Working out of our main kitchen in the Squeah Lodge, Squeah Food Services take pride in serving our guests balanced meals that are both delicious and nutritious.
Our spacious dining hall accommodates up to 200 guests. Squeah staff open each meal with a description of what is to be served prior to opening meal service. Meals are typically served cafeteria-style, with the guests coming up to one of three serving stations to get their meal. Dinners include a home-made dessert from our kitchen. Each meal always offers healthy options of fruit and/or vegetables.
All Squeah cooks are FoodSafe Level 1 certified, who take great care when catering to the dietary restrictions of our guests. Dietary or food allergy information is collected through the booking process, and the Food Services Manager, Head Chef or Assistant Chefs are on hand to confirm any details of your dietary concerns. We also encourage our guests to have an open dialogue with the kitchen cooks regarding what is being prepared for them. We have found this ensures our staff are making the proper food, and also that our guests can relax and enjoy themselves instead of worrying about their meal times.
Please note: No food or beverage items containing nuts are allowed in the Squeah kitchen and dining room. This includes almond milk.
Some of our values include:
- Purchase local produce and food products whenever possible
- Maintain composting and recycling programs
- Reduce waste in the dining hall as much as possible
- Run a seasonal garden on-site for food and education
- Cater to various dietary restrictions
FAQs
Does Camp Squeah cater to guests with food allergies or do I have to bring extra food for my family/group?
Camp Squeah Food Services caters to most guests’ dietary restrictions. If a guest’s food requirements are complicated or contain multiple allergens, the Food Services Manager may contact the guests to strategize for an agreeable meal plan for the guest. The menu is reviewed and if any gaps are identified, the kitchen can prepare alternate food for the guest. In the case where a guest has specific, specialized food, which the kitchen team cannot accommodate, s/he may be asked to bring it with them. The camp has a refrigerator specifically for guests to store specialty food items.
I/my child is Celiac and I’m concerned about cross-contamination.
We have a lot of experience with dietary restrictions and food allergies. We have cared for Celiacs before, including staff members. When deemed necessary we have put together a sealed tote with utensils and such to use for Celiacs only.
My child is deathly allergic to peanuts/tree nuts and carries an epi pen with them at all times. How can I be sure s/he will be safe?
The Squeah kitchen and dining room are nut-free so there would be no chance of your guests coming into contact with nuts from our kitchen. We only stock sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds in our pantry. PLEASE NOTE, however, that we are not certified nut-free, and that the Camp Squeah site in general is not nut-free.
What if my child is picky?
While we cannot cater to each guests’ personal tastes, at each meal we usually have several choices for them. If this is a concern for you, we suggest talking with the Food Services Manager on the opening day of your retreat.