NORWOOD, N.J., March 8, 2012 — It's no secret that obesity has expanded to the younger generation. First Lady Michelle Obama has made it her cause celebre. And reality shows, such as MTV's "I Used to be Fat" and the Style Network's "Too Fat for Fifteen," showcase the struggles of overweight kids.
"But this isn't a new issue", says Tony Sparber, the owner and director of Camp Pocono Trails in Reeders, PA. The recognized "King of Fat Camp" has been running weight-loss camps for more than three decades.
This summer, Camp Pocono Trails will once again welcome 400 children, from those who wish to lose only 10-20 pounds to the obese. Campers from ages 7 to 19 will enjoy their summers like millions of others across the country, BUT, they will be learning healthy habits that will last a lifetime, like portion control, smart food choices and the benefits of daily exercise.
"When I first began, only extremely overweight kids attended our camp and they were mostly girls," Sparber says. "Now the camp is comprised of 40% boys, as well as kids who only need to lose 10, 20, 30 pounds. In the old days, you shipped them off. Today they ask their parents to send them. We have a safe and nurturing environment."
His mantra: "Would you rather spend your summer at camp or at school?" refers to the fact that many weight-loss camps for kids take place on college campuses.
Sparber, who has thousands of success stories, touts the camp's venue: a 350-acre, completely private setting with a lake, two separate pools — for girls and boys — and more than 100 ways to have fun, including field trips.
Studies show that kids tend to gain weight during the summer because of more access to food and less activity. It's a dangerous trend that Sparber believes he's been effective at fighting, reducing the health consequence of childhood obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Camp Pocono Trails' campers enjoy a wide range of activities, from sports like golf, softball and soccer to other pursuits such as arts and drama. Besides attending weekly nutrition and cooking classes, the camp has a rigorous follow-up program once the kids go home, so they don't slip back into their old habits.
"Every kid needs a traditional camp experience," Sparber says. "Part of that experience is living in a cabin with five or six other children. Camps should have lots of outdoor and adventure activities, campfires, lakes and hikes. This is 'the' true camp experience."
Sparber has worked in the industry since 1980. He ran Weight Watchers camps before leaving in 1992 to open New Image Camp in Connecticut. Seven years later, he moved it to Pennsylvania and renamed it Camp Pocono Trails.
Camp Pocono Trails — the only private, traditional, weight-loss camp accredited by the American Camping Association — has been featured in MTV documentaries, "Fat Camp" and "Return to Fat Camp," as well as on "Good Morning America," "Dr. Phil" and "The Today Show."
For more information, please visit http://www.CampPoconoTrails.com
Camp Pocono Trails, a weight loss camp for kids in Reeders, Pennsylvania, features boating, jet skiing, fitness training, golf, soccer, tennis,drama, arts, field trips to NYC as well as nutrition and cooking classes given by state-certified nutritionists. The camp promotes health, wellness, integrity and learning in an enjoyable mainstream summer camp environment. http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Lake-Photo.jpg
Camp Pocono Trails in Reeders, Pennsylvania is situated on 350 private acres with a lake and separate swimming pools for boys and girls. The camp provides an environment where both losing weight and having fun are integral parts of the summer camp experience. Kids build self-esteem and life-long friendships. http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Aerial-Photo.jpg
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