Five Easy and Satisfying Ideas for Feeding Hungry Campers

How do you prepare a healthy and nourishing snack when you're far from home? And what does it take to feed a group of hungry campers, either at the beginning of the day, in the middle of a hike, or after a challenging service project? It's a perennial challenge that generations of wilderness explorers and outdoor enthusiasts have pondered. Lucky for you, our best service trip cooks are here to help!

"Advance planning and preparation is key," says Deborah Wine, cook training coordinator for the Service subcommittee. She's been cooking for service trips since 2016 and is especially adept at providing delicious and nutritious vegetarian and plant-based meals. "Base-camp cooking is easier than backpack-trip food preparation since you don't have to carry all the ingredients in your pack," says Didi Toaspern, training officer for the Service subcommittee. "But making it healthy, hearty, and quick requires forethought and a few shortcuts." Since the late '80s, Didi has led and cooked for service trips in a variety of locations across the West, her favorite being wilderness areas with fly-fishing opportunities (she prefers to catch and release fish but is more than happy to cook up her catch if requested).

We asked Deborah and Didi for some of their favorite base-camp snack and meal ideas; here's what they whipped up for us. Join one of their upcoming Sierra Club trips or try these out for yourself on your next adventure!

1. Overnight oats

This is a hearty, healthy breakfast to get volunteers off to a strong start on the work project. Quick-cooking steel-cut oats are the perfect choice. Simply add nuts, dried fruit, and/or milk, then partially cook the combination the night before. "Preparation in the morning is a snap," says Deborah, "and campers love the melded flavors and creamy richness."

2. Cornmeal pancakes

"Chili and cornbread is a winning combination," Didi tells us, "and it's still possible in a camp kitchen." Simply follow your favorite cornbread recipe, but increase the liquid and fry it up as pancakes. "It's always fun to witness the surprise on people's faces when they realize this traditional pairing is possible far from an oven!"

3. Homemade cocoa mix

A cup of hot chocolate is a welcome treat after a long day of hard work—especially if the evening is chilly. Frustrated with excess packaging or added preservatives? Do-it-yourself cocoa mix is a snap! "Blend your ingredients ahead and adjust until it's as sweet, creamy, or spicy as you like," Deborah explains. "Add some cinnamon and a bit of cayenne, and you have Mexican hot chocolate to round out taco night."

4. Trail mix tricks It wouldn't really be hiking (or vigorous service work) without trail mix. Make your own with whatever combination of dried fruit, nuts, and candy-coated chocolate pieces you like, then divide it up in equal portions and hand it out at the first lunch. Package the trail mix in a reusable silicone baggie—one fewer piece of single-use plastic!

5. Palestinian lentils "This is my newest favorite dinner," proclaims Deborah, who notes that it's as easy to make as it is delicious. Just boil two cups of soaked and drained red lentils with about eight cups of water for 10 minutes while sautéing onions with garlic, cumin, a dash of turmeric, and salt. Once the lentils are done, add the onions and spices, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. "Add your favorite side salad and pita bread, and voilà—dinner is served!"