Health & Nutrition
Every year, our campers rate Camp Pinnacle’s food as outstanding. Some say it’s even the highlight of camp! We start off the day with a hot breakfast, served family-style. Throughout the day, kids can grab a snack (usually fruit) at any time. On hot afternoons, campers may be surprised with a fun popsicle break. Lunch is served buffet-style, and campers are free to sit with anyone they choose. A filling and delicious dinner, again served family-style, greets everyone in the evening. Several times each session, we all gather 0n the front lawn near the waterfront for a cookout.
We make most foods from scratch, and we source much of our food locally from farmers’ markets and nearby farms. Our food is healthy but kid-friendly, and campers always have several choices—even the pickiest eaters love our food! We offer cooking and baking classes as part of the program, and we maintain a Grade A (98.5 percent) health rating.
We can easily accommodate most allergies. Be sure to note your camper’s allergies in their Health History form, and give the office a call with any questions. We can accommodate:
- Vegetarians
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Nut-free
However, we regret that we are unable to accommodate strict kosher or vegan diets.
What do Camp Pinnacle families say about our food?
My son LOVES the food! I have anxiety when I send him away, as he is an incredibly fickle eater, but he raves about Chef Richard’s food—that is a monumental, gargantuan success! – Melanie Maxey, parent from New Orleans, LA
Chef Richard is a tough act to follow. Every summer when we get back home, I get to hear how Richard cooked certain things better. I love it! – Cassandra Villarreal, parent from Tampa, FL
I would buy a Chef Richard cookbook in a second! Every year, Owen comes home raving about some new food he loves (and which I’ve been trying to get him to eat for years). – Tiffany Shiver, parent from Cincinnati, OH
The boys rave about Chef Richard’s biscuits, brownies, and all kinds of other delicious food. – Erin Allen, parent from Atlantic Beach, FL
The kitchen staff always go above and beyond. – Rob Clemens, parent from Broomfield, CO
Way to go, chef! Ella eats new things now! – Suzanne Ambrose, parent from Jupiter, FL
Aaron used the term “gourmet” to describe the meals and said it was better than our cooking. – Laura Baldin, parent from Atlanta, GA
Everyone loves chef Richard! – Mike Giblin, parent from Wilmington, NC
I wish my son liked my cooking as much as Chef Richard’s. – Megan Wolfe, parent from Asheville, NC
My daughter won’t stop raving about Richard’s food. She especially loved the sushi! – Michael Tomasello, parent from Durham, NC
Chef Richard ALWAYS hits a home run! – Josie Frieser, parent from Charlotte, NC
Health center
Our goal at Camp Pinnacle is a safe summer with few medical issues, and this starts with counselor training. All of our counselors are trained in wilderness first aid, and many counselors have gained the more advanced wilderness first responder certification. They consistently check on cuts, scrapes, blisters, and bug bites, and make sure our campers wash their hands, take showers, brush their teeth, and stay hygienic—even in an outdoor environment.
We have a fully staffed health center which is open 24/7 and staffed by registered nurses and nursing assistants. While our goal is that our nurses dispense more hugs than Band-Aids, they are always there to address the medical needs of our campers. They also dispense all prescription and over-the-counter medications. We have partnered with Blue Ridge Community Health Services for doctors to make rounds as needed. Camp is located 10 minutes away from Pardee Hospital and several pharmacies in Hendersonville.
