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Wellspring is a division of CRC Health that operates weight loss camps, the first therapeutic residential boarding schools for overweight children, teens and young adults, after-school programs, and adventure vacations for weight loss.

Over the past 20 years, overweight and obesity among children, adolescents and young adults has skyrocketed from 8% to 33%. This makes overweight and obesity the most serious health issue facing our children. Research from top universities shows that overweight children are likely to become more and more overweight, and that 90% of overweight teens will become obese adults. In addition, studies are increasingly showing that overweight teens face social and psychological challenges that can have permanent effects. The health risks associated with being overweight are well documented and include cardiovascular, orthopaedic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, hormonal, neurological, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. In the past, one of the few options for young people were summer fat camps that were not based on principles of long-term weight management.

Wellspring weight loss camps, weight loss boarding schools, after-school programs, and adventure vacations and adult weight loss retreats are designed by leading researchers and clinicians to maximize long-term behavioral change, which results in substantial and sustained weight loss. Wellspring recognizes that weight loss and management is a complex behavioral and biological struggle and that most adolescents have an unprecedented level of freedom in determining their own lifestyle. This is why Wellspring’s intensive clinical programs provide campers, students and participants with the necessary tools, decision-making skills and new behavioral strategies to control weight permanently.

Wellspring programs have achieved the best results ever recorded for weight loss programs for children, adolescents or adults.

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Wellspring Academies - Reedley, CA and Brevard, NC

Featured in thousands of television, radio, magazine and newspaper reports, Wellspring Academies (formerly Academy of the Sierras) are the first solution for teens struggling with their weight. By attending Wellspring Academy of California, or Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas for a semester or longer, students will be able to accomplish the following:

  • Weight Loss: Achieve immediate and dramatic weight loss through the Academy's research-based Diet and Activity Management programs in the controlled environment of our 68-acre campus. Average weight loss is 81 lbs.
  • Behavioral Change to Ensure Weight Loss is Permanent: Permanently change the way they think about their diet and physical activity, and the way they behave, through intensive training on the set of skills and behaviors that research reveals to be essential for successful long-term weight control. The training is supplemented by cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions 4x per week to ensure students are able to overcome any psychological or emotional barriers to mastering these behaviors.
  • Accelerate Academically: Accelerate academically (or catch up to grade level) through a rigorous, individualized educational program, fueled by the increase in energy and self-esteem resulting from the weight loss and therapeutic programs.

If you are serious about helping your child return to a normal weight and live a longer, healthier and happier life, contact Wellspring Academies today for more information.

Wellspring Academy of California accepts young men and women ages 13-24. Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas accepts boys and girls ages 11-16.
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Wellspring Camps

Wellspring Camps are the most fun, effective and popular summer camps for weight loss.  Wellspring Camps differ from the traditional weight loss camp in 9 significant ways:

  1. Highest recorded weight loss of any weight loss camp
  2. Incredibly FUN
  3. Wellspring campers continue losing weight after camp ends
  4. The weight loss is PERMANENT
  5. Designed by the top researchers in the world
  6. Health insurance reimbursement
  7. Family involvement and support after camp ensure success
  8. Wellspring's sister programs are the famous Wellspring Academies (formerly Academy of the Sierras)
  9. The top professionals in the country work at Wellspring Camps
If you are serious about making a permanent change this summer, contact Wellspring Camps for more information.
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Wellspring New York – Adirondack Mountains, NY

Wellspring’s flagship program and the only weight loss program limited to young women (ages 12-24). Wellspring NY offers the widest variety of fitness classes and activities of any weight loss camp. Located on the beautiful 14,200-acre campus of Paul Smith’s College in the heart of the Adirondack Park, Wellspring NY takes advantage of state-of-the-art facilities set amid awe-inspiring mountains, sparkling lakes and lush forests. In 2005, Newsweek named Paul Smith’s one of America’s 25 Hottest Colleges. Contact Wellspring New York for more information.
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Wellspring Adventure Camp North Carolina - Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

Perhaps the most effective weight loss program ever developed, the Adventure Camp in North Carolina enrolls boys and girls ages 11-17 and combines weight loss and behavioral change with adventure: whitewater rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, hiking, camping, and a range of team sports and traditional camp activities. The Adventure Camp is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Contact Wellspring Adventure Camp for more information.
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Wellspring California - Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA

Located on the brand new campus of CSU Channel Islands, on the California Coast just Northwest of Los Angeles in legendary Ventura County, Wellspring California provides an extraordinary range of activities for boys and girls ages 11-18. CSU Channel Islands' state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities are the perfect setting for personal training, basketball, soccer and a range of team sports. And because we're at the beach, we take advantage of several of California's best beaches and surf breaks, and also enjoy some of the world's most scenic coastal hiking. The level of activity is unparalleled, and so is the weight loss. Wellspring California is the perfect summer weight loss program for those seeking long-term results, while spending the summer enjoying California sun, sand and surf. Contact Wellspring California for more information.
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Wellspring Texas – Hill Country, TX

This Texas weight loss camp is set in the heart of the Lone Star State, amid the rolling grasslands, lakes and rivers of the famous Hill Country, Wellspring Texas provides boys and girls ages 12-17 with exciting weight loss activities such as swimming, biking and Nordic walking. Based on the 200-acre campus of San Marcos Baptist Academy, Texas campers enjoy comfortable dormitories and athletic facilities while traveling to nearby rivers and magnificent state parks for challenging adventure activities such as kayaking on the Guadalupe and Colorado rivers and hiking and climbing Enchanted Rock. Contact Wellspring Texas for more information.

 
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Wellspring Wisconsin – Platteville, WI

Wellspring Wisconsin combines Wellspring’s unparalleled weight loss program with exciting activities on our campus and in the surrounding region. We are located on the beautiful 820-acre campus of University of Wisconsin-Platteville, which provides state-of-the-art facilities for swimming, fitness, personal training and team sports. The recently expanded Williams Fieldhouse is equipped with an indoor track, four basketball courts, six volleyball courts, four doubles and two singles tennis courts, four racquetball courts and 12 badminton courts. A 4,300 sq. ft. strength training facility includes free weights, universal machines, aerobic training bikes and stair masters. Wellspring Wisconsin is a traditional summer camp for boys and girls ages 12-18. Contact Wellspring Wisconsin for more information.

 
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Wellspring Hawaii – Big Island of Hawaii

Located on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, not far from Waipio Valley, the oceanside cradle of Hawaiian civilization, Wellspring Hawaii offers activities as diverse and exciting as Hawaii itself for boys and girls ages 13-18. Try surfing or climb an ancient volcano. Enjoy outrigger canoe competitions and hiking through the tropical rainforest. Campers from Asia, Australia and North America convene at Wellspring Hawaii for a truly life-changing experience. Contact Wellspring Hawaii for more information.

 
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Wellspring Family Camp – Pinehurst Resort, NC

Located at the five-star Pinehurst resort, famous for its golf (U.S. Open 1999 and 2005) and southern hospitality, families with 1-3 children ages 5-14 attend Wellspring Family Camp for a one- or two-week weight loss vacation and transformation. Taking advantage of all the amenities that Pinehurst has to offer, Wellspring Family Camp activities include personal training, hiking, fitness classes, swimming, and a wide variety of sports, games and other fun and energizing activities designed to motivate parents and children to continue a much higher level of activity after returning home. Parents may participate in Wellspring activities with their children, or enjoy their time on the golf course or in the spa. At the end of the session, all family members will have the skills, knowledge, and support necessary for transforming the home environment into a place where everyone has the motivation and mindset necessary for continued weight loss and a permanent healthy lifestyle. Contact Wellspring Family Camp for more information.
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Wellspring UK –Lake District of Northern England

Located in the picturesque Lake District in the Northwest of England, Wellspring UK is the first scientifically-based summer weight loss programme in Europe.  Wellspring UK is for young people aged between 12 and 18 years.  Wellspring UK students partake in both traditional sports and outdoor activities. Our weekly outdoor adventure trips include rock climbing, abseiling, ghyll scrambling, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and overnight camping.  On the modern and well-equipped campus, students enjoy basketball, hockey, football and tennis as well as step aerobics, weight room, circuit training and dance.  Contact Wellspring UK for more information.
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Wellspring weight loss camps and year-round weight loss boarding schools are NOT fat camps. They are your best HEALTHY and FUN option for losing weight and keeping the weight off.

Wellspring in the News >>

Read The End of Fat Camp