Weight-loss camps provide a fun-filled fitness environment for children to enjoy losing weight. These camps offer fitness programs that include various classes and exercise activities as well as counseling for the campers. There are no weight-loss camps in the state of Rhode Island; however, two camps can be found nearby--Camp Shane in New York and Camp Kingsmont in Massachusetts.
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is considered to be a national epidemic and a major public health issue in the United States. Obese children are prone to developing diseases that can lead to chronic medical conditions. They may also have a shorter life expectancy than non-obese children. Children are considered obese when the accumulation of their body fat, also known as the Body Mass Index (BMI), is significantly disproportionate to their height. Many obese children often suffer from medical conditions that include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
Childhood Obesity in Rhode Island
The problem of childhood obesity is prevalent in many states across the country including Rhode Island. The Care New England Health System reports that in 2007 the percentage of childhood obesity in Rhode Island was more than 25 percent. According to the State of Rhode Island Department of Health in 2007, one in five children in Rhode Island began kindergarten being overweight, and less than 42 percent of these children met the current physical activity recommendations, 81 percent of them had an inadequate fruits and vegetable intake and more than 27 percent of them watched three or more hours of television on a daily basis. Data from the 2007 Rhode Island Immunization Program shows that 20 percent or more of children in kindergarten and 7th grade are obese.
Functions of Weight-Loss Camps
The primary function of weight-loss camps is to address the physical and emotional needs of children suffering from obesity. The camps provide programs and classes that give children the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of exercising in a fun camp-like setting. They learn to develop a positive attitude toward their health, and they offer classes on food and nutrition, self-esteem awareness and counseling. Although Rhode Island does not currently have any weight-loss camps for kids, the state offers various programs that are geared toward tackling the problem of childhood obesity. These programs include the Kids Choose to be Healthy Program offered at Kent Hospital and the Healthy Steps Program provided by the Care New England Wellness Center.
Camp Shane
Camp Shane is three hours away from Rhode Island and is situated in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It is a coed camp that has been in operation for 42 years and caters to children ages 7 to 17 and young women ages 18 to 25. The camp is open from late June to mid August, and campers can participate in three-, six- and nine-week sessions. The programs are highly supervised and campers are treated to tasty, portion-controlled meals and taught classes in cooking and nutrition. There is a counseling staff and activity specialists of 160 men and women from the United States, Canada, England and Australia. The camp offers cabin facilities that are fully equipped with private showers and restrooms. There are a variety of activities including aerobics, dance, sports, Tao Bo, swimming, canoeing and water skiing, as well as woodworking, needle craft, music, nutrition and cooking classes.
Camp Kingsmont
Camp Kingsmont is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, just over two hours away from Rhode Island. The camp caters to boys and girls ages 9 to 18 and offers campers sessions that last from two to eight weeks. This camp offers a weight-loss program that focuses on developing the self-confidence of the child while helping him to develop healthy eating habits to maintain a lifestyle of fitness. The camp offers a nutrition education program that teaches campers the importance of adopting and maintaining health eating habits. Facilities provided at the camp include the college dorms, dining area, lecture halls, pool and athletic fields. Fitness activities include football, volleyball, field hockey, soccer, basketball, water polo and mountain biking, as well as weight and strength training.
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