SUCCESS stories

When kids, teens and young adults lose weight at Wellspring, amazing things happen in their lives. They become happier and more positive, perform better in school, have closer relationships with friends and family, and gain the confidence to take on new challenges in their lives.

It Works

Lost 31 lbs in 4 weeks
Lost 31 lbs in 4 weeks
Lost 31 lbs in 4 weeks
Lost 31 lbs in 4 weeks

See How Wellspring Changes Lives

Lost 27 pounds at Camp.

Samantha
Millburn, New Jersey

At Wellspring Camps, we believe that family support is essential to the success of our Campers and work to integrate the family into the overall Wellspring Experience by offering two Family Workshops at each location throughout the Summer. Samantha and her proud Mom are a perfect example of how families can work together to support campers on their weight loss journey and develop healthier lifestyles for the whole family. Samantha describes how her and her family were initially skeptical about how Wellspring could help based on negative past experiences with dieting and what began to change their perception, “While I’ve been here, my family has supported me so much. At the beginning, my parents and I were a bit skeptical and apprehensive because both my parents have been “Yo-Yo Dieters”—they would try different diets and then they put me on them too. None of it has ever really worked. After the first weigh in, I called my Mom and was like, ‘I ate really good food and I don’t know how it happened.’ She just turned back at me and said, ‘What kind of food do you eat, where are the recipes, and where can I do this at home?”

Convinced that her daughter’s time at Wellspring was truly leading to a meaningful path to sustainable success, Samantha’s Mom decided to attend one our Family Weekends to experience Wellspring for herself. “My Mom decided to come to the Family Weekend. She showed me that she picked up a step tracker (FitBit). She was so excited about her step counts and meeting her goals. That really pushed me to keep going because now we’ll call each other asking, ‘What was your step count today?’ I’ll share recipes with her that are awesome and she’ll share recipes with me, said Samantha. Samantha sums up her thoughts on the importance of family support to her success by stating, “My family has been completely supportive and that rocks!”

Jon
Clifton Park, New York
Jon was looking to get his life back on track after being unhappy for far too long and realizing that he needed to do something about it. Jon states, “I came to Wellspring because I needed a few weeks to get myself back on track with my health and fitness. I figured this was the best place to come. I needed a change and saw Wellspring as an opportunity to put my life together.” Like many campers, Jon was trapped in a cycle of negative food related behaviors, which led to a deep depression and a deteriorating sense of self-worth and confidence. He became increasingly withdrawn and inactive. Jon shares, “Eating habits, family genetics, and a lack of taking care of myself led to this terrible place for me. I felt very self-conscious. It stopped me from doing activities other kids were doing. It stopped me from interacting with other kids.”

As a result of his Wellspring experience, Jon is excited to see how life is already turning around and feels confident about sustaining a healthier and happier lifestyle in the future. “This is actually making a difference. I’m actually doing something that’s improving my overall health and I think that’s a pretty big confidence booster that keeps me going. If I keep that in mind, I’ll be able to stay on track.“

Lost 11 pounds at Camp.
Lost 23 pounds at Camp.

Caroline
Oregon, Wisconsin

Like many young kids, Caroline spent most of her free time inside the house and being inactive. She had a lack of self-confidence and her weight management issues lead to an overall unhealthy lifestyle in which she was often depressed and unmotivated. Caroline states, “Before Wellspring, I didn’t really exercise that much. I just sat at home and watched TV.” After arriving at Wellspring, Caroline began coming out of her shell and rediscovering the inner strength and confidence that she had forgotten she had. She started transforming into a happier, healthier, and more outgoing person.

Caroline describes what she valued most about her Wellspring Experience and why she would recommend the Camp to others: “Wellspring helped a lot. I lost a lot of weight, a total of 60 pounds. I just feel a lot happier and a lot healthier too. You should come to Wellspring because you lose weight, you get healthy, and you just feel better about yourself. You have more confidence and make new friends here. It’s just amazing to have a better lifestyle and to go home feeling like the better you.”

Katelynn

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Lost 26 pounds at Camp and an additional 12 pounds at Home.

Steve

North Street, Michigan

Lost 20 pounds at Camp and an additional 20 pounds at Home

Hank

Vero Beach, Florida

Lost 63 pounds at Camp and an additional 30 pounds at Home

Claire

Wayzata, Minnesota

Lost 38 pounds at Camp and an additional 11 pounds at Home.

Cassie

Waco, Texas

Lost 31 pounds at Camp and an additional 10 pounds at Home.

Rachel

Scarsdale, New York

Lost 25 pounds at Camp and continues to lose weight at Home.

Marena

Kamuela, Hawaii

Lost 20 pounds at Camp and an additional 20 pounds at Home.

Catie

Conroe, Texas

Lost 18 pounds at Camp and an additional 27 pounds at Home.

Matt

Vero Beach, Florida

Lost 43 pounds at Camp and has continued to lose weight atHome.

Erin

Westfield, New Jersey

Lost 22 pounds at Camp and an additional 23 pounds at Home.

Daniella

New York, New York

Lost 28 pounds at Camp and an additional 46 pounds at Home.

Keri

Laurel, Maryland

Lost 31 pounds at Camp and an additional 15 pounds at Home.

Zach

Vancouver, Washington

Lost more than 75 pounds at Camp and at Home.

Andrew

Houston, Texas

Lost 22 pounds at Camp and an additional 36 pounds at Home.

Jamison

Cibalo, Texas

Lost 43 pounds at Camp.

Shannon

Havre de Grace, Maryland

Lost 40 pounds at Camp and continued to lose weight at Home.

Alex

Lost 30 pounds at Camp

Taylor

Tempe, Arizona

Lost more than 100 pounds at Camp and at Home.

Valentina

United Kingdom

Lost 35 pounds at Camp and an additional 30 pounds at Home.

Teri-Anne

United Kingdom

Lost 124 pounds at Camp and at Home.

Taylor

Danielle

State College, Pennsylvania

Lost 30 pounds at Camp and an additional 27 pounds at Home.

McKenna

Fayetteville, GA

Sarah

San Diego, California

Lost 200 pounds at Camp and at Home.

Tricia

Lost 20 pounds at Camp and has continued to lose weight at home.

Megan

Washington, D.C.

Lost 37 pounds at Camp and an additional 10 pounds at Home.

Jacob

Providence Forge, Virginia

Lost 35 pounds at Camp and an additional 19 pounds at Home.

Katelynn

Katelynn lost 26 pounds in 8 weeks at Camp and an additional 12 pounds at Home.

“Wellspring has given me opportunities I never thought possible. I now walk through the halls as a freshman with my head held high and completely confident. I’m not perfect, no one is, but Wellspring helped me be the best me I could be.

I hope to one day return to Wellspring as a counselor to proceed to help teens struggling with the same issue that I once did. Wellspring gave me the tools, knowledge, and self-esteem I needed in order to live a long, successful, and most of all—enjoyable life!”

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Steve

Steve lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks at Camp and an additional 20 pounds at Home.

“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 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, North Street, Michigan

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Hank

Hank lost 63 pounds in 8 weeks at Camp and an additional 30 pounds at Home.

“Going to Wellspring gave me the tools I needed to achieve lifelong weight loss. My Dad and I 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.

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!”

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Claire lost 38 pounds in 8 weeks at Camp and an additional 11 pounds at Home.

“My life was completely changed thanks to Wellspring Camps. Before Wellspring, I was unhappy. I was on antidepressants. I hated going out because no clothes fit me. I did not want to be social because I was so uncomfortable with myself. My friends and family noticed that I was different. I was no longer outgoing. I had become very pessimistic. I never wanted to exercise and I needed something in my life to change. I researched weight loss camps and stumbled upon Wellspring and decided it was my best bet. While the idea of being 22 years old and going to summer camp wasn’t high on my list of things to do for the summer, I brought the idea to my parents and decided that’s how I would spend my summer. And I’m so glad I did. It has been the best decision I have made in my entire life.

Wellspring changed my habits and helped me change my thinking. The counselors helped me to keep pushing myself and the changes I saw were amazing. I overcame so much at Wellspring. Since being home, I have lost another 11 and continue to exercise daily, get my 10,000 steps daily, and SMJ (Self-Monitoring Journal) all of my food using myfitnesspal. While the journey has not been easy, it has been worth it and will continue to be worth it. Aside from the habits I changed at Wellspring, I also created lifelong friendships. The bonds you form while being at camp are unlike anything else. These people understand what you are going through and can celebrate the successes right along with you. I still talk to my friends from camp on a daily basis and they have been a huge contributing factor to my success in losing weight back home.

Because of Wellspring, I am on the road to a happier, healthier, and longer life. I can now run around and keep up with my nephew instead of being out of breath and having to sit down. I am weaning off my antidepressants because I do not need them anymore. I enjoy working out and have joined a Crossfit gym. Activity and healthy eating have become a part of who I am and I’m now planning on becoming a Certified Health Coach so I can pay what I received forward and help others in their journey towards health.”

Cassie lost 31 pounds in 8 weeks at Camp and an additional 10 pounds at Home.

“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 pounds in eight weeks.

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.

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.”

Rachel lost 25 pounds in 6 weeks at Camp and continues to lose weight at Home.

“Wellspring was the best decision that I’ve ever made! I made friends and learned things that I wouldn’t trade for anything. This past summer was a life changing experience. I would recommend Wellspring to anyone who is looking to be healthier and happier and is willing to make a major change to their lifestyle.

Now I eat right and exercise and have lost a good amount of weight since camp. When people ask me about the Wellspring program, they tend to use the word “diet” and I tell them that Wellspring is more than a “diet,” it’s truly is a lifestyle because unlike other things I have tried, it’s sustainable. I loved my experience at Wellspring! It was the best summer ever!”

Marena lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks at Camp and an additional 20 pounds at Home.

“I am NOT the type of person into sports and exercise. I am a singer and an actress. Last summer, I came across Wellspring and thought it would be terrible. I went in with the mindset that I was about to encounter the worst four weeks of my life and I would just hold my breath and work as hard as I could until it was over. I did not in any way think I would have fun or enjoy anything I did. After two days, I was already having so much fun!

We did so many different activities. My favorites were Karate, Swimming, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, and Canoeing. I also thoroughly enjoyed Culinary. To my surprise, the food was AMAZING. I have been going to sleep away camps since I was 10 years old and the experiences I’ve had at all those camps put together doesn’t even compare to the experience I had at Wellspring. I lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks and by 3 months after camp, I lost 40 in total.

The friendships I made at Wellspring are the strongest friendships I have with anyone and I still talk to so many of these people every day. My roommate is my best friend and I love her and all my other friends from Wellspring so much! Wellspring changed my life forever. I’m so happy I went and I learned so much and gained (and lost ;] ) so much from this experience.”

Catie lost 18 pounds in 4 weeks at Camp and an additional 27 pounds at Home.

“Catie had so much fun and made so many friends at Wellspring. Never in a million years did either of us think she could do the things that she accomplished at camp, but she did it! Now, she’s lost almost 50 pounds (18 at camp and another 27 at home).

Yesterday she even completed her first day of holiday boot camp at the YMCA and she was beaming when she got home, saying it felt great to be able to say she did it!

Wellspring gave me back my daughter – with a newfound confidence! Today – thanks to Wellspring – she knows there’s nothing she can’t accomplish!”

Jill B., Mom of Catie

Matt lost 43 pounds in 6 weeks at Camp and has continued to lose weight at Home.

“Wellspring was so much fun I didn’t feel like it was work. I made good friends and we helped each other through the program. When I went back to school in September everyone was so happy to see what I accomplished and I felt so good about myself.”

“Matt‘s positive attitude is a direct result of his weight loss. He feels so much better both physically and emotionally. I am so proud of Matthew’s hard work. I thank all of you for being a part of his wonderful journey!” – Karyn, Mom of Matt

Erin lost 22 pounds in 6 weeks at Camp and another 23 pounds at Home.

“Wellspring Camp was an extremely life changing experience. The six weeks I spent there in the summer of 2011 truly changed my entire life. I never knew the things I was capable of until I got to Wellspring. The entire staff is amazing and I made lifelong friendships that I hold deep to my heart. With the help of Wellspring, my attitude and lifestyle has become so different in such a positive way.

I was always bad with dieting, but Wellspring helped me to believe that weight control is not about dieting; it is about changing your life. Food is no longer a comfort for me or a place to turn to if I am emotional. Exercise has become a huge passion of mine and I hope to one day inspire others to be healthy and fit just like my trainers did at Wellspring.

I truly believe Wellspring was the best decision I have ever made and it will always have a special place in my heart. At camp, I lost 22 pounds and at home over the past three months I have lost another 23 pounds. That’s 45 pounds total! And I am still going strong and working towards losing more weight. Wellspring Camp is a wonderful and life changing place.”

Daniella lost 28 pounds in 4 weeks at Camp and an additional 46 pounds at Home.

“After losing 5 pant sizes and 74 pounds, I can definitely say that Wellspring changed my life! Wellspring taught me not only dieting and exercising, but also exposed me to a whole new lifestyle and way of behavior!

I feel so much better about myself and more confident of how I look and behave. I’m proud of myself for making the change! It’s totally worth it!”

Keri lost 31 pounds in 8 weeks at Camp and an additional 15 pounds at Home.

“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.

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. I’ve 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.”

“Keri is doing wonderful, looks wonderful, and playing the sports she loves. 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

I attended Wellspring last year for 3 weeks and in those short 3 weeks my life was changed forever. I learned that a healthy diet and exercise plan is really the only way to lose weight. Not only that, but before I left I had always been made fun of for not only my weight, but for being gay. When I got to Wellspring, I met so many amazing people that had brilliant stories to share. I found friends who truly accepted me for who I am and I know they will always support me in every way possible. In the past 9 months, I have lost over 75 pounds, and it wouldn’t have happened without this wonderful organization. I have learned to accept myself for who I am and become the best I can be. I love you Wellspring! See you this Summer!

Andrew lost 22 pounds in 4 weeks at Camp and an additional 36 pounds at Home.

“I can’t remember when I first started gaining weight, but it really became a problem after 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, where 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.

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.”

Jamison lost 43 pounds in 6 weeks at Camp.

“Before I came to Wellspring, I felt insecure. Although I was very popular, athletic, and a straight A honor student, there was a depressed side of me that no one knew (outside of my family). I never wanted to take off my shirt at the pool or even go places with friends at times because I felt insecure and not good enough. As an example, I recall one time my friends invited me to Amazing Jump. Although I really wanted to go, I didn’t because I was afraid I would exceed the weight limit. I was in the eighth grade and weighed 238 pounds, which didn’t help at all. Numbers hurt…

All in all, Wellspring did wonders for me. I left camp at 195 pounds in 6 weeks! I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life. If you are an athlete, it will take you to the next level. If you’re not, it helps you to find your physical niche and accomplish your long term weight controlling goals. When football started, I was placed on A-Team as a starter and played numerous positions Line Backer, Defensive End, Tight End and Full Back. Prior to camp, my primary position was lineman. My friends and family were and still are supportive of my lifestyle change.”

“Last year was my junior year and quite honestly it was terrible. I stopped enjoying things I used to love like dance and softball. I had searched ways to lose weight and found Wellspring. I was excited to go, but also nervous. As soon as I got there, I made friends and had a good time. At my final weigh in, I had a lost a total of 40 pounds while at Camp. I I can go running and keep up in dance class now, which I have found my passion to do again. I’m now happier than ever. Camp was tough, but it was definitely worth it. Sometimes things get hard and you go off plan, but as long as you get back on track, everything will be Ok. I couldn’t have done this without the help of my family, friends, and everyone at Wellspring!”

Alex lost 30 pounds at Camp.

“Wellspring gave my life back. I am completely transformed and am extremely grateful for everything that Wellspring offered. My experience was transforming and life altering.”

I just hit -100 pounds lost a few weeks ago and I couldn’t be more excited! I was 268 pounds at my heaviest and I am now 165 pounds. I totally thank Wellspring for jump starting my new lifestyle. Portion size was one of the most important things I took away as well as being educated on food while I was there. I walk everywhere now and it feels great. I would totally recommend this camp to anyone struggling with weight loss because you guys provide such a solid foundation for it. Thank You so much. I will never be able to repay Wellspring Camps.

Valentina lost 35 pounds at Camp.

“The fact that everyone was in the ‘same boat’ was great because we all encouraged each other to work hard and keep going.”

Teri-Anne lost 124 pounds in 13 months since attending Camp.

“Wellspring has been so life changing for me. I desperately want the same experiences for others. I am very passionate about Wellspring and can’t imagine my summers without it.”

“Since I have been home, I have had nothing but successes! I thought the transition would be a lot harder than it has been. I guess Wellspring really prepared me to come back into society! Everyone noticed and it felt so good to feel comfortable around my friends and family! I now enjoy waking up every morning and don’t dread going to school. Wellspring changed my life completely.

I need to thank you for being a huge part of that experience. Please tell counselor Maddie that I am still running and actually doing my second 5-k next week. I did the first one about a month ago with my mom. It was a color run and it was so much fun. I felt like I was going to give up after about 2 miles, but Wellspring showed me that my body can do 200% more than my mind would ever think. I also see a personal trainer twice a week and he kicks my butt, but without Nikki kicking all summer I would never have been able to do it. I have so much more confidence to conquer my fears of anything that comes my way. I have lost another 8 pounds since being home!

Just wanted to catch you up on my life at home!”

Last summer, I went through a life changing experience at Wellspring! I learned how to eat, exercise, and most importantly KEEP the weight off. I would not change that summer for anything in this world. I am a much happier person, I feel more alive than ever, and I am finally healthy! The best feeling in the world is to have people come up to you and tell you how great you look, or that you have inspired them. At my High School, I am on the girl’s rugby team. Losing the weight has also been a huge helping factor in my playing. Give everything you have to get everything you can out of a summer out Wellspring. There are so many benefits. TRUST ME!

“I became a successful weight controller by not letting my friends influence me on what I eat and ignoring what they eat. I’ve stayed committed to the plan by remembering how I felt before I lost weight and knowing that I never wanted to be there again. I found that my experience at camp gave me hope about losing weight.

The most important thing I learned at Wellspring Camps was you can live your life, but you need to watch what you eat because you don’t know what it is made out of and how bad it is for you. I don’t snack if I’m bored, I won’t just eat. I’m a 3 meals a day person and I eat in portions like we did at camp.

If I have any lapses, I will go take a run and just re-think what I have eaten in the past few days to have made that happen. I never give up hope in maintaining a healthy weight anymore.”

“Sending our daughter to Wellspring Adventure Camp was the best decision we ever made for her. The staff was outstanding in every way, and the support we received by attending a Family Workshop was invaluable. We would encourage parents to attend at least one as it gave us a better understanding of the program and the tools needed to support our daughter once she returned home. We are eternally grateful to the entire staff at Wellspring and highly recommend the program!!!” – Ann, Mom of McKenna

“My weight loss journey began on Father’s Day, 2009. I remember that day vividly and will always remember that day being the day that saved my life. I thought I looked amazing that day and uploaded the pictures. I sat there stunned. I couldn’t believe how much in denial I was in about my weight and physical appearance. I allowed my weight to reach 327 pounds. I wanted to believe I looked good, but in actuality I was morbidly obese. I was only 19. It was that day that I realized I had my whole life ahead of me and knew if I didn’t make a change my life would end prematurely.

What has helped me the most to achieve my success is making my health my priority over anything else. I take it one day at a time and make sure I make a commitment to making that day a great, on program day. If I had to offer one bit of advice to others, it would be the importance of self-monitoring your food intake. Self-monitoring in conjunction with planning my day to incorporate exercise and planned meals has been a huge part of my success.

The greatest barriers to my success were learning to find other ways to handle stressful situations, instead of doing something self-destructive as a way of comforting myself. Also, I have learned to confidently state to others my new eating habits and their importance to me. When at functions where someone might criticize me for not trying a particular dish, I always remind myself that my health is far more important than tasting a piece of cake.

Staying accountable and optimistic works for me – at least it has for two years and counting.”

Tricia lost 20 pounds at Camp and has continued to lose weight at home.

“Growing up, I was a normal sized girl with a little bit of a tummy. Throughout elementary and middle school, I was somewhat active and played soccer, tennis, and golf. But things changed when I turned sixteen and started boarding school. I began to gain weight. I was not as active as I had been in middle school and I had access to a variety of fattening foods. I ate when I was bored or sad.

By the end of my sophomore year, my parents were concerned about my weight. My mother approached me with the idea of attending Wellspring. My life changed that summer. I found a passion for fitness classes, jogging, and a community that supported and encouraged my weight loss. I learned to manage the foods I loved and shift them into healthier low-fat versions, which further contributed to my weight loss. That first summer, I lost 20 pounds, reshaped my body and my mindset through exercise and classes and transformed my life. I have maintained my weight for the last six years and Wellspring has changed my life.

What is really significant is that for the last five summers I have returned to Wellspring to work as a counselor. I am now a certified personal trainer and have taught Pilates and fitness classes for three of the five summers. I am immensely grateful for this program and to have been given the opportunity to attend Wellspring and transform my life.”

Megan lost 37 pounds in 9 weeks at Camp and an additional 10 pounds at Home.

“I had always had problems with my weight and hit 200 pounds at 11 years old. When I was 13, I decided I needed to change to change things. I was miserable, unhappy, angry, and sad.

I spent 9 weeks at Wellspring Camp. I learned how to be healthy, went on adventures, and exercised. My total weight loss at camp was 37 pounds, but I also gained confidence, which was one thing I did not have before. When I was at camp I started running and completed a 5K and a triathlon! When I came home from camp, I joined the cross country team at my school! I also plan on joining the school track team in the fall and I ran with my mom in The Cherry Blossom 10 mile run in Washington DC!

Since coming home, I have used my knowledge about exercise and healthy eating habits and have lost another 10 pounds, bringing my total weight loss to 47 pounds. But, more than anything, I boosted my self-confidence. I still need to lose 20 more pounds to reach my goal weight, but I know I can do it. Losing weight didn’t just change my life because my friends and family have all asked me how they can have healthy lives too.

Making the decision to go to camp wasn’t easy, but so far in my life it’s been the best decision I have ever made.”

Jacob lost 27 pounds in 6 weeks at Camp.

“From birth I was always a “little” guy. A little slower, a little shorter, a little heavier and with a little less self-esteem. Even though my family encouraged healthy eating, I always struggled with making the “healthy choices”. I tried, but would find myself sneaking treats or taking the extra food at parties.

In 2nd grade, I went from being a little heavier to a lot heavier than the other kids. It was hard to find pants that were big enough to fit my waist that my Mom didn’t have to have shortened.

In sixth grade, I was 5’0 and tipped the scales at 189 pounds. I had fallen in love with football and even though I “had the heart”, I just didn’t have the ability due to my obesity. My grades fell from A/B honor roll to low C’s. I was bullied daily and had very few friends. My parents approached me with the idea of Wellspring and I knew this was the chance to make my change. I was scared and nervous and excited all at the same time. I knew I would be one of the youngest campers there and I would be away from home for SIX whole weeks. I also knew this was my only chance to make the middle school football team.

I went to camp it changed my life. I lost 27 pounds and was faster and stronger than I had ever been. I even asked to stay an extra week! After seven weeks, I could fit in normal clothes, play outside like other kids and keep up and most importantly I MADE THE FOOTBALL TEAM!

Wellspring has changed…..and SAVED my life! I am returning for three weeks this summer to give myself a bit of a refresher course and to see my friends and the people that I have changed my life. My goal is to become a trainer for Wellspring so I can help other kids like myself. I am the perfect example of “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”