Wellspring Pennsylvania campers change their lives in so many positive ways—better health, more motivation and stamina, great new friendships, soaring confidence, and a whole new outlook on life. Campers share their stories below.
Steven M., North Street, MI
Lost 20 pounds at camp and another 20 pounds (so far!) at home.
FAMILY HAS LOST A COMBINED 96 LBS…
I wanted to thank you and all the staff again for the great experience Steve had at camp. The one thing that I noticed is that everyone seemed to really care about the wellbeing of the kids. I never got the impression that they were just there because it was "a job".
Steve was really proud when he saw all his friends on Sunday and is feeling great about himself. He is a different person now and he is very excited about his progress. We are very proud of him. He lost 20 lbs. at camp and another 20 since coming home. Our family has now lost a combined 96 lbs. since Steve started camp.
--David M., Dad of Steve
Keri K., Laurel, MD
Lost 35 pounds at camp and another 15 pounds (so far!) at home.
UNHAPPINESS CAUSES CONCERN…
I went to Wellspring this past summer, and it changed my life. Before I went to Wellspring I was totally unhappy with myself and my family was concerned. I went online one night and found Wellspring and was really optimistic about it. My parents were unsure about sending me away for 8 weeks, but as they found out it was my chance to turn my life around.
THE TIME OF HER LIFE…
I lost 35 pounds at camp, found amazing friends, had the time of my life, and went home and took what I learned at camp and put it to use and lost 15 more pounds so far. I knew I had the ability to make my life better and Wellspring helped me so much along the way.
FROM KERI'S MOM…
Keri is doing wonderful, looks wonderful, playing the sports she loves, and is spending lots of time with Sylvia in VA these days. Our success story is one I will always be thankful to you and your team of great people for!!! I wish you the best of everything.
- Mary Beth, Mom of Keri
Caroline R., Bryn Mawr, PA
Lost 19 pounds at camp and has continued to lose weight at home.
LEARNING TO MAINTAIN ON HER OWN...
I'm doing a great job at home! I've had many, many times where I've done excellent, and many, many times where things weren't so great, but I'm learning and that's what's important! I never got a chance to thank you so much for everything you have done for me.
FOUND HER TRUE SELF…
Wellspring had more of an impact on my life than anything has before. I found my true self this summer. Without coming to Wellspring, I know that I would not be the person I am today. Do you know how much happier I am at home now?! I have more friends, boys don't even care about my weight anymore, and I don't have the same personality that I did before camp. I want you to know that I LOVED every single minute that I spent at camp.
COMMITMENT TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE…
I left camp at 165 lbs. I have made a commitment to myself that I'm going to work my butt off until i reach 125 lbs.! I'm attending Yoga, Pilates, and spinning classes at my gym. I have changed my life around completely. I'm much more social and not as lazy. And I do not smoke or drink anymore since I got back from Wellspring. Carol is the best BC anyone could EVER ask for. When I'm talking to her, I feel like I'm talking to my best friend that I've known since I was born. She is so encouraging and always knows what to do in a sticky situation. Not only does she help me with my weight loss, but she helps with friend and family issues. I am so lucky to have a woman like her.
Thanks so much again. For everything. You changed my life!
FROM CAROLINE'S MOM…
I wanted to thank you for all you did for our daughter Caroline this summer. She had such an incredible experience and was so sad leaving everyone. She said it was the best experience in her life thus far!! She is doing remarkably well and has continued loosing weight and doing her program everyday.
- Leslie, Mom of Caroline
Wellspring Pennsylvania campers say…
"I was so sick of being overweight but never had the motivation or the skills to lose that weight. Now that I know there is a plan for me I know I can continue to lose the weight and stay healthy for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for everything Wellspring has given me. Losing the weight has brought back my smile and I feel like a new person. If it wasn't for Wellspring Pennsylvania, I would just continue to lose control but now I am in control of my destiny."
"The whole experience has blown me away. Going from someone who would just sit around all day watching T.V. to now someone who rarely ever watches T.V. now is just incredible. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to do this for myself!"
"I am so happy I came to Wellspring and want to stay on plan and I really do think it's successful. I am running a mile in 8-minutes and have lots so much fat on my body and I made so many friends and can do so much I never thought I could do!"
"I had a really good opportunity and experience at Wellspring. I had a good time. This plan really works and I'm happy with my results. I can't wait to get started at home."
"I had an overall great experience - I'm so happy I got to attend Wellspring. Learning how to cook healthy and delicious food, on top of feeling confident and getting to try new sports was the best part!"
Wellspring Pennsylvania Parents Love the Changes They See in Their Kids…
As an overview, Wellspring was probably the BEST thing we EVER did for Amanda, AND for our family. Amanda definitely does not binge anymore, which was one of her biggest issues. Although she eats more carbs and less protein than I would like her to... she is eating very low fat. My husband has lost about 30 lbs. since our Family Workshop Weekend at week 4. He knew he needed to lose weight but always had trouble... the Wellspring guidelines made it extremely easy for him to take off the weight. He is still exercising daily and monitoring, etc.
I am an emotional eater and eat under stress, and my work is very stressful. I have learned to control it somewhat. Since I have no more Wellspring UN-friendly food in the house, even if I do over-indulge, it is not with junk. We are still reviewing restaurant menus before we go, so we can make a good choice. If we go to a party, I try to always bring something that is Wellspring-friendly for Amanda and our family.
We know this is going to be a lifelong journey and would like to continue to be a part of the Wellspring family.
Laurie H., Auburn Township, OH
Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to all of the counselors and staff here at Wellspring. Christie has been transformed, not just physically, but in every way. Her thinking about food and her entire attitude about life has changed. It's truly amazing that this could take place in four-weeks! Christie came here a young lady suffering from anxiety and low self-esteem. She is leaving as a young woman confident in what she can accomplish and much less anxious. I want to thank everyone involved with Wellspring for their efforts in this process. You have all been a true blessing to Christie and our family.
Anne Marie S., Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
I am certain that you hear this all of the time but I really need to tell you how grateful I am for you and everyone involved with Wellspring. Each of you who are doing this for our children are exceptionally special individuals and I cannot say thank you enough. You are all caring and motivating and exactly what these kids need.
Jill P., Lodi, New Jersey
I just wanted to thank you personally for your leadership of the Wellspring PA camp that Elizabeth attended. She worked hard, but enjoyed herself and the results she accomplished.
By the time she left the camp, she had lost 27 pounds! I was amazed and very happy. She has not kept up with the SMJ process, but the mindset sticks with her. She has continued to lose about a pound per week and so has now lost a total of 44 pounds. Her confidence is back. She remains active by walking vs. riding to school each day and with her daily practice / workout with the flag team from her school's marching band.
She is trying out new extra curricular activities, like the Model U.N. club and made a 4.0 GPA for her first report card in high school.
Her brother and I have adjusted our lifestyle to support Elizabeth. As a result, we have both become more active and lost weight as well.
The cost to send her to Wellspring PA was not easy for our family to pay, but I think the results of Elizabeth viewing herself and her life differently will definitely be worth it down the road.
Thanks again for your leadership and may God bless you in your future endeavors.
Deborah B., Waldorf, MD
The Wellspring program is a wonderful program! All of the coaches have been extremely supportive and they really play such an important role with the kids! They go beyond the call of duty. This has been a great experience for both me and Alexis. Thank you so much. I only wish I would have known earlier.
Rene C., Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
We have had an amazing transformation in our home since my son, Eugene, attended the Wellspring PA this past summer. He lost 22 pounds in four weeks and has already taken off another 10 since he came home. Although we face challenges I truly believe Eugene has gained the knowledge he needed and has put it into practice here at home. He is so committed and enthused about how his relationship with food can be a good thing and he's found that activity can actually be fun. We play racquetball regularly and enjoy challenging each other to 10K steps a day.
We hope our experience may enlighten anyone on the fence about making the expenditure for a summer camp. I truly believe without the "immersion" of camp it would not have happened here on our own.
Connie C., Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
Kim has done well. She has kept the weight off but has not worked the program completely enough to lose more weight. BUT the principles she learned stay with her and she is much more in-tune with what her body needs when it comes to her weight. As your website says- it is one of the best things I have ever done for her.
Marcia C., Olney, MD
I'm so glad to hear from you and Wellspring. I am so excited about what Wellspring has done for Catie in these past two-months. Not only did she lose 18 pounds while she was at camp, she's now down to 207 pounds (from 238 on 7/19). In addition, I've lost 20 pounds and we're both well on our way to a much healthier lifestyle. Before she left for camp, she was insulin resistant, with resulting visible skin discoloration. Today, the skin discoloration is completely gone and we're both amazed that it was completely diet and exercise related. We now walk twice a day (most days) - rain or shine - for approximately an hour at a time, and she goes to the gym three-days a week. (Some days I make it; some days I don't...she's much more dedicated to the gym, but I'm trying.) In addition, she's taking a cooking class this year and has been thoroughly disappointed in them after having attended Veronica's excellent culinary and nutrition classes!
All I can say is thank you! What a world of difference Wellspring has been for us. Thank you - to everyone at Wellspring - for giving me my healthy daughter back!
I've hailed your praises to our family practitioner and strongly recommended that she research Wellspring and keep you in mind for future families struggling with adolescent weight issues. (She was absolutely amazed at Catie's progress in such a short period of time, and was thrilled to high-five her for doing such an amazing job this summer!)
I know it's a lot of work and probably some days you want to pull your hair out with all the adolescent "issues" of running the camp, but I hope you guys never question its value because we're living proof that you've all made a HUGE difference in Catie's life! Thank you again - for a wonderful summer camp experience!
Jill B., Conroe, TX
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.
Sydnia J., Severna Park, MD
Our daughter, Beth attended Wellspring for an eight-week session. Beth accepted the fact that she needed help and put in a great deal of effort in the program and it resulted in a positive change of her life. Beth came home and taught us how the program worked, to watch our fat intake and eat more intelligently. We felt Beth benefited from the cognitive behavioral counseling in addition to the group interaction which are important aspects of the Wellspring Program.
While the Wellspring Camp was a significant expenditure for our family, as our insurance did not cover any of the tuition, we viewed the camp as an investment into our daughter's future. The results have proven to be worth the money as Beth is maintaining the weight loss and her quality of life has greatly improved. From school work, to athletics, to the joy of clothes shopping with her friends, Beth is much happier now than before attending the camp.
Jerry C., Sinking Spring, PA
I cannot tell you what a difference camp has made in Jack's life, in all of our lives. He came back from camp a new young man. He was and remains very proud of himself. He has continued to watch what he eats and encourages us all to eat healthy. He exercises everyday after school. The seniors at his high school have been very impressed with the freshman who is so committed that he works out every afternoon.
I really think the therapeutic part of Wellspring is what makes it stand head and shoulders above all others. There are many weight loss camps, but that is not the outstanding part. The therapeutic part is what changes lives. My son is so proud of himself and his approach to life is "what will I do", not what can I do.
It is very unfortunate that you only accept kids with weight problems because there are so many more kids who need help with issues of self esteem. You have such an excellent approach that I hope you expand into other areas of need. I will tell you that Jack has lost much more weight. He looks great and seems to have changed his life. He continues to monitor our food. I loved the parents' weekend and everything about the camp. The staff was remarkable and very well trained. It was just wonderful and truly couldn't be happier.
Candace G., Cleveland, OH
I wanted to let you all know how grateful I am for all the support you've given both Jess and myself. When speaking to her, I hear such a positive change in how she views the world, and, most importantly, how she views herself. I hear statements that make me feel that she can continue this process at home. The teenage I speak to today is not the same teenager who arrived at your camp eight-weeks ago. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication.
Debbie C., King of Prussia, PA
My son weighed 178 pounds, was failing 8th grade, would stay in his room and watch TV all day, and would tell me he had sleeping problems. He couldn't sleep at night, couldn't breath right, did not bathe or brush his teeth. All in all, he was quite depressed and seemed to have given up on life. I began to search online for help. I inquired about Wellspring and my son looked through the brochures and we signed up.
I have to admit, I was very unsure about leaving my son for 2-months. I believe this was the most difficult part for me. I did not see him until the final day!! When I did, I was amazed!! When I first drove through the entrance of the camp, I noticed a few kids sitting on the fence...I saw this kid wearing a very familiar shirt, but the kid inside did not quite fill it out as I had remembered...It wasn't until he acknowledged me and came up to me that this rather slim boy is my son!! Beaming with a smile I thought he would never have again!! He reminded me of the little kid he was 5-years ago. He even looked like he did 5 years ago!!! I was choked up!!
I am to this day astounded by his achievement. But that isn't all...When we left camp that night, Chris was extremely nervous about returning to the REAL world! He was chewing off his nails and quite concerned about "temptations" I told Chris that we will do what we can to make temptations as few as we possibly can, and let's do this one day at a time! Our first morning, we of course had no non-fat food, so we decided to walk to the store. We had a blast!! Chris, his buddy Jeremy, sister Amintha and myself headed out on what ended up to be a fun adventure!! Chris carried a 12-pack of water on his back!!! 4 miles!!! Or more!!! We walked about 8 miles in all to the store and back. He knew what to buy, where and how to read packages, and what was good for you and what wasn't!! AWESOME, I thought!!! This was like a dream come true!
The neighbors gave Chris a welcome back party and baked brownies and had chips and dip. The other kids were taunting Chris by eating the brownies in front of him and making "mmmm" sounds.
Chris just laughed at them and grabbed some grapes and went "mmmm" back at them!!! I was impressed!! He would not touch any high-fat foods! We all ended up playing balloon volleyball in the basement over the streamers!!! I can only say that not only has it changed my sons life, but I can see his first year in high school as more enjoyable. Thanks to you guys!!
Julia T. - Pataskala, OH
Jeannette is staying on task and getting lots of positive reinforcement from friends, family, etc. She is down 26-pounds and bought a new two-piece bathing suit to wear in Hawaii over Christmas break. She wants her tummy to show. Thanks for everything.
Jane G., Ostrander, OH
Pamela has had a weight problem almost her entire life. We tried to intervene around the age of 10, seeking all kinds of counseling, doctors, nutritionists and programs; nothing helped. The emotional toll has been great on her and our relationship.
We tried "fat camp" a few summers ago. I think the Wellspring program truly had an impact on her, and not just her weight. I think my daughter came home a changed and softer person. The counseling and relationship she had with her BC came at a crucial time in her life and she was truly able to work through some issues. We were concerned that Pamela might not be able to handle the demands of college, because she was not the greatest high school student. Her experience as Color War general made her feel capable to juggle a variety of demands.
Pamela did not waste her time at Wellspring. From what I understand, she participated 100% of the time, even winning the turnaround award.
Before she went to Wellspring, she really felt she was not capable of losing weight, now she knows she can.
She saw the benefits of exercise and has commented on how her body got stronger and leaner. Whether or not she will continue to lose weight is up to her. As of right now, the program clearly came at the right time and hopefully changed her life.
Elyse S., Maple Glen, PA
