Why Even the Pickiest Eaters Love the Food at Camp Mákemáke

If you think camp food means bland, boring meals, think again. At Camp Mákemáke, food is a highlight of every day, surprising campers and parents alike with fresh flavors, endless choices, and a kitchen full of love.

Even the pickiest eaters find something to enjoy, and many go home craving camp favorites they never imagined liking.

Cooked with Heart by Señora Marta and Señora Toya

Our kitchen is run by two local legends, Señora Marta and Señora Toya, whose warmth and care fill every plate. These two wonderful women don’t just cook for campers—they know them by name, check in on how they’re feeling, and always make sure everyone leaves the table happy and well fed.

And yes, Señora Toya’s world-famous sopaipillas—crispy, fluffy fried dough—are a Makemake institution, enjoyed by campers and staff alike.

Choice at Every Meal — Including Special Diets

We understand that kids have different tastes, appetites, and dietary needs. That’s why every meal is designed around choice and flexibility, with accommodations for gluten-free, lactose intolerant, vegetarian, and other dietary restrictions:

• Salads are served deconstructed—all ingredients separate and undressed so campers can build their own perfect plate

• Toppings for tacos, sandwiches, and jacket potatoes are all laid out for campers to customize

• Pasta is served with the option to choose one sauce: creamy white sauce, fresh pesto, or tomato sauce (gluten-free pasta is available upon request)

• Or campers can keep it simple with just olive oil, cheese, or plain pasta

• Lactose-free dairy alternatives and gluten-free breads and snacks are always available

This approach helps campers feel in control and comfortable—leading to happier meals and less wasted food.

Camp Favorites

Taco Night

Build your own taco with seasoned meat or beans, rice, guacamole, cheese, salsa, lettuce, and more. A classic camper hit.

Pasta Bar

Warm pasta with a choice of one sauce: creamy white sauce, fresh pesto, or tomato sauce—or just olive oil, cheese, or plain pasta. Gluten-free pasta available.

The Big Makemake

Our signature stacked sandwich served on a freshly baked marraqueta roll, layered with roasted chicken breast and a selection of toppings campers choose themselves: avocado, tomato, lettuce, caramelized onions, and pebre (a fresh Chilean salsa). Gluten-free bread options are available.

Pizza Night

Not homemade but reliably hot, cheesy, and delicious—a perfect meal after a full day of camp adventures. Gluten-free pizza available upon request.

Jacket Potato Day

Inspired by our British director and staff, this camp classic features fluffy baked potatoes served hot with melting butter. Campers top their jackets with cheese, beans, tuna, sour cream, or enjoy them simply as they are. Served alongside sweet corn on the cob, it’s a surprising and delicious hit.

Breakfast at Camp

Camp breakfasts are hearty and welcoming, with plenty of favorites to start the day right:

• Golden French toast with cinnamon sugar (gluten-free option available)

• Thick, fluffy pancakes, sometimes studded with blueberries (gluten-free option available)

• Cheeky manjar spread on toast—a sweet, caramel-like treat that kids love (gluten-free bread option available)

• Traditional toast, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, and juice

• Plenty of hot chocolate to warm everyone up

Sing Before You Eat—Every Time

At Camp Makemake, there’s one rule: you must sing before every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Campers gather outside the dining hall for a joyful round of songs, chants, or call-and-response before entering to eat. This tradition builds community, breaks the ice, and makes every meal feel special.

It might seem unusual at first, but campers quickly get into the spirit and often say it’s one of their favorite parts of camp.

Even the Pickiest Eaters Find Their Groove

We know some campers come with food anxieties or very selective tastes. That’s why our meals always offer:

• Familiar and simple options

• Choice and control over what’s on their plate

• Warm encouragement without pressure

• A supportive kitchen team who models adventurous, positive eating habits

Many parents tell us their kids return home excited about foods they never tried before camp.

What Campers Say

“I never thought I’d like jacket potatoes until camp. Now I want them all the time.” — Elisa, age 10

“The Big Makemake sandwich is the best thing I ate all summer.” — Marco, age 12

“I was nervous about camp food, but Señora Marta always helped me find something I liked.” — Camila, age 9

“Singing before meals made everything more fun, even breakfast.” — Mateo, age 7

Food that Feeds More Than Hunger

At Camp Makemake, food is more than just nutrition. It’s connection, comfort, and community.

Thanks to the care of Señora Marta and Señora Toya, our open, customizable menu, and our joyful traditions, every meal leaves campers full—in every sense of the word.