Weight Loss Camps for Kids, Teens, Young Adults and Women
Wellspring Texas campers lose weight and change their lives dramatically at camp. Campers make great friends, reclaim their health and learn to meet challenges at school and in their personal lives. Here are a few of their stories.
Cassie B., Waco, TX
Lost 31 pounds at Wellspring Texas, 10 pounds at home, and an additional 29 pounds during a mentor summer at camp
TIME FOR A CHANGE…
After struggling for years with my weight, my dad had seen enough. My sophomore year of high school would be my last fat year. My dad did research on weight loss programs and camps. I already had tried and attempted the sets-you-up-for-failure fad diets like the cabbage soup diet, slim fast, and other programs like Weight Watchers that never really made a lasting impression. It was time for something completely different and Wellspring was it. I discovered so much about myself and lost 31 lbs. in eight weeks.
A WONDERFUL MENTOR SUMMER…
I lost 10 more pounds at home and had an amazing junior year. I decided I had to go back to Wellspring. I was very pleased to be accepted as a mentor for the 2010 summer. My second summer at wellspring was just a productive as the first! I enjoyed being a role model to other campers who were losing faith and hope. I showed them that it is possible to turn your life around and that you don't have to be overweight for the rest of your life.
ME?!? ON A SPORTS TEAM?!?
Now that I am home again from another fantastic summer at Wellspring I am excited for my senior year! From an XL top and size 13 jeans to a new S top and size 5 jeans, I am ready to make this year a great one. Thanks to Wellspring I am also on the cross country team! Me?!? On a sports team?!? Impossible is no longer a word in my vocabulary! I truly can say that Wellspring is the best decision I have made. I am a new person, 70 lbs. lighter, healthier, happier, and genuinely excited for the future.
Andrew F., Houston, TX
Lost 22 pounds at Wellspring Texas and another 36 pounds at home
STRUGGLING WITH SCHOOL…
I can't remember when I first started gaining weight, but it really became a problem after Military school, which I attended in middle school. I believe it was a mix of ignorance of nutrition and the yearning to overcome many personal issues in my life. It led me to drop out of school for a year. Finally I relented when my mother found me a new school, at which I met a person who was so compassionate and wanted to help me change. With his urging, and my mother's checkbook (ha-ha) I was able to attend Wellspring.
A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE…
The results were awe inspiring, and on such an easy program to apply to your life! I am now equipped with the knowledge and determination to continue such a radical change. Losing so much weight has helped with all the clichés you hear such as confidence, self esteem, etc., and it has also opened up so many new doors to my life. I now have the option for collegiate wrestling, or possibly military service, or any aspect of life with physical attributes. Thank you.
Bailey S., Wichita Falls, TX
Lost 17 pounds at Wellspring Texas and another 19 (so far!) at home
TIRED OF THE HURTFUL COMMENTS…
Wellspring changed my life! Before I went to camp at Wellspring, people were always saying hurtful things to me about my weight. I hated to shop for clothes because I wore a woman's size 16 (at the age of 10). All I wanted to do was eat and watch television.
FINDING SUPPORT AT WELLPRING…
When I went to camp, I was around kids like ME. They knew how I felt because they felt the same way. The other campers, the counselors, and everyone at Wellspring were very supportive. They helped me feel better about myself and see myself in a different way. Wellspring taught me how to lose weight in a healthy way and gave me the skills I needed to keep the weight off after I got home. I have continued to lose weight since I've been home and I feel great! People look at me and treat me differently now.
Going to Wellspring was the best decision I ever made and I couldn't have done it without their support!
FROM BAILEY'S MOM…
Bailey talks to us about the program all the time and has prepared several recipes for us out of the book. She feels very good about herself and has been a great influence on us as well. Jeff and I have both lost 5 lbs. each since we attended the Family Workshop, and wear our pedometers daily right along with Bailey.
At first, we were afraid that Bailey was too young to send to camp for a minimum of 4-weeks; after all, she had never even been away from home for more than one night. We also had to think about whether or not we could afford it. After mentioning it to Bailey, she became very excited and we decided right then and there, we couldn't afford not to send her. Wellspring was absolutely the best investment we have ever made. Bailey is a different person because of Wellspring. She has lost 36 pounds so far and believes in the Wellspring program with all her heart!
- Kim S., Mom of Bailey
Alan K., Plano, TX
Has lost 126 pounds over two summers at Wellspring Texas
NO HOPE FOR CHANGE…
I owe my life to Wellspring Texas! I came at 306 pounds and am now 180. I went from a size XXXL to a Small. Wellspring not only saved my live, it made my life worth saving.
Words cannot describe how grateful I am to Wellspring for helping me turn my life around and get me healthier. I was at camp for eight weeks, and I wish I could have been there for ten.
I was always a big kid, and I never really thought anything about it. When I got to the sixth grade, I really started to notice how different I was than everyone else. At night, I would pray that I didn't get picked to the "skins" team in sports so I would not have to take my shirt off. Whenever I would go swimming, I would wear a shirt and get made fun because of it. I was an out of control eater, and nothing I tried seemed to work. I felt like I was going to be heavy forever, and why even try to lose weight anymore, because if it didn't work in the past, why would it now?
RESISTANT TO WELLSPRING AT FIRST…
In May of 2009, my mom and dad sat down with me, and told me about Wellspring. I was resistant to the idea at first. I mean, I didn't want to spend my summer at some camp where I would get starved and forced to do push ups all day. Well when I first got to Wellspring on June 20, my whole outlook changed completely. I was one of those people who didn't believe that your biology had anything to do with your weight. At Wellspring, I learned not only about biology, but about healthy living and dealing with problems without using food to cope. When I got to wellspring, I weighed in at 265 pounds. I thought the weight that I had could not be lost, I had horrible self esteem and I felt really bad about myself.
A LIFE TURNED AROUND…
I would not trade my time at Wellspring for anything in the world. The counselors and administrators at camp helped me out more than they will ever know. They were all caring, attentive, and more than willing to answer any questions anyone may have. I didn't just lose weight, I learned how to continue losing it, how to cook healthy, and most importantly, live a healthy lifestyle. I'm crying right now as I write this, because I owe my life to Wellspring. I was told that I was close to developing Type 2 Diabetes, which my dad has. I ended up losing 53 pounds that summer at Wellspring. I am currently at home, living a healthy lifestyle and I couldn't be happier about myself, my body image and the way that Wellspring turned my life around.
Wellspring Texas campers say…
"I was very resistant to coming, but my mom made me. I am so glad she did. I love Wellspring. It changed my life!! Thank you!"
"Thank you. I feel better and healthier than I have in years. Not only do I look better, I feel better. I've gained the confidence I've been looking for all my life."
"I had an amazing summer and met some amazing people. Without Wellspring I would be miserable. Thank you!"
"The Wellspring TX staff has been amazing. They have helped me so much and made me feel great. Awesome camp and the best summer of my life! Thanks WTX!"
"I had one of the best summers of my life. I had fun, I lost weight, I learned how to have a healthy lifestyle, and I became better at many sports and running."
Parents Love Wellspring Texas! Here's What They Say…
Wellspring was the life-saving event that saved our whole family, not just our daughter. Deciding to send Rachel away to camp for 8 weeks was tough, but in the end, and 40 lbs lost later, it was well worth it.
Arriving at the camp, we were greeted by a professional staff, which made every effort to assure us that Rachel's stay at Wellspring would be life-changing. We received letters from Rachel noting the many activities the staff encouraged her to do: hiking, kayaking, camping and other activities, that we once thought were out of her reach because of her weight. When I attended the Family Workshop Weekend, not only did I witness what the camp entailed, but also the self-esteem, motivation and spiritual growth of my daughter. As a parent, I went through the daily regiment of the campers. From that day, another title was added to my daughter; she was my hero and forever will be. The camp brought us together as a family, changed our very bad eating habits and helped Dad lose 20 lbs and Mom lose 30 lbs.
I could not ignore the obesity problems any longer. Wellspring brought them to life in a very caring and nurturing environment, not only for Rachel, but for the rest of the family as well. Your program is a Godsend, and I recommend all parents who are concerned about their obese children, and their own obesity, to send them to Wellspring; it will be life changing.
Elisa R., Houston, TX
We are extremely proud. Deja left camp at 182 lbs., (losing 22 lbs.) on July 31st. As of yesterday, August 11th, she weighs 175 lbs! She has lost 8 lbs. and counting. She is excited and motivated to lose more.
Thanks to all of you, our daughter is so much happier and way more confident!!! She's running circles around her fellow cheer mates this week at Cheer Camp because she's so in shape! Kudos to Wellspring!
Keisha W., Spring, Texas
Holly is a child who needed a push. She was so upset over the name calling, the bullying, and finally it reached a point where she became withdrawn and reclusive. It was very sad as her mother to watch my baby girl turn so angry and defensive.
Then we found Wellspring Camps. Holly attended Wellspring Texas, and I can say that it is outstanding.
Holly went weighing 287 pounds….when she left camp after 6 weeks, she had lost 33 pounds. To date, Holly has lost a total of 61 pounds and it is still coming off. She has had a few slips, but is now back on track. To hear all of the kids come up to her at registration for High School, they all were telling her how good she looked and she just smiled from ear to ear. She enrolled in the High School marching band, and was one of a few 9th graders who made the cut to march on the field during half time. This is very hard to be a freshman and make an "A" marcher. But she did it. When we went school clothes shopping for the first time after her losing all the weight, it was so much fun. We laughed, we cried, and she was so proud to finally be able to wear "normal" clothes.
As her mother, I am overweight as well, and we are going to continue the success together. Holly will be attending one semester at Wellspring Academies in North Carolina in January, to get just a little more one on one coaching and behavioral modification.
Wendy F., Deer Park, TX
Our son, Tanner, has lost 42 lbs. He has gone from a size 40 pants to a size 34. He is beside himself and has asked me several times to send a picture of him to Wellspring so that you can all see how great he is doing. He looks so awesome and is so proud of himself, he would love to represent Wellspring and encourage other kids. He is totally sold out on the program and looks for opportunities to tell people how he lost all his weight.
Thank you,
Lisa K., Flint, TX
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help in getting Bailey to camp and for addressing all of our concerns while she was there. She spoke very highly of you and thought you were terrific (probably because you rescued her in the kayak!)
We were very worried about Bailey because of her weight. She was steadily gaining more and more weight, and we were concerned about her becoming diabetic or developing high blood pressure. We tried to help her lose weight but she felt we were just nagging at her and it only made the problem worse. We really didn't know where to turn, and then we learned about Wellspring Camps.
At first, we were afraid that Bailey was too young to send to camp for a minimum of 4-weeks; after all, she had never even been away from home for more than one night. We also had to think about whether or not we could afford it. After mentioning it to Bailey, she became very excited and we decided right then and there, we couldn't afford not to send her. Wellspring was absolutely the best investment we have ever made. Bailey is a different person because of Wellspring. She has lost 36 pounds so far and believes in the Wellspring program with all her heart!
We were concerned about her being so young and worried that she might not take the program seriously enough, but I don't mind telling you that I am amazed at all she learned. She talks to us about the program all the time and has prepared several recipes for us out of the book. She feels very good about herself and has been a great influence on us as well. Jeff and I have both lost 5 lbs. each since we attended the Family Workshop, and wear our pedometers daily right along with Bailey. (We do get a little tired of hearing about "feeding our baby birds" though!!!) Anyway, just wanted to tell you how much we appreciate you and everyone else at Wellspring. We are truly planning on making this a lifestyle change for us, as well as Bailey. Keep up the good work!
Jeff & Kim S., Wichita Falls, TX
Jessy has continued to lose weight at home. She has lost 24 pounds since coming home from camp, for a total of 45 pounds. My husband and son each lost 15 pounds and I've lost 10 pounds so far. So I guess we've lost a grand total of 75 pounds combined. Thanks Wellspring!
Robin L., Slidell, LA
I came home from work one day and my 14 year-old daughter Ashtin was so excited to show me what she found online that day. I assumed it was some funny video or something cute she wanted me to buy her, but to my surprise it was the Wellspring website! I knew at that moment I would do everything, anything I had to do to help her change her life and be healthy! She amazed me by making the decision to take the day to look up weight loss camps and read all the information they all offered and she knew Wellspring was the one! We watched all the videos and read everything we could find online about the camps. I could not find one negative and I too was decided that this was what we were going to work towards!
I am a single mother who is overweight herself and was about to have a full hysterectomy because of uterine cancer which can be largely due to being overweight for many years. I work full time and have no health insurance for myself or my daughter so I knew that wouldn't help with payment for camp. We filled out her application and she wrote a wonderful essay, and in turn she received some scholarship money from Wellspring to help with payment. I spoke with many family members and Wellspring staff members, and with their help we soon had Ashtin signed up, paid for and ready to go for eight weeks of camp in San Marcos. The staff members were very helpful and informative and pulled every string to get Ashtin there.
We were both a little apprehensive about being apart for so long since the longest we had been apart was a week or so. I was on my last few weeks of recovery from surgery when I dropped her off and it was hard to do, but I knew she was in good hands. The staff made it easy to leave her with them. We were able to keep in contact via phone and internet a few times a week and that helped us through it a lot. The first few times we talked were rough but soon she was happy and excited to tell me everything she had accomplished while being there, all the friends she had made and the new things she had tried and learned. Yes, I missed her but we both knew that this was the best thing for her and she was happy there. The camp kept me up to date with pictures via email and I got to visit her a few times. The Family Workshop Weekend was wonderful! We did a lot of her activities together and I learned so much! Her father and stepmother came and it brought us all closer together as a family.
The day I picked Ashtin up was so hard for her. She was ready to be home but didn't want to leave her new friends. They became so close and still keep in touch on the phone and internet. She has been to one get together here in Dallas also since she left. Ashtin told me on the way home that she wanted to go back next summer and that she wanted to go to the Academy! I was amazed! My daughter had not only lost about 40 pounds in eight-weeks but gained so many friends and a newfound independence. My little girl was growing up!
Ashtin has always been the most beautiful girl in the world to me but honestly I could see not only a change in weight and attitude, but her complexion was better, her hair was shinier and she just had a healthy glow to her!
I believe this was one of Ashtin's most important decisions she will ever make in her life. She started out her freshman year of high school feeling and looking great! She has had a blast in high school largely due to Wellspring. She is making great grades and has so many new friends and joined the school spirit squad and is involved in all the football games! She attended her first dance this year and looked beautiful and felt confident! She tells all her friends about camp and they want to go too! She is a great marketing tool for Wellspring!
Ashtin has continued to lose weight and so have I. She is maintaining very well and losing too. I myself have lost 30 pounds since Family Workshop Weekend! Yes, we had to make changes in our diet and grocery shopping and activities but this program is by far is the easiest we have ever tried! It works and we stand behind Wellspring!
Thank you for helping make my daughter a healthier happier child!
Dusty S., Mesquite, TX
We will be forever indebted to your program and the professionals who worked with our 16-year- old son this summer at camp. Harrison was excited about the possibility of learning a healthier lifestyle and loosing weight. However, he also had some fears as he contemplated attending camp. Mainly the fear of failure. "What if he couldn't or didn't lose weight?" This feeling motivated him greatly to commit his total effort into doing what the program had to offer, even if it was hard or uncomfortable. However, he didn't find it to be hard, just an exciting challenge. His comment last week after being home from camp for a couple of months was, "This is successful because I am never hungry." He has lost a total of 65 lbs. and still losing.
Because the Wellspring approach is focused and simple to understand, our whole family has lost weight and we love the foods we eat. We love the time we spend together being active. The best conversations happen on our walks.
Our son found the summer camp to be full of fun activities, wonderful new friends, and confidence building. The tools that he was given will go with him for the rest of his life. He has understanding now about the relationship between genetics, metabolism and the role of food and exercise. He has tools to be successful in making healthful selections at parties, movies, restaurants and when shopping at the grocery. Our whole family is so much more educated in this area.
Thank you for having this program!
Nan and Carl S., Denton, TX
I had to think for several weeks about what I wanted to say in my letter because this is such an emotional subject for me. When I had initially contacted the camp I saw some glimmer of hope for my daughter who in a short two-year span gained 66-pounds on her small 5'1 stature. My daughter gained this weight attempting to deal with the stress of my divorce. When I initially spoke to Isabel about this, she became very angry and was even verbally hostile towards the wonderful staff at the camp who attempted to contact her and discuss the camp with her. I saw any hope of her being able to address the weight issue and her emotional issues slowly dwindle away.
We counted the days before camp, we counted the days before she would start High School, and we counted the days until she was to begin a new life. I promised my daughter we would never again cry while we were doing something as fun as shopping for school clothes.
When she left I had this weight lifted off of my shoulders. I knew I had done the right thing for her; but it was a hard eight-weeks. The last day of camp, my beautiful daughter ran up to me and told me how sorry she was for not wanting to go and how happy she was that she did. It meant the world to me. To see my daughter's self-esteem reappear after disappearing several years earlier and to hear her complain that she could not keep her pants up because they kept falling off was music to my ears.
The days of having to shop via the Internet are gone; the days of having her cry because her size 16 pants are too tight are gone. When we returned home, the stress level for all of us was unbelievable. We followed the camp's guidelines for a fat-free kitchen and printed up the shopping list. Isabel returned home weighing 159 pounds. She lost 20 more pounds. She has continued to work out and is on the softball team at school. She has so many more friends and has a new confidence. Her anger has disappeared and she just seems to be a different and much happier Isabel.
She has become someone completely new. I loved the old Isabel but the new Isabel is just as wonderful and much happier. Thank You for changing my daughter's life, giving us the tools, and teaching us the skills to make those changes.
Angella M., Katy, TX
I decided to send my grandson to Wellspring when I acknowledged his obesity, fatigue and sense of sadness. It was difficult for him to even walk around the block, much less play soccer with his sister or play football for his school. His sadness was due to his low self-esteem. He was at Wellspring Texas for only 30-days but there was a fabulous transformation happening to him.
When we went to the Family Workshop, we discovered not only a slimmer young man greeting us, but he had a zip in his step and his head was held high. He was talking to many students as he walked toward us, smiling constantly. He had lost 34 pounds in those 30 days and found his self-worth. The weight loss was amazing and so appreciated, but his smile and purpose were what we noticed the most!
He continues to work on staying active, eating healthier and logging in at night to continue his program. There is an added benefit- his Grandfather and I lost weight too! After our grandson came home, I lost 15-pounds in six weeks and Gramps lost 40! To help him continue the program, we decided to eat what was healthier and read labels to help him continue his new way of life. This is a continuing change in the way we live. It's not meant to be a diet. And it is easy, sound nutrition and tastes good. I didn't even know you could buy buffalo meat at the grocers!
The upbeat staff at Wellspring kept the kids moving, understood when it was hard, and cheered them on when they did well for themselves! My grandson did things he never dreamed he could do like kayaking, rock wall climbing, hiking three miles in a morning and being proud of every motion along the way. He made long term friendships from all over the States and changed his life. He continues to lose and is still smiling! Thanks Wellspring! This program is so worth it!
Barbara H., Bullverbe, TX
We cannot express how much your program has affected our lives.
Morgan has continued on with what she learned at camp this past summer as well as gotten our family started on a different way of eating. She has lost 12 additional lbs. since she returned home. She has been doing a lot of exercise and jogging as well; she even had us get her a treadmill so she can walk and watch TV along with it. She probably has been walking an average of 30,000 steps a day.
This has made such an impact on a lot of her friends and also our lives here at home. Michelle (Mother) has been talking with several people in the school system here about the program and the way you operated the camp. They realize how much change there is in Morgan's attitude and appearance since she came home. I cannot THANK YOUR SYSTEM and staff enough for what you have done this past summer at San Marcos.
TC E., Jr., Wharton, TX
The Continuing-Care refund is a wonderful validation of the hard work of many - you, the great counselors, program developers and, of course, our son Spencer. He is a new person - more confident, happier and healthier.
Wellspring taught him such a valuable life lesson – that stretch goals are achievable with support, commitment and practice, practice, practice. Every day challenges Spencer to live his program and utilize the tools in his Wellspring toolbelt. From the bottom of our heart, we thank you!
Wayne & Debbie S., Dallas, TX
Billy is doing fantastic! We took up bike riding - you should have seen him when he completed the Tour de Pink! He is having his best year EVER in school, last report card was all A's and one B. He is in the Boy's Choir, Theatre and Speech and Debate and is about to star in his first play.
Wellspring Texas did a lot for Billy. It pushed him beyond his comfort zone and helped him to realize that he could achieve things that he would never try. It also taught him that there are limits, something that I had not been good at doing for him before camp.
I have been going through family pictures the past couple of weeks, sorting and filling frames to hang in our new house. He gets very angry and refuses to let me use any of the "old" pictures from "when he was FAT!" I have told him that as I accumulate new pictures of the "new" Billy, I will replace them. I will have to send you one so you can see how handsome he is becoming.
He is still at 178-pounds and yes, he still needs to lose some. (He has also gotten almost a FOOT taller!) But at least he's not just lying around all the time anymore eating junk. He does make healthy choices and he knows when he needs to get out and ride his bike or go for a walk instead of grabbing a snack. I don't think he would do that if he hadn't gone to Wellspring.
He learned the tools and the skills to be able to choose to be a success, both at getting his weight and his health under control, but even more importantly, to be more self disciplined in making good, healthy choices for himself.
We are all very grateful to Wellspring for where Billy is today. Even more importantly, Billy is grateful for his Wellspring experience for so many different reasons besides just the weight loss. He is so much more confident and sure of himself and he knows that he can be a success, without setting himself up for failure and without pushing everyone around him, beyond the limits.
Thank you to Ondrej for his help, support and guidance. Thank you to Dr. Kirschenbaum for his program and for his personal input and follow up after the program. We are SO grateful for that in so many ways.
Tina C., Katy, TX
Leeann's experience at Wellspring Texas was absolutely one of the best. She was born with Hoshimoto's (thyroid disease) and Diabetes Insipidus and has always had a weight problem since the day she was born. Wellspring re-taught her how to eat sensibly by eating the right foods and exercising on a daily basis.
All of the camp counselors were wonderful and informative and Leeann had the best time. She participated in lots and lots of activities and had great support. I encourage anyone who has an overweight child to consider Wellspring. It gives your child control over his or her body so that that at the end of camp they realize that "they can do it." It is a life changing camp.
Joanie B., Lexington, TX
I want to thank you and all of your staff for helping Sarah so much this summer. She has expressed to me the high regard she has of your counselors and behavioral coaches. Having been to a number of other camps (one weight loss camp, various girl scout camps, Outward Bound course, etc.), she has quite a few counselors to compare your staff with, and she places yours at the top of her list. One comment she made is, "they really do care about the campers. It's not just a job to them."
Thank you,
Linda H., Tyler, TX
