This is such an interesting post, with so many good things to think about. Going into it, I thought my opinion was one thing, but by the time I was finished, I was switching to the other side. I think that's the definition of a well-rounded SHARE!
I'm working on losing weight myself, and it's not easy. And I am an adult who can control her own portion sizes and exercise routine, who can buy my own food at the grocery store and decide how much of it to prepare. I can compare nutritional labels. I can make decisions -- should I splurge? -- based on how I'm doing that day with my weight and exercise. And even with all that, even with the momentum and knowledge that's available to me, it's difficult.
I'm thinking that these kids probably really enjoy camp. While they might miss chips or candy, they're in the same boat with a lot of other kids who look just like they do. (Though kids can be mean, and I can see right now that "cliques" probably form, with some kids still picking on others based on shallow differenes.) Even with that reality, I think it would be fun to be at a camp doing camp activities with others who have extra weight to carry into the canoe or across the finish line. You wouldn't feel like you were the one laboring behind because you were "the fat kid."
But I can't imagine how discouraging and out-of-control it must feel to go home from fat camp, a few pounds skinner and maybe encouraged and motivated to keep going, and have the same old routines at home to step into. It seems like all the routines at home need to change in order for a camp like this to have a lasting effect. Healthy foods need to be on hand -- fruits and veggies instead of sweets or salty snacks. Portions need to be controlled. Protein needs to be lean; grains need to be whole-grain; sugar needs to be kept on a leash. Without changes like that, nothing a child learns at camp is going to stick.
I wonder what kind of after-care programs or instructions these kids get? I wonder if the camp somehow extends information to the families or parents as well?
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This is such an interesting post, with so many good things to think about. Going into it, I thought my opinion was one thing, but by the time I was finished, I was switching to the other side. I think that's the definition of a well-rounded SHARE!
I'm working on losing weight myself, and it's not easy. And I am an adult who can control her own portion sizes and exercise routine, who can buy my own food at the grocery store and decide how much of it to prepare. I can compare nutritional labels. I can make decisions -- should I splurge? -- based on how I'm doing that day with my weight and exercise. And even with all that, even with the momentum and knowledge that's available to me, it's difficult.
I'm thinking that these kids probably really enjoy camp. While they might miss chips or candy, they're in the same boat with a lot of other kids who look just like they do. (Though kids can be mean, and I can see right now that "cliques" probably form, with some kids still picking on others based on shallow differenes.) Even with that reality, I think it would be fun to be at a camp doing camp activities with others who have extra weight to carry into the canoe or across the finish line. You wouldn't feel like you were the one laboring behind because you were "the fat kid."
But I can't imagine how discouraging and out-of-control it must feel to go home from fat camp, a few pounds skinner and maybe encouraged and motivated to keep going, and have the same old routines at home to step into. It seems like all the routines at home need to change in order for a camp like this to have a lasting effect. Healthy foods need to be on hand -- fruits and veggies instead of sweets or salty snacks. Portions need to be controlled. Protein needs to be lean; grains need to be whole-grain; sugar needs to be kept on a leash. Without changes like that, nothing a child learns at camp is going to stick.
I wonder what kind of after-care programs or instructions these kids get? I wonder if the camp somehow extends information to the families or parents as well?
July 29, 2009 - 10:34amThis Comment
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