Obesity Monitor

I mentioned in my first post that I had previously worked at a weight loss camp.  I wanted to take the time to share that experience with you, as the director has moved on to other great healthy lifestyle programs for kids.

Ever since watching MTV’s I’m at Fat Camp, part of the True Life series, I wanted to become a counselor at a weight loss camp.  In the summer of 2004, I got my chance, working at Camp Timber Creek.  It was one of the hardest, most demanding jobs I’ve ever had.  I was a direct counselor over girls ages 10-12, but I also acted as a lifeguard and presided over free time activities in the evenings.  I had prepared myself for the physical aspect of it—working long, hot summer days, cheering kids on and joining in on sports games that I had no idea how to play.

What I didn’t prepare for were the emotional side effects of obesity, especially with children who are already at a fragile age in the development cycle.  One of the most common answers I got when I asked girls what was wrong or if I could help was, “You wouldn’t understand.  You’ve never been fat.”  What I tried to come back with was, “Well, that’s true.  But I have understood what it’s like to be sad, angry, hopeless, confused and picked on.  I can help if you’ll let me.”  Sometimes it worked, other times, the solution was to stop pushing and just be there when I was needed.

I think what made that job so hard was the constant emotion that was running through the camp.  There was a continuous roller coaster of feelings ranging from excitement to downright frustration.  At the same time, it was so extremely rewarding to watch the kids complete a mile run for the first time, to compare weight loss during weigh-in and to vow to never put the weight on again.  The oldest boy in the camp during my summer was 17 and was too overweight to join the armed forces, which was a dream of his.  At the end of the summer, he was the male camper with the largest amount of weight loss.  I never heard whether or not he joined the armed forces, but I hope that he followed every single one of his dreams.

Camp Timber Creek was founded by Ira Green and is now Camp Shining Stars.  Ira is now heading up several other weight loss programs for kids.  He has truly dedicated his life to helping children learn how to live healthy lifestyles.  Ira is also the founder of Blast Wellness, a fitness facility for kids in Durham, NC, and the Healthy Children Foundation, which focuses on education and support for overweight children.

If your child is struggling with weight issues, and you’re looking for a summer camp, I suggest taking a look at Ira’s programs.  If you’re in the Durham area, stop by Blast Wellness.  Tell Ira I said hi!