Many kids go off to camp during the summer months, including camps tailored for specific needs. Musicians can attend music camps, or for drama students, there are drama camps. For overweight kids, weight loss camps may be a good way to improve health at an early age, before medical problems begin. If you wish to send your kids to a weight loss camp in Florida, the state offers several options. Some include adult and family offerings as well.
Camp Vanguard
Camp Vanguard, located on Lake Pierce's shores halfway between Tampa and Orlando, gives kids ages 7 to 19 a place to get fit and lose weight in a fun and relaxing environment. New Image Camps owns and operates Camp Vanguard; their other location, Camp Pocono Trails, is famous for being the location of MTV's reality show Fat Camp. Campers participate in their choice of a wide array of activities. For kids who enjoy theater, the camp runs a drama program. Cooking classes give campers a chance to learn a new skill and become more proactive about eating healthy meals. The camp also offers arts and crafts, dance and yoga programs, aerobics, a computer area with supervised Internet access and a game room for camper socialization. To stay in shape, campers participate in basketball, swimming, beach volleyball, soccer and numerous other sports. The camp features a biking trail and paintball course as well. Campers have plenty of free time to decide which activities they'd like to try. Most activities are divides by age and gender, although there are periodic coed and group events. Evening programs are always coed. Sessions at Camp Vanguard begin in June can be as short as two weeks or last through the entire six week summer program.
Camp Vanguard
2249 N US Hwy 27
Lake Wales, FL 33853
800-365-0556
newimagecamp.com/camp-vanguard.html
Pritikin Family Program
In an attempt to get the entire family into shape, Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa offers the Pritikin Family Program. This program lasts either one or two weeks and is open to those age 9 and up. Children participate in such activities as cooking classes, nutrition workshops and fitness games. Parents in the program attend workshops that give them more insight into healthy cooking and eating, meal planning and making fitness fun. Aerobics, soccer, volleyball and dance classes are available to make getting up and getting moving fun for the family. At the end of the program, campers engage in the Presidential Fitness Challenge to see how far they've progressed over the course of their sessions.
Pritikin Family Program
Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa
19735 Turnberry Way
Aventura, FL 33180
305-935-7131
pritikin.com
Wellspring Florida
Wellspring's Florida camp was once a resort location. The camp is located right along the Gulf Coast and offers campers a fun, scenic environment in which to lose weight and get fit. This coed camp accepts children ages 11 to 18. The weight loss program at Wellspring Florida uses a more scientific approach to weight loss than other camps, with campers averaging a loss of 4 pounds per week. In addition to altering diet and increasing activity, Wellspring Florida focuses on changing a child's behavior through cognitive behavioral therapy, which will reinforce self control. The involvement of parents helps keep kids at Wellspring Florida on track; the camp holds family workshop weekends in which parents are also taught new strategies and lifestyle management to ensure their children's health. Campers at Wellspring Florida receive additional support once camp is over through access to a behavioral coach for a full year to ensure the child is still focused on weight loss and to give him a way to stay connected with fellow campers. Activities at the camp include swimming, biking, aerobics, kayaking and team sports. Sessions at Wellspring Florida last either four, six or eight weeks.
Wellspring Florida
501 Park St.
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
866-364-0808
wellspringflorida.com
Tags: Wellspring Florida, Camp Vanguard, weight loss, Pritikin Family, Pritikin Family Program
