With adolescent obesity rates more than tripling since the 1980s, (see reference 1) parents are increasingly looking for solutions to help their teenagers lose weight. Summer camps that offer weight loss programs are an option. A 2005 study in the journal "Pediatrics" found children that attended these camps experienced a decrease in body mass index and an improvement in blood pressure, aerobic fitness and self-esteem. If you are looking for a weight loss summer program for your teen, there are a number of options.
Camp Shane
Founded in 1968, Camp Share offers programs for boys ages 7 to 19, girls ages 7 to 17, and young women ages 18 to 25. Sessions last between three and nine weeks, and camp facilities are located in the Catskill Mountains in New York. Camp Shane is also located near Swinging Bridge Lake, a nine-mile long lake, so lake activities are a big part of the camp experience. Besides physical activity, programs to help campers lose weight include nutrition education, cooking classes and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Camp Jump Start
Located in Imperial, Mo., Camp Jump Start offers four- and eight-week camp sessions for children 9- to 17-years old. Camp Jump Start promotes itself as the first health-professional owned and operated weight loss camp in the country. The program includes nutrition education, exercise, behavioral modification, cognitive therapy, stress management and self-esteem activities, among others. Additionally, family intervention and education is offered, as is a long-term care plan.
New Image Camps
With locations in the Pocono Mountains, Pa. and on Lake Pierce in Haines City, Fla., New Image Camps are open to children ages 7 to 19. Sessions range from two to about eight weeks, with weight loss "being an integral part of the camp experience," according to the camp website. New Camp boasts a 4 to 1 counselor to camper ratio and offers a range of activities, including water sports, athletics, calisthenics and fitness programs and adventure trails.
Wellspring
Wellspring offers 10 summer camp programs throughout the United States. Most are geared toward children between the ages of 11 to 18, but there are a few exceptions. For example, the New York camp is exclusively for young women between the ages of 11 and 24, and Wellspring Camp La Jolla in California offers programs for boys and girls ages 8 to 18 and young women ages 19 to 29. On average, campers lose about 4 lbs. per week.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Childhood Obesity
- "Pediatrics": Children's Residential Weight-Loss Programs Can Work: A Prospective Cohort Study of Short-Term Outcomes for Overweight and Obese Children. Gately PJ, Cooke CB, Barth JH, Bewick BM, Radley D, Hill AJ. 2005 Jul;116(1):73-7.
- Wellspring Camps: The Wellspring Plan: A Complete and Proven Program for a Healthy Lifestyle
Member Comments