Weight Loss Camps
What is weight loss camp all about? Weight loss camp is only partly about the number on the scale at the end of the summer. Weight loss camps also have the opportunity to help young people develop personal and lifestyle skills that can last for years, possibly for lifetimes. You can find many weight loss camps with a few clicks of your mouse. What you will have a hard time finding are camps that take advantage of the opportunity to help make potentially permanent lifestyle changes based on science and relevant experience.
What is it that makes one camp better than others? Do camps differ on whether or not they help campers lose weight? Do camps vary based on the expertise reflected in the design of their programs?
Please look at the definitions below to help you understand what makes one program different from another.
Leadership : Leaders have credentials establishing expertise in education, educational management, clinical and scientific aspects of weight loss, behavioral psychology, and camping/outdoor education.
Clinical Program : Well-defined clinical intervention focused on intensive cognitive-behavior therapy conducted by appropriately trained and supervised staff.
Educational Program : Program clearly designed and staffed to increase knowledge of nutrition and psychological aspects of long-term weight control.
Diet: Low-Fat, Healthful, Balanced, Tasty, Fun : A food plan that focuses on very low-fat, but very enjoyable meals and snacks; the plan must exclude all high fat food and instead show variety and balance.
Diet: Uncontrolled Foods : Foods that are not portioned out or controlled are included in every meal.
Activities : An emphasis on a wide variety of activities, at least some of which could be maintained readily after camp; must include use of a pedometer to count steps in camp.
Family Involvement : Families are clearly involved in the change process (e.g., workshops; materials provided; staff who are available for consultation).
After-Care Program : Extensive post-camp intervention that includes sustained interactions with staff for at least three months.
Outcomes : Well-documented and clearly favorable outcomes using weight measures and additional measures (e.g., mood, self-esteem; parent and child ratings).
Location : Well located (e.g., beautiful setting, removed from city life).
Facilities : Comfortable and well maintained.
Insurance Reimbursement : Provision of a means to obtain reimbursement from health and/or medical insurance.
