Wellspring North Carolina Success Stories

Wellspring Adventure Camp offers campers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience incredible adventure and make great friends-all while losing weight and getting fit. Campers and parents report a huge boost in confidence, improved health, more motivation at home and school, and a whole new outlook on life. Below are a few of these stories.

Hank S., Vero Beach, FL

Lost 63 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and an additional 30 pounds at home

WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS FOR HANK AND HIS DAD…
Going to Wellspring gave me the tools I needed to achieve lifelong weight loss. I was 293 pounds on June 3rd, 2009 and lost 63 pounds during camp by August 8th, 2009. Since I have been home I have continued to use the program along with my Dad and am now down another 30 pounds and weigh 195 pounds. My father has lost 30 pounds as he continues to get his steps by walking 9 holes of golf each evening after work and is down to 220 pounds also. We use the program together and that's what helps me keep going. The parents' training classes on July 4th weekend helped him get a head start and have the house and kitchen prepared for my return home in August.

WONDERFUL CHANGES…
No one can ever believe the difference this has made in my life. Can you even imagine the difference in the way I feel after leaving school for the summer at 300 pounds and returning at almost 200 pounds? The way people now treat me compared to before and the way I feel about myself is so wonderful.

It was very hard work during camp and sometimes you felt like you could give up but the staff and your fellow campers all pull together and encourage each other to keep pushing. In the end, I believe it is the most positive life changing experience an overweight kid can ever go though. Thank you Wellspring!

Jessie W., Greensboro, NC

Lost 18 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and continues to lose weight at home

FROM JESSIE'S MOM:

First I wanted to let you all know that I thought your parent program was amazing. I learned so much and it really was motivational. Jessie came home and is doing very well. She cleaned out the pantry and made a grocery list and we went shopping. She has gotten her steps in each day and so have I. She continues to be mindful of her fat intake. This morning she had cheer team conditioning and after three hours, she had over 11,000 steps in. Her coach pulled me aside when I picked her up and said that in all the years she had been coaching Jessie (5 years) she had never seen Jessie in such good shape and so happy.

Finally, I truly appreciate Wellspring and all of the staff at the Adventure Camp who played an integral part in Jessie's success. I have a different daughter home with me today than I did 8 weeks ago and for that I am truly grateful. You all are an inspiration and I truly believe as the epidemic of obesity has taken over the U.S., a new epidemic, The Wellspring Plan, can take it back!

Melissa W., Mom of Jessica, Greensboro, North Carolina

Grant S., Decatur, Illinois

Lost 63 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and has continued to lose weight at home.

FROM GRANT'S MOM:

I am forever thankful that we found Wellspring. What an experience for Grant - he is continuing to do well here at home and many other kids at school did not even recognize him! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication.

Gayla S., Mom of Grant, Decatur, Illinois

Ben H., Indianola, IN

Lost 36 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and an additional 10.6 pounds (and counting!) at home. His mom has lost 30.4 pounds so far.

FROM BEN'S MOM:

You are an amazing group of people and we will forever be grateful to you all for starting Ben (and me, as well) on our new journey.

Ben weighed in this morning and he has lost another 10.6 pounds since leaving camp less than a month ago. That puts him down a total of 46.6 pounds since he started camp. I am down 30.4 pounds since he started camp so, as a family we've lost 77 pounds on the plan.

Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you -- you have given this mother's heart a tremendous lift. We went school shopping today and Ben was able to purchase XL t-shirts (shirts that were on the "regular" racks) for the first time in three years. I am so appreciative of what you've done and the continued support he's getting.

You will ALWAYS have cheerleaders here in our household.

Peter V., Decatur, Illinois

Lost 57 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and has continued to lose weight at home.

FROM PETER'S MOM:

Thank You for a great family weekend, packed with our program and plan. We appreciate all of the help and support you gave Pete and I.

We see how and why the program works, and we are so very proud of Peter.
We thought the training was great, and we understand the program and appreciate the three simple steps! We have started!

Pete and Janet V., parents of Peter, Decatur, Illinois

Zellie H., Severna Park, MD

Lost 40 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and has continued to lose weight at home, along with her Mom.

DISCOURAGED AND SEARCHING FOR A SOLUTION…

Before I attended Wellspring, I didn't give any thought to my diet, fitness level or health. I didn't like being over weight. I had tried to lose weight using several other weight loss programs such as Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, but I did not feel as if those programs focused on my overall health and the reasons for my battle with weight. Other programs did not provide a permanent solution for me. I lost 15 pounds using the Jenny Craig program, but I regained that and more quickly. Also, before going to Wellspring Camp, I fought a lot with my parents about my weight. I was discouraged about my ability to ever lose weight. I didn't think it was possible.

WELL ON HER WAY TO GOAL WEIGHT…

The Wellspring program really worked for me. I have lost 40 pounds. My beginning weight was 238 lbs. and I now weigh 198 lbs. My goal is to weigh 150 lbs., so I am almost half way to my goal weight.

A "WELLSPRINGED" KITCHEN AND LIFESTYLE…

After returning from camp last summer, my Mom and I "Wellspringed" our kitchen. We got rid of all of the high fat food and replaced it with healthy, low fat foods that I like. I make a weekly shopping list based on Wellspring recipes. I used to skip breakfast, but now I eat a healthy, low fat breakfast every morning and pack a healthy, low fat lunch to take to school. I eat a low fat snack after school and our entire family eats a dinner made from a Wellspring recipe. I even took a 2-day trip to New York City and stayed on the Wellspring Plan while eating every meal in a restaurant. I joined a fitness club where I use an elliptical machine for my cardio workout and I use weights for muscle tone. I try to go to the fitness club at least 3 times a week. At school, I am taking a Walking Course this semester and the class walks on a local rail trail 2-3 times a week for 1 ½ hours. I am seeing a therapist once a week and she and I have discussed my health goals and some of the road blocks I have faced at times. I also keep in contact with my Wellspring BC, and Wellspring Camp friends. I use Wellspring's online self-monitoring program every day. I want to return to Wellspring Camp this coming summer.

WORTH IT TO STAY WITH IT…

The hardest thing about the Wellspring Plan for me during my first month at camp was coming to the realization that I must become a lifelong weight controller in order to be healthy and fit and maintain my goal weight. I felt very vulnerable during the beginning of camp. I had to admit that I had a health problem and that I needed to make permanent changes in my behavior to become healthier and to stay healthy.

I would tell another camper who was struggling with issues similar to mine that the Wellspring Plan really works and that staying on the program gets easier as time goes by, especially when you begin to see positive results. I would tell the camper that they will be surprised to learn how many tasty low fat food options there are to eat. I would also say that talking about your feelings with friends, your BC and other campers going through the same thing can be helpful. As far as participating in the Wellspring fitness program goes, I would say that I've learned that being fit is its own reward. You feel better and you look better in your clothes.

FROM ZELLIE'S MOM…

I could not be more pleased for my daughter and myself. I found the camp staff to be professional, helpful, and very skilled. Wellspring created the perfect environment to help my daughter learn to address her health issues and to feel accepted and supported. She had a great deal of success and fun at camp and that experience has carried over to her home life. Zellie is half way to her goal weight and continuing to use the Wellspring Plan.

I am fortunate that I am not genetically predisposed to weight gain, but over the last decade, I had become more sedentary and less careful about my diet. Since we adopted the Wellspring Plan at home, I have lost 30 pounds and I exercise daily and feel healthy and fit.

Matthew M., Harbinger, NC

Lost 22 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and another 16 pounds (so far!) at home.

FROM MATTHEW'S MOM:

Our son, Matthew, continues to make great strides in his weight loss battle. We are so appreciative of all that you and the staff at Wellspring have done for him! He competed in a 5K race at the ocean this weekend, something we could have never imagined a year ago. It was all on the beach in the sand, all the more impressive! :) Matthew is also working with a personal trainer and is registered for a Sprint Triathlon in September!!!

His weight is down to 196 (He went to Wellspring at 234 I believe!!!)

Gina M., Mom of Matthew, Harbinger, North Carolina

Luke B., Roswell, GA

Lost 21 pounds at Wellspring Adventure Camp and has continued to lose weight at home.

FROM LUKE'S DAD:

It was great to meet you and to attend the parent workshop. We are pleased with the results of Luke's Wellspring experience and education and feel good about Luke's and our future as a family. You will be glad to hear that when we got home on Saturday night (after Luke took us to High Falls for a swim and slide down the rock), Luke inspected our cabinets and refrigerator and found another bag of "garbage" that we had missed in making our house "on program".

Mark B., Dad of Luke, Roswell, Georgia

Wellspring Adventure Camp North Carolina campers say…
"I just want to thank Wellspring for giving me my life back. It has given me a life to look forward to. I now have no doubt that I have a great future in store for my life."

"Wellspring has changed my life. The results for my test before said I could have a heart attack at age 14. Ultimately, that said I have problems. So, thanks Wellspring for saving my life. Thank you for everything."

Parents Talk About Wellspring Adventure Camp…
Cody has lost another 10 lbs. since the end of August. He has joined the wrestling team which he would never had thought of before summer Camp. I have a whole new son…

-Judy C., Franklin, NC

Wellspring was life-altering for my child and our family. I think a child knowing how to lose weight effectively, and do it in a healthy manner is the best foundation for someone in the American culture, where we are bombarded with unhealthy choices. The best feeling for me is not being the food police. I found myself always feeling like I was ruining my child by monitoring her eating habits. It has to be their choice. She now has gone out for cheerleading, which I would have never believed before. I am very grateful to all our coaches and therapists, who took their summer and mentored this group of kids. I would love to bring the program to our area because as a state, we rate near highest on the obesity chart. I now share the program with anyone who will listen. I'm a firm believer in referring a great program because that is how I got here. Thank you again.
--Cecilia M., Daphne, AL

Thank you for running such a successful and effective program. Hank weighed in this morning at 223 pounds. Jessica and her staff did a fantastic job. Rusty, Bridget and Jessica are all fantastic. Hank really liked Derrick, Adam and Thomas also. He said they really helped him and kept him motivated and on track. I hope you have a permanent place for Rusty and Bridget at the home office as they would be a great permanent catch for you.
Hank started 9 weeks ago at for his initial weigh-in at 289 pounds. He is still committed to the program and intends to be 200 pounds by October 1st. That would be basically 90 pounds of weight loss in 16 weeks. As it stands now he lost 66 pounds in 63 days of camp. That is pretty amazing. That is 23% of his body weight in 9 weeks and he had the flu one week and a sprained ankle the last week.

I think he is a prime candidate for your poster child at 200 pounds in 16 weeks after starting at 289. He enjoyed camp and really hated to leave. He is next door at Ms. Simpson's house now helping her develop a plan for her health and PE classes at school this year. She is in charge of health and PE at Hank's High School which is Indian River Charter High School. She will be calling you to set up a fit camp. Look at Hank's before and after pictures on your web site. He started at a 46 waist and is in 38 jeans today which are a little big. He plans on getting to 180 by Christmas. Thanks again for everything.

- Bill S., Vero Beach, FL

To say that Wellspring was a good investment is a gross understatement. It was one of the best investments we ever made because it went far beyond weight loss to teach responsibility, team work, and commitment. Our daughter has taken the sound principles she learned at Wellspring and has adapted them to the real world. She is 100% committed to her health and well-being. More than any other single experience in her life, Wellspring provided an opportunity for her to take pride in herself and her accomplishments.
Susan B., Asheville, NC

Our 16-year-old son attended the eight-week session at Wellspring Adventure Camp. He had been overweight since he was around 5. His weight just kept creeping up no matter what sports he was participating in at school. We tried different methods for weight loss (even bribing him with money!) but nothing worked.
Desperate for an answer, we attended a Lap Band Seminar during the late Fall of 2006. We drove for 3 hours just to attend the seminar and then had to return home for school the next day. Leaving the seminar I felt so sick. I knew that was not an option for him at this point but there had to be something. I got online and researched weight loss camps. During my research, reading forums and making phone calls to Wellspring, my husband and I were very impressed.

The determining factors for choosing Wellspring for us was the counselor to camper ratio and the curriculum. It was incredible. What a fun summer my son would have! We talked to our son who was all for going but only wanted to attend the four-week session. While getting his physical for camp our Doctor had written "morbidly obese" on his file. After seeing that written on his file our son was prepared to attend the eight-week camp.

Our son spent his summer hiking, surfing, white water rafting, camping and learning about food. They taught him how to count calories, watch fat grams, portion sizes, made him accountable for keeping a food journal and so much more. It was hard for our son to leave camp, and say goodbye to all of his friends and the counselors. He had gotten really close to several people there. Upon returning home we would like to report that our son has lost 20-pounds in addition to the 71-pounds he lost at camp! We follow the Wellspring program. I have lost 13-pounds, my husband has lost 15-pounds and our oldest son has lost 20-pounds! My whole family made a lifestyle change to ensure our son's success. It is the best decision we have ever made as a family. Don't live to eat, eat to live!

Cindy H., Harrison, AL

I want to thank you for helping us make the decision to send Tiffani to Wellspring Adventure Camp this past summer. She was one of the youngest campers (she celebrated her 11th Birthday at Sliding Rock in the Pisgah Mountains). I spoke with you personally before making our decision. Your words were so comforting and reassuring that we decided to send her for eight-weeks (which was not even on the table at the time of our conversation because we couldn't imagine letting her go for four-weeks).
Prior to attending Wellspring, she was being bullied every day at school because of her weight. She cried countless times every day, she was very angry, she didn't trust other children, struggled in school and was a very unhappy little girl. The administration at her private school was aware of the bullying, but; dealt with it by telling Tiffani, "you're not fat you're just a big girl."

We were extremely fearful of sending her to camp because of her young age, not knowing if she would make friends or if she would be happy. We knew we had to do something because we were watching her spirit be crushed before our eyes.

Sending her to Wellspring was the best decision we ever made! Tiffani came home a strong and confident young lady. She made so many close friends at camp. She texts and emails with her Mountain Bear cabin mates every day. She has friends in Florida, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Mexico and all over.

She lost the weight she needed to lose and re-gained control of her health. Tiffani has been given a fresh start. She is at a new school this year and is making straight A's. She speaks openly about her experiences at Wellspring, proudly wears her pedometer and carries her journal and Calorie King with her everywhere.

Her most prized possession from camp is the 8X10 picture of her completing the timed mile on the last day of camp. She was running with her dad and her brother and was giving it everything she had. She had tears streaming down her cheeks, but wouldn't give up. Her cabin counselor Mel saw her struggling and ran to her with about a quarter mile left to go (in her flip flops by the way). I took a picture of Tiffani, Mel, her dad and brother crossing the finish line together.

Her expression is filled with pride, pain, joy, tears and determination. When my little girl looks at that picture she is still overcome with emotion because it was at that moment she realized that she can accomplish anything in life she sets her mind to. Wellspring changed her life and gave her the skills she needed to be strong, confident and love herself. For this we are forever grateful.

Doug and Sandra H., Columbus, OH

Our experience with Wellspring Adventure Camp changed our son's life. He is an entirely different child. We hardly recognized our son when we came to pick him up. He was enrolled for a four-week session but ended up staying for eight-weeks. During the first week of the first session, HE asked if he could attend the next. We were just elated that he was having so much fun, making so many new friends, and gaining so much knowledge about the "Obesity" epidemic that is engulfing our youth.

Every time we talked with him, we could feel his self-esteem going up, his knowledge of nutrition increasing, coping skills being developed, and lasting friendships being developed. For once these children had a safe haven to just have fun and be kids. No one was there to judge or criticize the one another and they knew that right off. The behavioral coaching these children received weekly was superb.

They really made them aware of what they are facing with their weight issues but most importantly how to deal with all the issues. They dealt with each child on a one-on-one basis. To us that was very important, because each child is different even though they are fighting the same battle. They helped them with strategies to deal with their own personal issues, and things like vacation, school, friends, eating-out, parties, special functions, etc.
Our son lost 42-pounds while attending Wellspring Adventure Camp. But most importantly, he gained so much self-respect! We are all so proud of him and he continues lose more. After one-month of being home and attending school, he has now lost a total of 50-pounds. He utilizes the journaling technique that he learned at camp daily. He holds himself accountable for everything he does....and that includes both eating and activity level. We are not saying this has been easy; we all work at it daily, but our experience with Wellspring has truly been a positive, life changing event for us and our son!
Tom and Angie K., Anderson, SC

We had not realized how much society and culture influenced our lifestyle until our daughter, Jessica, attended Wellspring Adventure Camp. Despite priding ourselves on being a family of competitive athletes, over the years we had adopted a pattern of fast food and quick meals, which resulted in not only weight gain but constant physical discomfort. It soon became easier to make up excuses for not doing any physically activity.
Thanks to Wellspring, we adjusted our daily eating habits and now, as a family, we have lost a total of 85 pounds. Jessica continues to maintain her weight loss from Camp, her father has lost 45-pounds and I lost 20-pounds. And we all look forward to our daily walks with our new, very energetic puppy, Brutus! - Thanks to Wellspring and your staff. You made life fun again!

Missi B., Burlington, NC

My son attended Wellspring Adventure Camp for eight-weeks this past summer. What a change. He has learned a much healthier lifestyle than I could have ever taught him. It is now just over a month since he's been home and he's still losing weight. I'm supporting him by following the program's eating guidelines (which has lead to my loosing 10-pounds since he's been home). I know that the program saved his life. If he'd continued to gain 10+ pounds a year, he'd probably have had a heart attack by the time he was 18 (Berent was born with a bicuspid aortic valve which limits the blood flow from the heart and also with a club foot).

I had never seen him truly run, and now he is so independent and committed to the Wellspring program and exercise. I thank the counselors for helping him not only overcome his weight problem, but they helped him get over being afraid to really work his club foot and get the strength built up. THANK YOU. Best regards.
Marie K., Bethesda, MD

My daughter went to Wellspring after enduring the emotional pain of being teased (repeatedly and unmercifully) about her weight by a so-called friend for several months. When she and I would be at home alone, she would say how ugly she was, and question why God made her the way He did. As a mother, my heart aches to hear any child, especially mine, say such things.

As a master's level social worker, I know first hand the signs of depression and self hate. I know what the long term affects of depression can be if not treated (in this case physically and emotionally). I did not want my daughter to become clinically depressed and watch her spiral down into the pit of the abyss.
Wellspring Adventure Camp truly helped Alexis be the 35 lbs. lighter, happier, and healthier child that she is today. She is working toward losing another 15-20 pounds. Not only has her posture improved, her outlook on life has too. She feels prettier and is ready to tackle the world!

The camp encouraged her and gave her the tools to succeed at tasks (rock climbing, 3 and 4 day hikes, and white water rapids) that only those with the highest esteem can do, and do well. Wellspring Adventure Camp is worth every cent my family spent to send Alexis there. After all, what's worth more than your child's health and happiness? NOTHING!!!

Erica W., Durham, NC

My 12-year-old son, Alex, attended Wellspring Adventure Camp for eight weeks. Prior to attending he had become lethargic, argumentative and generally depressed, though he never admitted it was due to his weight. He was excited to go to the adventure camp because he had seen some of the activities on the web site and DVD introduction. My son has always liked the outdoors, so he was happy to be camping and doing outdoor activities. During the summer we never heard that he was unhappy or home sick.

He lost thirty pounds over the summer and is continuing to lose, having now lost forty-five pounds. His attitude is 100% better. He is taking more responsibility for his actions and choices and is much more cooperative at home. He enjoyed the culinary classes and is teaching us the HOP friendly way of cooking and eating. Restaurants are no longer a struggle as he is making his own "HOP" choices. I cannot say enough good things about the Wellspring program. I wish every overweight child had access to Wellspring and am excited about their "Fit Club" community programs to make it available to all. As my son says, "Wellspring Rocks!!"

Carol W., Palmyra, VA

I'm happy to report that Drew is continuing to follow the Wellspring program. He is very enthusiastic about continuing to manage his weight. We are all following the low-fat regime at home. I believe this has been a help to Drew as well as good for the rest of us. He looks great.

During the winter, Drew was working with a nutritionist and a physical trainer in an attempt to get him focused on healthy eating and a more active lifestyle. He was moderately successful but there was no recognizable difference in his approach to food and exercise. Drew was succeeding in school and had friends but he was clearly self-conscious about his weight and appearance. We decided to send him to Wellspring Adventure Camp.

When he returned the changes were immediately noticeable to me and others in his life. It wasn't just the weight loss; his whole demeanor appeared to change. To say he was enthusiastic about the low fat diet is an understatement. Once we got home he was comfortable with himself. His positive attitude has carried over into every part of life.

The fact that he has been able to take control of his weight and succeeded seems to have made him realize that he can take control of other aspects of his life and he seems to relish the new independence. He is a much happier person.

Julie J., Chevy Chase, MD

My 11-year-old daughter, Motria, attended the Wellspring Adventure Camp in North Carolina. Motria lost 20-pounds in four weeks! This was astounding to me! I picked Motria up at the airport in Montreal and I couldn't believe my eyes. When I dropped her off at camp, she was a chubby little girl, when I picked her up, she was tall and slim! I could hardly recognize her.

More than her looks, her attitudes about food and eating changed dramatically. I was and still am so pleased, that I could just hug all of you guys. Since coming back home, Motria has lost 10-pounds additional pounds and even better, I personally, have been on the Wellspring Plan and have lost 22-pounds!! Motria's self esteem has sky rocketed. At school, she is now popular and one of the teachers has now nick-named her role model.
All the girls who didn't want to play with her last year are now clamoring to play with her this year. She is able to buy nicer clothing, and she looks better in dresses and all clothes! I don't know how to thank Wellspring! Had I known how good the program was and how successful, Motria would be, I would have arranged her to attend the eight-week program.

Thank you!
Dana C., Winnipeg, MB Canada