Camp wow there’s a lot I can say about camp. Well, its more than just
a camp to me now, it’s a place where I can go and not be judged for
what I look like but for who I am on the inside and that feels amazing!
Many people ask me “well why are you still going to a
weight loss camp your skinny?” and my answer is always “because it is
apart of me now” no one really understands what I mean by that. It is
not something I can explain, it is something you have to experience for
yourself.  The whole time I was at camp there was never a dull moment.
There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think a little bit about camp.
Now that I’m coming to the age of being a counselor I’m more than happy
to be one.  I can see all the kids learning to love themselves, making long time friends, and life long memories.

Before I went to camp I hated volleyball (no offence to the ones who like it) but after being taught the proper way to play it is now one of my favorite sports. The counselors there are more than just authority figures; they are friends as well. They participate in most of the
activities, sweating, teaching, and making it fun. For most of you who are thinking, “you exercise all day long how can that be fun?” Well, we don’t really exercise all day
long, sure it’s a big part, but there are also things like arts and crafts, nutrition classes, dances, trips, and really fun evening activities.

The camp’s food is honestly amazing. The CD with recipes Ira gives you has so many great foods to enjoy and easy to prepare.

My friends that I have made in camp are some of my closets friends and I love them and I keep in touch with most of my counselors.

My dad, as support to me, has sent my weight to Ira every week since I have attended camp. This will be my sixth summer spending it with Ira and his staff. He is like my “summer dad” and my mom and dad knows that Ira cares about me, even when the camp ends, which means so much to me.  I truly love camp and I wouldn’t ever change anything about it.

10 Proven Tips to Help Your Overweight Child!

• Be supportive in all circumstances. Children cannot tackle this problem on their own.

• Provide structure. Children gain the most weight during the summer months when they are away from school.

• Weigh your child once a week and put it on a graph by the scale.  No negative comments! Praise and encourage your child especially for maintaining weight within a range is a positive tool.

• Have your child plan meals. It prevents compulsive eating. Teach your child to read nutrition labels and study calorie counts to make healthy choices.

• NEVER tell your child he or she may not eat certain foods. Every food is okay with knowledge of acceptable portion sizes in a daily intake plan.

• An inexpensive reward system can be a very effective motivator for your loved one.

• Any exercise is important. Start with a ½ hour walk together. If your child can find an exercise buddy instead of you, that’s even better.

• Set realistic and reachable goals. For example, at the mall, park a distance that allows a walk to the entrance.

• Children need a support system and unfortunately parents are not their #1 choice. They will not succeed if they do this on their own.

• The 6 Tools for success: Structure; Accountability; Support, Honesty, Being Selfish for oneself; and Rewards… and to have FUN, FUN, FUN!