Keke Thomas Executive Chef

Keke has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University at Albany. After receiving her Bachelors degree Keke chose to pursue her passion for the culinary arts. She studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, and graduated with high honors.

As a chef Keke strongly believes that good nutrition, and healthy eating habits are key elements for one to have a healthy life style. With obesity linked to severe health issues her primary focus is to create delicious food that is nutritionally balanced. However, Keke is no stranger to weight loss and fitness camp. She has held many positions at camp. She progressed from a camper, to a counselor, to a division leader, and eventually Girls Head Staff. Keke’s love of camp led her to join the Empire Lake team. Keke is able to utilize her expertise and passion for food to help promote a healthier life style for everybody at Empire Lake. She is so delighted to be working with Keith and all the campers and staff. Keke works closely with our fitness and nutrition team working on individual after camp care. She will also be available for meal planning for the entire family after the summer.

Experience The Difference!

Here at Camp Empire Lake we recognize that everybody is different and that a weight loss plan that works for one person may not work for another. Our program is different from any other program because it is designed for you, to fit your personal needs and help you meet your goals. And the best part is you can do it all while having tons of fun picking strawberries, mixing up yummy treats, eating hamburgers and hot dogs at the weekly cook-outs, and of course, licking the bowl in cooking club!

Come see why we’re different!

Eating right is just the beginning

Our team of directors have all struggled with weight loss and know first-hand how it feels to be overweight in a society that celebrates physical appearance. With so many fad-diets in the media, how can you know which one is right for the health of your child?

At Camp Empire Lake, we teach campers basic nutrition principles: eating a diet rich in healthy whole grains, dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Three wholesome, filling, delicious meals are served every day plus, two healthy snacks, for a daily calorie count of 1600-1800.

Our proven nutritional plan, plus an increased activity level, helps children lose weight at camp, and provides the nutrition foundation necessary for continued success at home.

Here's how we do it:

Proper portions. We don't talk "portion control," we serve realistic portions that teach campers what it feels like to be full and satisfied, giving them the tools they need to make proper meal choices in the future. Calorie intake is based on your child's age and size. They enjoy what their body needs and lose weight in the process.

Education. Kids learn all about nutrition and discuss real-life issues. How to eat out with friends, making good food choices, preparing meals and menus for family members, decision making, changing lifestyle instead of dieting.

Participation. Our fun, hands-on nutrition instruction makes campers "masters of their meals" from cooking classes, to grocery excursions, to meal preparation. All taught under the direction of our registered dietician and executive chef.

Interaction. Keith and his directors hold weekly meetings where campers can discuss their feelings about food, eating and where they're at. Keith leads these meetings with sensitivity and an understanding of what it's like to be an overweight child. From his personal experience and years of working with overweight children, he provides invaluable insights to help campers stay on the road to success.