Camp KO Includes Hands-On Lesson in Healthy Eating

During the first week of Kingwood Oxford's Camp KO, participants have the choice of in-depth instruction in tennis, basketball, digital music, or printmaking/bookbinding. But at lunchtime, all of the campers come together for a meal and to learn about healthy eating.

On Thursday the campers were treated to a lesson on "super foods" courtesy of local chef Martha Kalen. Campers, who this week are students in grades 5 through 10 from Kingswood Oxford, St. Timothy's, Renbrook, Watkinson, and the Montessori School, had the chance to help prepare, and then eat, guacamole, hummus, and a healthy dark chocolate dip.

The 40 campers also sampled other super foods, and were surprised to find many they liked.

Kalen, who trained at the New York Institute of Culinary Education, is a former chef at ON20 in Hartford and the author of the blog "Whatwouldmarthamake?". She's also a mother, and understands the importance of getting kids to eat right.

"Good nutrition, like good physical health, is important for good life," said Camp KO Director Sheri Slobin Shea.

The camp takes a "holistic approach" to the summer experience – and no matter the chosen specialty includes sessions on stretching and conditioning, healthy eating, and sportsmanship for all campers.

After this week the camp is on hiatus for two weeks, but there are four more week-long sessions beginning on July 8. Special concentrations during those sessions will include robotics (with instruction from UTC professionals), creative writing, and an a capella concentration that includes instruction from a beat boxing specialist. Sports options include boys lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and basketball, Shea said.

For more information about Camp KO, click here.