Why Campers Choose Wellspring

For many families considering Wellspring Camps, the decision process is:

1. Should I send my child to weight loss camp this summer?
2. Can’t I do this at home?
3. Will my child go?
4. Which weight loss camp should I choose?

We’ll try to address these questions in order.

1. Should I send my child to weight loss camp this summer?

Research is very clear that overweight children and teens are extremely likely to become obese adults – nearly 80% likely, according to the data. So hoping that the problem will go away on its own is not very realistic. Research also reveals that overweight children, adolescents and young adults typically have lower self-esteem, and in many cases clinically significant levels of depression. Studies show overweight young people are less likely to graduate college, less likely to get married, and more likely to occupy a lower socioeconomic status.

Over the years we have helped thousands of kids lose literally tons of weight and keep this weight off. The fitness and weight loss results these campers achieve in a short period of time are outstanding, but what is even better are the changes to self esteem, mood, and outlook—these changes are transformative and inspirational.

The time to act is now.  Research shows that the longer the issue is left untreated, the more difficult it is to resolve.

2. Can’t I do this at home?

If you’re wondering if you can do this at home, the question is—have you tried other things previously and how have these worked? If the answers are “yes” and “not very well”, then a proven, comprehensive, and integrated weight loss program like Wellspring is something you should strongly consider. 

Overweight and obesity are complex physiological and behavioral issues, exacerbated by environmental factors.  A professionally-managed, comprehensive and intensive weight management program is able to act on all issues at once, and in most cases help campers to make a dramatic change.  Simply buying a gym membership, going on a diet or hiring a personal trainer will not have the same impact, because the changes are nowhere near as comprehensive and intensive, and because these changes aren’t getting at the underlying behaviors.

3. Will my child go?

For many children, teens, and young adults, the decision to attend weight loss camp is extremely hard. Giving up part of the summer, being away from family and friends, and making lifestyle changes are not things every young person is willing to do. But we know from our experience working with thousands of families that parents play the most important role in making this decision. Once parents understand how to approach their child on the topic, it is usually an easy process.

For specific suggestions on how to talk to your child, click here.

Our experience has also shown that once kids arrive at camp, they almost always enjoy themselves. If you’d like to talk through the decision process, please contact a Wellspring admissions counsellor at 866-364-0808 or email admissions@wellspringcamps.com.

Don’t wait to help your child learn a healthy lifestyle.

4. How do I find a good fitness and weight loss camp?

Besides enjoying new experiences, having a great summer, and making friends, the goal is to lose weight and get in shape. When choosing a weight loss camp, you want to know how campers lose weight (and how much) and if they keep that weight off. If the program does not study and report these findings, it’s fair to question why they don’t.

Below are some questions you should ask Wellspring or any weight loss you are considering.

1. What was last year’s average weekly weight loss at Camp?

2. What are the camp’s long-term results? What percentage of campers maintain or continue weight loss at home?

3. Who designed the weight loss program? What are their credentials? Is the program design scientifically based?

4. Is counseling or behavior modification offered? By credentialed therapists?

5. 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?

6. How are families involved?

7. Do the campers have fun? Do campers get exposed to different types of activities?

8. How large is the Camp? Is it a manageable size where the Camp Director knows each and every camper?

9. Can we talk to several families of campers who have maintained or continued weight loss from last summer?

10. Does the camp demonstrate improvements in self-esteem and overall well-being?