Wellspring Wisconsin campers achieve more than just weight loss at camp. Greater confidence, new friends, more motivation—these are just a few of the ways in which campers' lives improve dramatically.
Austin S.
Lost 54 pounds in 6 weeks at Wellspring Wisconsin and continues to lose weight at home.
NOTHING ELSE WAS WORKING…
I decided to come here because nothing else was working for me, and it was getting to a point where it was really dangerous for me. But Wellspring has taught me that you can do anything. Now I understand that I can do this mentally as well as physically.
It's been great to be around all the other campers. Everyone was really motivated and the food is really great! It's like you're basically not even changing your food, it's just healthier. My energy levels have gone way up. I can actually get out and move now, which is a really good feeling. Camp has been truly amazing.
Leigh W.
Lost 28 pounds in 8 weeks at Wellspring Wisconsin and another 18 pounds (and counting!) at home.
From Leigh's Mom
Leigh is still so committed to the program and has been continuing to be successful. Today at our Weight Watchers meeting she has lost a total of 46 lbs. We stopped at a roadside market today and bought a 48 lb pumpkin and I made her carry it to the car and she could hardly make it. When she realized that she used to carry that around each and every day she was amazed at how many changes she's made since starting Wellspring.
- Cindy C., Mom of Leigh
Alex M.
Lost 28 pounds in 6 weeks at Wellspring Wisconsin
HAPPIER AND MORE CONFIDENT…
I've lost 28 pounds and feel confident that I can lose the rest at home. I'm able to run a lot more now and I'm not as tired. I have asthma, but I didn't have to use my rescue inhaler once at camp.
I'm a lot happier now and I feel a lot more confident and outgoing.
At first I didn't know what to think about going to camp. But after they sent us the DVD and all the information, it sounded really fun. It's been great getting to know all the other campers. Everyone is really respectful and nice here. The food has been really good. I thought it was going to be all vegetables … but you can have most of your favorite foods, just healthier. And I've been noticing that I'm eating much smaller portions lately and still feeling full.
Max E.
Lost 42 pounds in 6 weeks at Wellspring Wisconsin
BEST CHOICE I'VE EVER MADE…
Camp has been awesome! It is the best choice I've ever made. It's a chance to start your life over. I am extremely excited to go back to school. I feel like I'm going to be a lot better at sports when I go home and my self-confidence has gone way up because I know I can push through things now.
Wellspring Wisconsin campers say…
"I met tons of new friends, got to participate in activities I've never done before, lost a lot of weight and I feel healthy and happy when leaving. Culinary and nutrition were my favorite parts of camp. I had an awesome time making and learning new recipes to use at home."
"I think here at Wellspring Wisconsin, they gave me the best BC, counselors, and campers. It has been an awesome experience and I hope I can keep on going when I get home to achieve my goal!"
"This year was so much fun! I'm satisfied with my success at camp. I love the staff they just brighten my day. It feels like I'm home when I'm at Wellspring Wisconsin!"
"Wellspring is wonderful! I loved it here. I feel I can definitely bring this home and be a long-term weight controller, and I hope I can take everything I learned here and continue to lose weight at home! Thanks for everything! The counselors are awesome and so is staff!"
"I loved the activities and staff! The staff was there to motivate me and I think that is why I succeeded here."
"The camp experience was the best I've ever had all around. My weight loss was awesome. I've lost 36 pounds and gained muscle. I love the counselors."
Parent Comments about Wellspring Wisconsin…
I wanted to share some pictures of Ty running his first half-marathon last weekend. I won't pretend that it's been smooth sailing; he's had some rough weeks here and there since we left camp. But, differently from anytime in the past, he always manages to get back on track, get focused, and apply all that he learned last year at Wellspring. He is wonderfully healthy!
On a personal and academic level, he's becoming the person I always knew he could be. He's graduating near the top of his class, and received a fully-paid four year scholarship to Ohio State University, where he'll start in the fall. Gone is the angry kid who wasn't happy with himself. In his place is a happy, confident young man.
I can't thank you and your staff enough for all that you did for Ty, and as well for our entire family. We all run together, and are now training to run a full marathon in October. Life is good!
Pamela H., Clarksville, OH
Megan has continued on the program (we all have) and things are going great. She's lost more weight and is feeling confident and so happy. Very fun shopping trip for back to school clothes! We continue to be thankful for you and the Wellspring team every day. You have literally helped Megan change her life and we'll be eternally grateful to everyone who touched her life at Wellspring.
Linda M., Chicago, Illinois
Mike and the rest of his family are doing great. The recipes are delicious and fun to make with Mike. We all walk everyday together and Mike runs on the treadmill every day. Yes I said run! It's amazing. He's always got a smile on his face and a spring in his step. He also plays frisbee golf with his brother and sister. He's lost a total of 37 pounds. We all keep track of everything we eat and were well over 10,000 steps a day. Thank you and everyone for putting that smile on Mike's face.
Jackie S., Stettin, Wisconsin
I want to thank you for the program. It was always more than the weight, as he was one of your least heavy campers. He is in control now. He has the knowledge of what to do, and how to do it. No more struggles, no more locked cabinets.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I also wanted to let you know that if you have any families that need to speak with a family that has attended the camp I would be more than happy to share our experience. Even as knowledgeable as I know myself, and husband, and even Zach were regarding food, and exercise. I now see the combination of breaking the negative cycle, having success on a weekly basis, and consistency is the key.
Deanne D. Englewood, Colorado
Taylor is doing well. We joined the gym here and try to go there every day. I believe she lost about 26 pounds at camp and she is currently down about 34 pounds. She has lost more since she's been home, which is really good. My husband and I have both lost weight since Taylor came home from camp. We are committed to providing Taylor an environment in which she can continue on the Wellspring Plan. Sending Taylor to Wellspring was quite a financial sacrifice for us, but it was well worth it. Her attitude and self-esteem have improved greatly and she is so much happier and healthier.
Christine K., Fridly, Minnesota
I would personally like to thank you and your staff on the progress and transformation of Kylee. She has become someone who I knew was there, but just needed that personal drive that with my schedule just couldn't be done.
Thank you to you and your whole staff.
Jennifer F., Racine, Wisconsin
Our son was successful at camp. He has lost about 7 lbs since returning home. Activity level is most difficult to keep going with him. He is eating mostly on plan and understands what he needs to do and has found foods he likes. We just need to find activities he likes to do and will be self-motivated to do.
The camp was great as far as him feeling better about himself. He did not think he would lose any weight there and he did and is proud of that. He still has a ways to go and we are working as a family to continue his success.
The staff in Platteville was wonderful. They were available for answering questions, great motivators and helped with emotional difficulties Jackson had during camp and when leaving. We are very grateful to them.
Nancy K., Greenbay, WI
Hannah is our daughter that attended the Wisconsin camp for 8 weeks. It has so far been one of the greatest experiences for our family. Hannah has struggled with her weight her entire life and it has always been a worry for our entire family.
She lost a total of 52 pounds in the eight-weeks that she was there and it was amazing to us. Our entire family (Hannah's Dad, sister who is 17, brother who is 14 and me, Mom) attended the Family Workshop and we all think that it was so important that we were all there so we all knew what she had gone through and what was expected of all of us at home. We are all extremely proud of how Hannah has handled everything since being home. She knows the Plan very well and is trying very hard at everything.
Hannah has always been in sports so when she returned home volleyball practice started the very next day so she has been able to keep up with her exercise (her coaches were amazed at the shape she is in) but if she hadn't been in sports I think the whole exercise adjustment from being at camp to coming home would have been a huge adjustment for her. She has made the comment many times of missing the strictness and structure of camp. It has made Hannah much more confident and happy with herself. Thank you so much for everything.
Sherri Z., Verdigre, NE
Pedometers and counting fat grams will be our new way of life. Joe is going to be educating us at the grocery store and also how to prepare the meals. I am having a welcome home party for Joe with his family and he is so excited to show everyone, especially his brother and sister what he has accomplished. He has already set the menu of grilled skinless marinated chicken breast, with portabella mushroom on a low fat whole grain bun with low fat marinara sauce and rice on the side. I have emptied the refrigerator and Joe and I will be going to the store to start a new way of life, with healthy choices.
We want to thank you and all the Wellspring staff for dedicating your lives to helping young people return to healthy lifestyle. Going to Wellspring is the most important thing Joe has ever done. He is so happy with the results. I hope we will be able to talk to you in the future for your advice and guidance in continuing the great work you have provided.
Russel L., Oak Lawn, IL
We were not looking for a quick fix to our daughter's weight problem, rather a life changing experience, and at Wellspring we found exactly what we were searching for. It was during the Family Workshop (at the four-week mark) that my husband and I realized this was the best investment we could have ever made for our entire family. Our daughter was overflowing with new energy and information and we were right behind her - eager to learn more along with her. After eight-weeks, and 40 lbs. lighter, she is home and still thriving.
Our entire household has converted to being life long weight controllers, not just our daughter. We have so many things in common, so many things to talk about and do together - it is amazing! Many young girls who are overweight experience depression; Hillary was one of them.
While at camp, she felt so much better that she was able to stop taking one of her medications for depression and is almost completely off of the last (tapering down slowly to avoid problems). I believe that this would not have happened so quickly had she not been at Wellspring where she received daily support from the counselors, endless outdoor activities, and one-on-one behavioral sessions.
At this point, all I can say is THANK YOU for everything. She wants to be a part of Wellspring Camp for long time - what an impression!
Kristin H. - Battle Creek, MI
Leigh is still so committed to the program and has been continuing to be successful. Today at our Weight Watchers meeting she has lost a total of 46 pounds. We stopped at a roadside market today and bought a 48 lb pumpkin and I made her carry it to the car and she could hardly make it. When she realized that she used to carry that around each and every day she was amazed at how many changes she's made since starting Wellspring.
Cindy C., Englewood, CO
I am extremely happy with Jonathan's response and results at Wellspring. He lost 24-pounds at camp and has lost another 7-pounds since he came home. All of the kids at school are raving about how great he looks. I convinced the Freshman football coach to allow him to try out for the team (even though he missed the tryouts while at camp). So, Jonathan has football practice everyday, follows his diet religiously and looks and feels great. His behavior problems with ADHD have not recurred, which I think is in part due to his significantly increased exercise, a reduction in calories in his diet and how happy he is with himself. I have told Jonathan's psychiatrist and psychologist how wonderful the program is and without reservation recommended your camp to any child with similar problems.
I would be happy to do anything I can to help promote your programs to other desperate parents. Oh…and I have lost 7-pounds since I returned from The Family Workshop. You, Dr. Kirschenbaum, the camp and all of your personnel are wonderful. I can never thank you enough for getting my child turned in the right direction.
Dr. Rebecca Q., Hinsdale, IL
I want to personally thank you for the topnotch job you are doing in regard to e-mailing parents as to the goings on, difficulties, and achievements at camp. These e-mails have been extremely helpful in my writing an e-mail to Steven each day. Your continual contact is what has kept me going the past few weeks. I was also extremely happy to receive a picture of Steven's door decorated for his birthday. Today I saw and printed out two pictures of Steven and his roommates. How excited his brother and sister were to see them!
When Steven called for the first time this morning, he sounded so together and sure of himself. He told me all the new foods he has tried and likes. He also mentioned all of the sports he has taken part in. He was so proud to tell me that he achieved his goal of becoming an Explorer, and included in that the fact that he would be able to call for a longer period of time next week. Steven proudly stated that he had lost nine pounds during the first weigh in.
Lastly, I asked Steven how he would rate his happiness at Wellspring if ten was the absolute happiest anyone could be. He quickly replied, "A nine Mom!" Needless to say, I was blown away!!! I am so pleased to share this comment with you, and please feel free to pass it on to your staff members who know and work with Steven.
Thank you for all you do for and on behalf of all the children at Wellspring.
Susan T., Greenbay, WI
We are very pleased that Olivia had such a successful summer. Every phone call indicated great satisfaction with her accomplishments and a strong regard for the Wellspring program and its professionals. A happy Olivia is the best recommendation in our eyes to the thoughtfulness and effectiveness of the program. Thank you again to your team. It means the world to us to hear our child so happy, satisfied and proud of her work this summer. We wish ongoing success to your organization. It is a thoughtful approach and a great service to a growing health problem in the US.
Donna M., Kenilworth, IL
