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Camps for Overweight Kids in Pennsylvania

Incidences of childhood obesity have tripled from the 1970s to 2010. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 19.6 percent of children ages 6 to 11 years, and 18.1 percent of kids 12 to 19, are considered obese, as of 2008. But getting kids active and eating in a healthy manner can cause problems for any parent. As Pennsylvania parents seek solutions to these problems, many opt to send their children to area camps that help their kids adopt a healthier lifestyle.

  1. Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs: Get Fit the JK Way

    • The Julian Krinsky Camp is different in that it offers academic and management courses along with fitness programs. Teens who attend this camp enjoy fitness routines tailored to fit their age group, meals designed by on-site nutritional staff, cooking classes, trainers and the flexibility to attend from one to six weeks. Julian Krinsky allows participants to attend in either a traditional camp or day camp setting. For campers who stay overnight, evening activities are planned as well as the choice of a Saturday trip. Camp attendees have taken trips to destinations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Hershey Park and the Poconos.

    Wellspring Camp

    • The Wellspring Camps are located throughout the U.S. in various locations. The Pennsylvania location is in the Poconos and caters to boys and girls ages 11 to 24. Campers can participate in sports, hiking and canoeing while learning about the food choices they make. This camp places an emphasis on teaching campers not only how to lose weight but also how to maintain their new healthy lifestyle after they return home. Sessions are three, six and nine weeks in length and begin three times during the summer. Young adults who come here will enjoy outings to Camelbeach Mountain Water Park, New York City and Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. At Wellspring Camp teenagers will find so many different activities to choose from that they will find something to enjoy while learning to take control of their weight.

    Camp Pocono Trails

    • Camp Pocono Trails is a traditional weight loss camp in the Pennsylvania area. The camp offers different length-of-stay options that last from two to seven weeks. A pre-camp session is offered at the beginning of the season and lasts 11 days. Airfare is included in the admission cost for teens who live west of the Mississippi River and who stay at least four weeks. Kids take part in sports, personal training, nutritional support, nature hikes, horseback riding, water sports and indoor activities that keep them moving. Camp Pocono Trails is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and boasts longevity of its staff.

    Camp Pennbrook

    • Camp Pennbrook is located just 10 minutes from the Pennsylvania border in Pennington, New Jersey. This girls-only camp caters to teens in need of managing their weight. Parents can always contact their camper during their camper's stay; in fact, the administration encourages the families to support their teens while they are away. This helps parents understand what their teen is going through and prepares the teen for success when she gets home. The dining services are designed to help campers have a better relationship with food as well as instill confidence in the choices they make. Nutrition classes are also held to teach good food habits and how to best prepare some foods. Camp Pennbrook boasts tennis courts, softball fields, soccer fields, a track, lacrosse field, basketball courts, two indoor gyms, self-defense combat training and a dance studio.

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