The shopping is done, the bunks have been assigned, and everyone is more than ready for Summer 2023. Yet, although it’s not school, there is something about first days and new beginnings that creates an unavoidable nervous energy. Heading off with something delicious and homemade can be just the thing to help your campers shake those first-day jitters. Or better yet, let these snacks be what they grab when they get home, ravenous from a day of adventure, and all remnants of jitters forgotten.

Be sure to check your camp’s policy on nuts and allergies before making these tasty treats. Happy camping!

1. Homemade Cereal Bars by Elky Friedman

One of my children gives me a hard time about breakfast. She doesn’t like most cereals; yogurt is “too cold” and oatmeal is “too mushy.” I finally found a solution. These homemade cereal bars have no sugar, they’re healthy and filling—and they’re also exciting (almost like a cookie, which she used to beg for every morning).

2. Not Just for Kids Chocolate Chip Cookies by Chanie Nayman

I kept trying to think of a fun treat for kids that’s not just delicious, but also novel. I came up with the idea to put pieces of popular chocolate bars into the mix, but you should have seen the disaster of nougat from the Milk Munches all over the baking sheet in rounds one, two, and three of these cookies (even after all different tricks). By batch four, it was 11 p.m. and I was on the phone with my friend Cipi. “Why don’t you just put them in after it’s baked?” she suggested. Ohhh!!! Brilliant move. I should have called Cipi during batch number one. Next time!

3. Nuts ‘n Cinnamon Cookies by Aliza Goldman

4. White Chocolate Cookie Butter Snack Mix by Chaia Frishman

Did you know that another name for muddy buddies is puppy chow? Hmmmm. I would never share my personal version on these with any canine.  With white chocolate,  cookie butter and a dash of cinnamon, welcome to this game-changer for snack time.

5. Fruit Leather by Chanie Nayman

11. Hearty Banana Muffins with Vanilla or Maple Glaze by Maidy Heller

12. Super-Simple Cornflakes Treats by Rikki Samuels

This is the EASIEST, most DELICIOUS snack that takes minutes to make!

13. Granola Peanut Chews from the Nitra Cookbook

A sweet, nutty granola treat great for breakfast or afterschool snack. Make a large batch to keep in the freezer; they’ll taste great whenever you or your family need a pick-me-up.

14. Apple Streusel Muffins by Brynie Greisman

Low-sugar, low-fat, and yet high in taste! These moist, filling, and flavorful muffins are good for you too. Stick them in your family’s lunches and wait for the thank you’s to pour in.

15. Berry Corn Muffins by Sima Kazarnovsky

Ah, the humble corn muffin…the perfect crumbly companion to a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. The orange juice adds a flavorful tang to the batter, while the fruit adds a juicy bite and burst of flavor. Eat them warmed up with some jam or butter, or grab them to go straight from the freezer for later. Also, I recommend the chocolate chips. Especially if it’s a Monday.