Being overweight is a challenge for anyone, but for teens it can be especially hard as they deal with the normal day-to-day demands of the teen years such as peer pressure, being popular and fitting in. Your teen needs a place where she can feel safe in an environment that supports her desire to lose weight and to be around other teens facing the same challenges. Certain weight-loss camps in California are designed with teens in mind to direct them on a path to a happier and healthier life.
Philosophy
The philosophy of these camps is to promote healthy living, self-esteem and confidence in a supportive and caring environment. Teens will participate in activities they may normally have shyed away from such as yoga, surfing, boogie boarding and basketball. Friendships bloom in this trusted environment and become relationships that can last for years.
Nutrition and Meal Planning
These camps have developed programs focused on nutrition and meal planning and teaching beneficial lifetime habits. At New Image Camp in Pacific Palisades, teenagers will devote time to learning about the food pyramid and portion control. Meals will consist of a maximum caloric intake of 1,700 to 1,800 calories per day and weekly cooking classes are required. At Camp La Jolla in the San Diego area, campers will attend a culinary and nutrition program designed to teach teens to take a proactive approach in their own meal planning by learning how to purchase and cook the food. They will develop skills that will transfer to their own homes once they return from camp.
Programs by Gender
Programs for teenagers can differ by gender. At Camp La Jolla the program for teenage boys stresses a noncompetitive physical exercise program with participation in weight training, sports training and circuit training. There are coed option activities that include softball, ultimate Frisbee and soccer. Teenage girls' exercise programs are in a very supportive environment that includes yoga and tone and firm classes.
Behavior Modification
Behavior modification is one of the ways that the counselors will work with campers to change a lifetime of poor nutrition or eating habits. Through this approach, you will develop lifelong skills through self-monitoring, goal-setting and making a contract. The precollegiate programs concentrate on teaching you how to avoid gaining the "freshman 15" so common among incoming freshman. These skills teach responsibility so that once you are on your own you can make smart and healthy choices about your body as you transition into adulthood.
Extracurricular
Extracurricular camp time will include field trips to places like Universal Studios and Broadway shows as well as ice skating, paintball excursions, camp dances, a trip to the movies and a talent show. Camp La Jolla includes beach bonfires, scavenger hunts and dances with visits to Disneyland, Comic-Con International and Sea World.
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