What Happened to Camp Shane?

Camp Shane was once the most popular fat camp chain in the country for kids and teens, and had been in operation since 1968. What happened?

What Happened to Camp Shane?

It wasn’t Covid that killed Camp Shane—it was simply a business dispute among family. Read this story from Bloomberg, “The Epic Family Feud Behind an Iconic American Weight-Loss Camp for Kids“, about how Camp Shane got to this point, or read below for how Camp Shane used to operate.

What is Camp Shane?

Camp Shane is the most popular brand of all-inclusive weight loss camps for kids and teens in the United States. It was founded in 1968, and now offers locations around the country. Camp Shane tries to shed the traditional view of “kids fat camps” or “weight loss boot camps”. Instead, they focus on compassion and support, with activities designed to help kids and teens get healthy in a positive environment.

Camp Shane Program

All Camp Shane locations are available for boys and girls ages 7 to 17 every summer. Additionally, Camp Shane California and Camp Shane Connecticut offer programs for men and women ages 18 to 25.

Campers at the Shane programs typically stay for a minimum of 2-3 weeks, but can participate for the full 6-9 weeks offered by programs. The plan is designed for kids to lose four pounds per week—two from exercise, and two from diet/nutrition provided by the program. Obese, overweight, or average weight kids and teens are all welcome at Camp Shane locations.

Camp Shane Pricing

Camp Shane prices vary from $2,675 to $3,340 per two-week stay at the majority of the locations, or $4,450 for the three-week program at the Connecticut/New York location. The per-week Camp Shane cost goes down for campers staying for longer than the two- or three-week minimum. Some families may decide to have their child stay for the full six weeks of Camp Shane sessions, yielding the lowest per-week rate. Specific pricing is available on each camp’s FitStays location page.

Camp Shane locations are all-inclusive, meaning the session price will cover all meals, lodging, activities, and extras. Tuition may be tax deductible for some participants, and some insurance plans may also help offset some of the costs.

Camp Shane Locations

Camp Shane used to offer numerous kids fat camp locations around the country. You can view past locations below.

Closed Camp Shane Locations

Click through to read details and full descriptions of each Camp Shane location.

Is Camp Shane coming back?

It’s unclear if Camp Shane will be back any time soon. Follow the FitStays blog for the latest about Camp Shane, or check out the other kids & teen weight loss camps for yourself or your family.

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