The Benefits of All-Girls Weight Loss Camps

By Meghan Vivo

When it comes to weight and body image, girls face a number of issues that boys may not fully understand. Although boys are becoming increasingly body- and image-conscious, girls continue to diet more, struggle with eating disorders more frequently, and feel less satisfied with their bodies.

Because girls face unique struggles with weight, a specially designed summer weight loss camp for girls may be the best way to make lasting emotional and lifestyle changes. Wellspring New York is the first weight loss camp for girls, featuring a supportive, confidence-building environment for young women who want to lose weight and make permanent lifestyle changes.

A Safe Place to Be a Girl

“All girls weight loss camps are an emotionally safe place for girls to explore who they are,” says Laura Inscho, a yoga instructor at Wellspring New York. “They open up more quickly and more deeply because they are surrounded by people who really understand their struggles.”

Some girls feel embarrassed or self-conscious about attending a weight loss summer camp, but these feelings are minimized at a camp that specializes in working with young women. When everyone at camp shares a similar perspective and life experiences, they quickly discover how much they have in common, setting the foundation for deeper friendships and creating an encouraging emotional support system.

According to Inscho, the girls at Wellspring New York don’t take themselves too seriously, which allows them to explore the deeper issues underlying their weight problem and release frustration and energy without worrying about what other people think. In short, campers at all-girls weight loss camps know they are safe to just be themselves.

Unlike “fat camps,” “fat farms,” and “diet camps” that have a reputation for being demeaning and confidence-lowering, Wellspring New York’s all-girls weight loss camp is empowering to young women.

“We encourage girls to make camp their playground,” says Kim Justice, the head fitness trainer at Wellspring New York. “They can come to the gym alone or in groups, and are free to play with the equipment without being afraid they’ll look stupid. The less intimidated they feel, the more likely they are to find activities they really like and will stick with at home.”

Focus on Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change

An all-girls weight loss camp gives young ladies an opportunity to focus on the task at hand – losing weight and changing negative habits – without worrying about how they are perceived by members of the opposite sex.

“One of the biggest benefits of a girls-only weight loss camp is that the campers are less distracted,” says Inscho. “Their insecurities don’t hold them back from trying new things – they participate in sports and activities fully, without worrying about how their bodies look or who is watching them.”

She adds, “Camp is like a little laboratory, where girls can experiment with other ways of being without trying to impress the opposite sex.”

With this newfound freedom, girls find that losing weight can be a positive, life-changing experience, while enjoying all of the usual benefits of summer camp. Campers participate in activities like talent shows, canoeing, rock climbing, white water rafting, campfires, and swimming while learning to eat well through gourmet cooking and nutrition classes.

Some camps, like Wellspring New York, even offer cognitive-behavioral therapy and ongoing support after camp ends to help ensure that campers not only lose weight but keep it off long term. On average, campers at Wellspring New York lose four pounds a week and continue losing weight after returning home.

Choosing the Best Summer Camp

As summer inches nearer, families are deciding what type of summer camp is right for their child. Given the soaring rates of childhood obesity and the impressive results achieved at some of the nation’s leading weight-loss camps, it’s not surprising that many families are choosing “fit camps” over traditional summer camps.

Whether you’re looking for an all-girls weight loss camp, a co-ed camp, an adventure camp, or a weight loss boarding school, Wellspring offers the most effective weight loss programs available for children and teens. Weight loss can be fun when you choose the best summer camp for your child!