The only way Ira Green avoided ridicule as an overweight teen was because of his athletic prowess. But when the structure of high school and college athletics disappeared, his adult weight ballooned to over 400 pounds. “When I had to have surgery to save my life,” said Ira, “I decided to teach kids at weight loss camps.”
After losing over 200 pounds and directing 10 weight loss camps, Ira is gearing up for this summer’s all-girl weight loss camp on the campus of William and Mary. Camp Friends 4ever is based on Ira’s seven weight loss principles: structure, accountability, honesty, rewards, balance, game planning, and selfless selfishness.
While the camp does have a proven and successful curriculum, you won’t see Ira or his staff barking out orders. “Twenty years ago, these kinds of camps were more rugged,” said Ira. “We let the campers choose their activities and in turn, they want to work harder, and my staff doesn’t waste energy on disinterested kids.” His style of discipline is basic: when a camper misbehaves, Ira brings them to his office, sits them down and asks, “Have I ever disrespected you?”.
MTV reality show star,Chelsea Settles will be making a guest appearance at one of the country’s premier weight loss camps for kids.
Settles will be taking her inspiring story to the New Image Camps at Pocono Trails in Reeders, PA. This Saturday, May 12, 2012, Settles will meet with parents and campers and discuss the subjects she’ll be teaching as she herself attends the camp this summer season. Settles plans to teach classes in grooming, poise, and charm.
Camp founder and director Tony Sparber has invited Settles to be a part of his camp. Sparber has spent his career providing safe and healthy environments where campers can learn all about proper diet and exercise habits while losing weight. He hates the term “fat camp,” however he has been given the title, “The King of Fat Camp.” He allows this title as it speaks truth to his vision as a pioneer in the weight loss camp industry. Settles will join Sparber this weekend at the Pocono Trails open house, where the children will surely be inspired and probably a little excited to be on MTV. Read Full Post >
The TV world is filled with shows on adult weight loss, but when it comes to kids’ weight issues, shows are nonexistent. Until now.
“Huge,” an upcoming show on ABC Family, is based on the young-adult novel of the same name by author Sasha Paley. “Huge,” which will premiere on Monday, June 28 is an hour-long drama series that centers around a group of teens who are attending and working at a weight loss summer camp, called Camp Victory.
