting it burn down, and nestling the foil packets among the coals.

This is probably our most popular cookout meal! In a cast iron skillet, prep fajita chicken and cover in enchilada sauce. Add in your favorite enchilada ingredients like onions, peppers, corn, and black beans. Serve in tortilla shells or over tortilla chips.

This easy campfire meal allows campers to make their own pizza over the fire! Use a tortilla shell as your pizza crust. Cover with sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Fold in half, grill both sides over the fire, and you’ve got the perfect campfire meal!

Three kids sitting on a bench at summer camp in Iowa.

What would a cookout be without dessert! Of course, everyone loves the classic s’mores, but we also like desserts like banana boats (bananas stuffed with peanut butter, marshmallow, and chocolate and roasted over the fire), baked apples (apples roasted with cinnamon and marshmallows), and dump cake (a combination of fruit pie filling and cake mix that is sure to have you asking for more).

A girl with glasses eating a smore at summer camp in Iowa.

Summer 2025

Registration opens on January 2nd!