Camp Shane weight loss camps are for girls and boys, teens and young adult women where you will feel comfortable, accepted and good about yourself! We are here to help you get healthy and have the best time of your life. Where fun, nice people, great activities, fabulous camp grounds, nutritional education and behavioral therapy combine.
Fun is key at Camp Shane! Running the best weight loss camps in the country means proven results, overcoming obstacles and having an incredible experience while making lifelong friendships. We are not a fat camp nor are we a boot camp. A fat camp treats their campers like members of the military - we treat our campers like family.
Fun is key at Camp Shane! Running the best weight loss camps in the country means proven results, overcoming obstacles and having an incredible experience while making lifelong friendships. We are not a fat camp nor are we a boot camp. A fat camp treats their campers like members of the military - we treat our campers like family.
Services
Since 1968, thousands of parents have entrusted us with their children. You love and want the best for your child, just as we do for our own children. That's why we run extraordinary weight loss camps that everyone is proud to be a part of - kids, parents and staff. We maintain high ethics and an overriding commitment to care.
Successful weight loss programs for kids, teens and young adults don't just happen by themselves. Weight loss for children isn't easy, but we dedicate ourselves to giving our campers a comprehensive set of life skills. This will help equip them to deal with their problems completely and successfully, for the long term.
If you feel weird about going to weight loss camps, DON'T! Camp Shane is upbeat, fun, happy and exciting. We focus on having a good time. The people are really friendly. As soon as you get here, campers and staff come up to you, asking you your name and what you like and before you know it, you are part of the crowd.
Camp Shane has experience since 1968, helping our campers achieve their health and fitness goals. All the fun of traditional summer camps mixes with the benefits of weight loss camps to ensure a memorable and unforgettable summer for each camper. Camp Shane weight loss camp urges campers the importance of nutrition and fitness knowledge in order to lose weight in a healthy manner.
This coming summer will be my fifth year attending Camp Shane. Although I am not quite at the weight I'd like to be at, I've managed to lose and keep off 50 pounds over the years. From the moment I first stepped foot on Camp Shane grounds, I knew it was the place for me. I feel that my closest friends are made at Camp and keeping in touch with them is no problem.
Reviews (21)
Kristin O.
Jan 10, 2022
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I'm writing this review in the event David Ettenberg, Camp Shane's owner, is able to get a license (outside of the state of Connecticut where he is barred from doing so) to operate a camp at any time in the future. This man does not care about kids. He operated his sole, remaining camp in Connecticut without experienced staff, without a proper license, and is a general danger to children's mental and physical health. If this camp is ever re-opened, PLEASE do not send your child there.
Ronda Moore
Dec 08, 2019
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When my daughter was nine years old, she had a weight issue. It was something I couldn’t fix at home and I didn’t know how to handle it.
I spent months researching weight loss camps, other locations, trying to figure out all of my options. Ultimately, after speaking numerous times with the staff at Camp Shane, I ended up making one of the hardest decisions of my life as a mother – sending my daughter over 1000 miles away from home to attend Camp Shane for 6 weeks.
When I saw my daughter after her time at Camp Shane, I realized this was actually the BEST decision of my life. My daughter
I spent months researching weight loss camps, other locations, trying to figure out all of my options. Ultimately, after speaking numerous times with the staff at Camp Shane, I ended up making one of the hardest decisions of my life as a mother – sending my daughter over 1000 miles away from home to attend Camp Shane for 6 weeks.
When I saw my daughter after her time at Camp Shane, I realized this was actually the BEST decision of my life. My daughter
Sage N.
Oct 01, 2019
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If I could give less than one star, I would.
Upon arrival there was a new Director taking over. They brought my daughter to a floor with younger children, realized she was not in the correct age group and then actually asked another child, while we were there, to move. We moved her bags up and down from one floor to the next 3 times that day. The dorms/bunks were a disgusting mess. There was garbage everywhere. I understand some chaos during move in, but this was a complete lack of anything ever resembling organization.
When I dropped my daughter off I gave the new Director all of her paperwork
Upon arrival there was a new Director taking over. They brought my daughter to a floor with younger children, realized she was not in the correct age group and then actually asked another child, while we were there, to move. We moved her bags up and down from one floor to the next 3 times that day. The dorms/bunks were a disgusting mess. There was garbage everywhere. I understand some chaos during move in, but this was a complete lack of anything ever resembling organization.
When I dropped my daughter off I gave the new Director all of her paperwork
Richard Sachs
Jun 17, 2019
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Camp Shane, "The Undisputed, Undefeated, Five Star, Weight Loss Camp Champion...OF THE WORLD!" A perfect place to send your children, teens, or young adults that have self-image challenges because of weight, including myself. As a supervisor, I found Camp Shane to be a place to have FUN, a safe place, and a comfortable atmosphere. The incredible team of hardworking counselors, staff, and directors are professional, happy, motivated, personable and enthusiastic and are committed to accomplishing the weight loss goals of your camper. What an exciting opportunity awaits you! I have been to other camps
Ronnie
Oct 30, 2018
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In a word Camp Shane is an amazing place!
During the five years I was there I found an atmosphere of fun, support and education. It’s a unique combination which includes life experiences, social expansion, nutrition & physical activity-to name a few.
Being an overweight kid is tough! Losing weight while having so much fun and making friends was awesome. Some of my most cherished friendships were made at Shane and have endured the test of time.
Spending Summers at a place where you are accepted, encouraged and work towards a goal is exhilarating. Doing things I never thought I could, made a
During the five years I was there I found an atmosphere of fun, support and education. It’s a unique combination which includes life experiences, social expansion, nutrition & physical activity-to name a few.
Being an overweight kid is tough! Losing weight while having so much fun and making friends was awesome. Some of my most cherished friendships were made at Shane and have endured the test of time.
Spending Summers at a place where you are accepted, encouraged and work towards a goal is exhilarating. Doing things I never thought I could, made a
Jane T.
Jun 29, 2018
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My grandson went to this camp last year. My daughter went there over 30 years ago. This is camp is run very poorly. The so called owners were never on site. There was bullying and the camp was not run efficiently.
Camp Shane should be investigated by the state of New York's.
The cabins were dirty and and the camp grounds unkept.
Camp Shane should be investigated by the state of New York's.
The cabins were dirty and and the camp grounds unkept.
Amanda C.
Feb 12, 2018
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I went to Camp Shane when I was 15, and I will not recommend that ANY parent to send their child here.
I'm amazed to see from the other reviews that this place has not changed. One review mentioned the meals, yup! They were the same since I've been there I am now 28. If your child is coming back home with bruises here's why; there's no iron in your child's diet for X how many weeks you leave him/her there. They feed them fiber cakes to keep them full!
My bunk mate was on medication for emotional reasons, and none of the medical staff made sure she was given her medicine
I'm amazed to see from the other reviews that this place has not changed. One review mentioned the meals, yup! They were the same since I've been there I am now 28. If your child is coming back home with bruises here's why; there's no iron in your child's diet for X how many weeks you leave him/her there. They feed them fiber cakes to keep them full!
My bunk mate was on medication for emotional reasons, and none of the medical staff made sure she was given her medicine
Christine Montana
Aug 18, 2017
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Camp Shane Wisconsin is such a positive experience. The location, facilities and staff were amazing! My daughter attended for the full 6 weeks and lost 25 pounds. My daughter learned a lot about herself, nutrition, strength training and most importantly "a can do" attitude. My daughter came home at the end of camp with increased self confidence, her spirit was bright and she was more self aware of what she can do. The staff are knowledgeable, know how to work with kids, and were so kind and supportive. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious. I highly encourage and recommend Camp Shane! Our
Marlo Sterner
Jul 03, 2017
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We were very skeptical about Camp Shane, in the beginning b/c of our awful experience we had with ANOTHER camp in Texas a couple of years ago. However, Camp Shane was the most positive experience for my son!! He lost 22 pounds and has kept it off. His confidence has sky rocketed this summer, and we will be planning to go back next year. Whether a child is looking to lose weight or just maintain and get exercise with healthy food choices, Camp Shane was an incredibly positive experience!
Shannon D.
Apr 25, 2017
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I was a Young Adult camper at Camp Shane for two years. My summers spent at Camp Shane changed my life. Not only did I lose nearly 30 pounds in 6 weeks, but I was also able to bring my new found knowledge of nutrition back to college with me and maintain my weight loss, while only having access to a dining hall.
During camp, I attended Spinning classes, something I would never have imagined trying at home. It introduced me to an exercise that I absolutely love and I have continued taking classes since.
Camp Shane is the place that I found myself. It gave me confidence that I never imagined I
During camp, I attended Spinning classes, something I would never have imagined trying at home. It introduced me to an exercise that I absolutely love and I have continued taking classes since.
Camp Shane is the place that I found myself. It gave me confidence that I never imagined I
Steve Blaier
Jan 06, 2017
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My son attended Camp Shane NY this past summer (2016) and had an amazing time. Besides losing over 50lbs he made some great friends and memories that will last a lifetime. As with all sleep away camps there will be issues of home sickness and or noting getting along with some of his bunk mates all were solved via telephone with the staff. The Staff at Camp Shane were great along with the Nurse who needed to give my son weekly shots. All done without issue. Looking forward to the summer of 2017!
Kristen B.
Nov 01, 2016
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AZ camper. 2nd summer in a row. Daughter was happy to see the friends she'd made the year prior and meet new ones this year. Overweight, but not obese, she was able to lose a solid nine pounds in two weeks which made her start at HS a strong one.
The camp was clean, well maintained (it's a private school during the year) and she had a ton of fun. The counselors were great. Kind, upbeat, positive. They let the kids feel like the teens they are but maintained control.
Shane keeps your kid more and constantly active than they've ever been. The great part is that your child realizes
The camp was clean, well maintained (it's a private school during the year) and she had a ton of fun. The counselors were great. Kind, upbeat, positive. They let the kids feel like the teens they are but maintained control.
Shane keeps your kid more and constantly active than they've ever been. The great part is that your child realizes
Lori F.
Oct 27, 2016
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I worked at Camp Shane back in the 80s. To this day I still say the summers of '86, '87, and '88 were the best summers of my life. I was not on the weight loss plan but my sister and brother had both attended as campers and were always successful at losing the weight.
The reason I went to work there was because on visiting day in the summer of 1985 I went to see my siblings and when I saw how happy parents were to see their children looking healthier and when I heard about how you trade clothes with your friends because one person's 'big' clothes were always someone
The reason I went to work there was because on visiting day in the summer of 1985 I went to see my siblings and when I saw how happy parents were to see their children looking healthier and when I heard about how you trade clothes with your friends because one person's 'big' clothes were always someone
Amie K.
Aug 11, 2016
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I want to start out by saying that I had researched weight loss camps several years ago for my older son who is now 17. Camp Shane was at the top of my list but, with 4 children under age 14, I was not able to afford to send him. Luckily, this time around, things fell into place and I was able to send my youngest to Camp Shane New York. I signed him up for the first 3 week session, but just a little over two weeks in, he called and asked if he could extend his stay. I knew that it was so beneficial for him...I'd been tracking his progress via social media (they are really good at posting
Joanne D.
Apr 01, 2016
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WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT GO HERE! Or send your child
My child got bullied and staff did nothing!
He did not shower for a week!
Did not get a phone call!
You might as all send them to jail!
Do not send your child here if you have an regard for their life
Message me and I will call you and tell you my story!
WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT GO HERE! Or send your child
My child got bullied and staff did nothing!
He did not shower for a week!
Did not get a phone call!
You might as all send them to jail!
Do not send your child here if you have an regard for their life
Message me and I will call you and tell you my story!
Michael G.
Feb 25, 2016
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My daughter who is not obese in the strictest of terms, attended Camp Shane last year. So based on her feedback, it seems as if the appeal of Camp Shane stems not only from achievable and sustained weight loss but also the friendships and lifelong associations that occur when like minded teenagers find themselves surrounded by their peers in a common struggle to overcome eating and weight loss issues.
The fun factor infusion with all the latest dance moves incorporated into zumba classes, learning how to transverse a ropes course, theatre performances and all kinds of games, off site trips to
The fun factor infusion with all the latest dance moves incorporated into zumba classes, learning how to transverse a ropes course, theatre performances and all kinds of games, off site trips to
Nelson J.
Feb 24, 2016
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I first came to camp Shane as an unhappy, over weight 12 year in the summer of 2003. I had the worst school year of my life, I came home crying everyday after being bullied for my size, and my mother tried all she could to help me. Ill never forget the day that changed my life. She asked me one afternoon, "your crying breaks my heart, how can I make you happy again." I stopped crying to say, "mom I just wanna be skinny so the kids will stop teasing me and I can make friends."
My mother found an advertisement for Camp Shane in the back of one of her nursing magazines and called
My mother found an advertisement for Camp Shane in the back of one of her nursing magazines and called
Beverly Kolosseus
Jan 11, 2016
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I attended Shane this past summer. It was the best decision I've made in a long time. I weighed 196 lbs, the closest to 200 I had ever been. I was near the point of giving up, of not caring. But a friend suggested I go to a weight loss center. I took her advice and began my online research. The one that I was drawn to was Shane Diet Resort in New York. They promised a 3-prong approach: diet, exercise, and behavior modification. It worked! I lost 14 lbs while there for a month-long stay, but more importantly I changed my mind-set about dieting and exercising. I discovered that I am not a food addict
Donald Swantko
Nov 03, 2014
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I have gone to Camp Shane NY for two summers now, and cannot be happier with my experience there. There are many positive aspects to going to Camp Shane. The best is by far the confidence and self-esteem that the campers gain while they are there. Over the course of the nine-week summer, the campers go to the camp initially to meet their weight lose goals, but in actuality get a boost in self-confidence. They bring this confidence home and back to a new year of school.
Not only do the campers have a great time because they are losing weight, but because they are supported, pushed and loved by
Not only do the campers have a great time because they are losing weight, but because they are supported, pushed and loved by
Jennifer Widder
Jul 09, 2014
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Camp Shane has been a huge part of my life for many, many years. I was originally “forced” by my parents to go to Camp Shane. Little did I know, it was the best thing they could EVER force me to do. I was a camper at Camp Shane for 5 years, the best five summers of my life. My best friends are from Camp Shane, the support network we have created for one another is unreal and unlike any other friendships I will ever have. The activities were a blast, everything and anything you could possibly want to do at a summer camp is available to you and then some. I highly recommend going to Camp Shane
Lauren Berger Franklin
Jun 16, 2014
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Camp Shane is a feeling, not a place. It is a feeling of belonging, an opportunity to shine, and a place where losing weight is on everyones agenda, and the overall plan. Campers and staff alike, taste success on many levels throughout their entire stay. I went to Camp Shane as a camper when I was young, and moved into a counselor position while in college. The best friends I ever made, are still my Camp Shane peeps from way back in the day! There are endless activities that ensure each camper is doing things they enjoy, while at the same time enforcing they give it their best in the exercise classes
