February 27, 2007
Weight Loss Camp for Teens
One of the recent trends in specialty summer camps is the introduction of weight loss camps with curriculums specifically tailored to overweight children and teens. These camps have been unfortunately and insentively referred to as fat camps by some.
The general ideology behind these weight camps is to manage carefully the dietary intake of the campers while introducing appropriate levels of activity in order to reduce body fat levels.
It’s important to note that when camp ends the lessons learned at camp should be continued to insure the loss of weight is maintained and continued through healthy lifestyle choices.
My personal recommendation is a program introduced by WellSpring Weight Loss Camps who recommend a series of questions you should pose to prospective weight loss camp directors:
What was last year’s average weekly weight loss at Camp?
What are the camp’s long-term results? What percentage of campers maintain or continue weight loss at home?
Who designed the weight loss program? What are their credentials? Is the program design scientifically based?
Is counseling or behavior modification offered? By credentialed therapists?
If so, do the therapists work full time at the camp during the summer?
Does each camper have an individual therapist assigned to him or her? Do therapists continue to work with campers after campers return home?
How are families involved?
How many campers return each year?
Did they regain weight?
Will new campers feel left out because of cliques from prior years?
How large is the Camp? Is it a manageable size where the Camp Director knows each and every camper?
Can we talk to several families of campers who have maintained or continued weight loss from last summer?
Does the camp demonstrate improvements in self-esteem and overall well-being?
