Weight Loss Camp To Award Scholarships And Turn Biggest Winners Into Biggest Losers

March 26, 2011 (PRLEAP.COM) Health News
To help address the national epidemic of childhood obesity, the owners of Camp Shane, the world's longest-running weight loss camp for children and teens, have announced the "Biggest Winner" contest. Ten winners will receive a full scholarship to attend Camp Shane from August 1 to August 20, 2011, a prize valued at $3,600 each.

Overweight kids and teens, ages 10-17 who have never attended Camp Shane previously, are invited to submit an entry for this contest, in the form of either an original essay or a video. In the submission, the child/teen must explain why they want to lose weight and get fit, and what they plan to do with their healthier future that a summer stay at Camp Shane can help them achieve.

"Growing up can be tough enough without the added burden of being overweight and unhealthy," says David Ettenberg, Co-Owner/Founder of Camp Shane. "We are delighted to offer this chance to children who truly want to lose weight, get healthy, and face their future with pride by being the best they can be. Our counselors, fitness gurus, and nutrition experts will give them the tools they need to change their lives. The children themselves will supply the drive."

Ettenberg continues by saying, "Camp Shane is not a 'fat camp,' where a drill sergeant type person yells in your face to do tortuous exercise. We are one of a 'kindness' place where kids and teens learn how to eat, exercise through enjoyable activities and get into the best shapes of their lives, while having more fun than they've ever had. Weight loss is just one of the things that happen while they are here. Aerobics, Zumba, jet skiing, zip lining, dance classes, swimming, games, team sports (with a place for everyone), nutrition and cooking classes. These are some of the activities at Camp Shane, but making lifelong friends and gaining the confidence that comes with taking charge of their own bodies is the true reward for spending time here."

"Camp Shane was the best summer I have had," says Jacob, a previous camper. "Even though I was only there for 3 weeks out of the summer, I learned a lot. Everyone at camp was so nice and accepted everyone. I also gained self confidence, and self respect for myself."

All contest submissions will be judged by a panel of nutrition and fitness experts, as well as some of the staff at Camp Shane. The winners will be chosen based on clarity, creativity, and the compelling tale they tell. Financial need will also be a factor in the judgment of the entries. All entries must be received by June 1st, 2011. For official contest rules and instructions on submitting an entry, visit http://www.campshane.com/biggest-winner-contest.htm

Founded in 1968 and family-run since, the original Camp Shane is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, only two hours from New York City and has been featured on media such as The Discovery Channel, The Tyra Show, MSNBC, 20/20 and most recently, MTV. Shane also has weight loss camps for children located in Arizona and California and will be opening the first non-profit weight loss camp in New York for economically disadvantaged children for 2012. Shane's weight loss program for adults, Shane Diet Resorts, is located in New York and has recently expanded its dates for 2011.

Visit Camp Shane's weight loss camp website for more information about our programs. Shane also offers an adult weight loss program, Shane Diet Resorts.