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Camp Shane summer camp reviews

Summer Camp  Shane

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Camp Shane
summer camp
Type:  Overnight
Gender:  Co-Ed
Focus:  Weight Loss
Website:  campshane.com external link
Winter Phone:  914-271-4141
Profile updated: 3/12/06    Submit profile update

average quality
Rating: 2.9 (1-5) based on 13 reviews.

Summer Camp Shane has a fair overall rating on CampRatingz.com.


The following postings have not been substantiated by CampRatingz.com.

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Comments
 
Click to report rating    4/18/23   1     1     1     1     1   I still have nightmares about this camp and I worked here years ago. The facilities were horrendous. There was absolutely no upkeep of any cabin, room, etc., on the premises and it was so bad then when campers arrived, more than a handful of parents wanted their money back to no avail. One staff member kicked in a wall and there were thousands of dead bugs coming out of the wall. I love camping but that camp is more like Shamping; camping in****. RID: 53701
Click to report rating    6/15/21   1     1     1     1     1   I worked for this camp one summer and although I met some great people, it was the most unethically run camp I've ever worked for. The facilities were disastrous and employees found themselves stuck because if they left camp, they wouldn't be paid at all so instead of quitting, they fought to stay till the end, including myself. I made it to the end but overall, this camp was the most demonic filled experience I've ever encountered in my life. PLEASE do NOT waste your money on this atrocious place. Staff, please do NOT dare work for this camp. RID: 53393
Click to report rating    7/22/20   1     1     1     1     1   I do not recommend. The counselors were horrible. They were unreliable, irresponsible, and disrespectful. They were not accommodating! The campers were expected to be able to operate at the rate of “normal” in shape person from day 1. There were many times where some of the campers had to explain in front of everyone why they couldn’t do the activities at the rate of others. Making it a very uncomfortable/embarrassing environment. They made it very hard to express how we were feeling and when we did we were shut down. We were constantly belittled by the remarks and actions of the counselors. Specifically those of whom were very fit and “in shape”. This camp should not be for children. It is mentally, emotionally, and physically abusive. There were many situations that were dismissed and overlooked to the the fact that they were dangerous. It is not a place for a child that has weight issues. I went as a 17 year old and it was a living hell. We were allowed a phone call every Wednesday RID: 53269
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 9/4/18   1     2     2     2     1   Be really careful using Camp Shane New York. The staff failed to stop my son from being bullied. He reported to several staff various incidents but the staff didn't address the problem and worse didn't talk to one another so they didn't realize how far it had gone till my son broke down and we had to pull him out a week early. We didn't receive an apology and of course no money back. Kids don't have their phones, and don't have the option for a private conversation so as a parent you really rely on the camp staff to do their job, sadly Camp Shane's staff failed badly - I'd recommend looking some place else safer for your kids. RID: 52229
Click to report rating    8/18/18   1     1     1     1     1   The owners are horrible human beings! No concern for the well being of the campers. My son had a major dune buggy accident at this camp (don’t worry they don’t allow dune buggies anymore). I never received a call from the camp. Thankfully my son brought his cell phone and called me from the ambulance. He was in the hospital overnight. Still no call from the camp nurse. The owner saw my son the following day after his accident right before I was bringing him home for treatment of a huge scar that he will live with for the rest of his life and all he said to my son was “I won’t ever let you drive my BMW”. Think twice before sending your child here. There are many good weight loss camps that actually have compassionate, caring owners RID: 52194
Click to report rating    3/14/18   1     1     1     1     1   This was the worst experience for the amount of money we paid. Upon check in - there were no camp directors present; Within one week - the camp director quit A new camp director was hired who lived in town, that I learned later was never present with my child but in the evening when it was time to sleep They charged money for cognitive behavior class and charge insurance companies but do not have a professional licensed staff teaching it They forgot my child in the dorm They mis-delivered a package to the wrong child (they provided the address -'and we overnight the package to that address) - when I asked about it- they said it was not delivered but the tracking number confirmed it was - I called the university mail room clerk who recalled the package and said she hand gave it to the camp Shane staff ; the camp Shane staff admitted they gave it to the wrong child; there was special memorabilia and items that were not returned and the staff and nor management took accountabili RID: 51701
Click to report rating    8/25/17   1     1     1     1     1   coming from a former counselor from summer 17 I felt like a couldn't be myself a lot of the counselors all acted like stereotypical Northerners kids would get cussed out by counselors and the head boys counselor was always yelling and screaming at campers and counselors don't get paid for orientation there trying to sell the camp one mom who works in the office thinks she runs the place and her son is a bully the camp failed health and safety inspections it's not approved by the ACA conditions are horrendous camp mom quit and said she would never send her son here if you're a Christian they would find that fround upon over half the boys and girls counselors quit they only care about money and none of the counselors don't really get any authority or fitness instructors either your mainly just a baby sitter for them this place is a joke and is overrated RID: 51282
Click to report rating    1/16/17   1     1     1     1     1   The owners of the camp conveyed that they were not concerned with their staff or any of the campers. They made no effort to get to know any of the staff and did not thank us or show an appreciation towards us, when we worked 6 days a week for 12 hours. They paid us little money and did everything they could to cheat staff members out of money when it was possible.I had many campers coming to me and telling me that the owners had made insulting comments towards them when they failed to lose enough weight. Staff members were overworked and underappreciated, we were basically volunteers. If you are going to own a camp you should care about people, and the owners do not. In my opinion greed and money should not be the driving factors in a weight loss camp, but unfortunately those were the driving factors at this camp. This was the most disappointing experience of my life and I still have nightmares about it today. It is the one experience that I, without a doubt, regret. RID: 50356
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 7/19/16   1     1     1     1     1   Staff and Campers BEWARE! This place is a terrible place to work or send your kids. The returning staff's moral's are non-existent. They have been indoctrinated since they've been going there since they were little including a lot of the directors and they prove that the camp Shane program doesn't work. Everyone comes back every year still fat! If the directors have been campers and the counselors have been campers , and the head staff have been campers why as adults are they till living unhealthy lives if the camp Shane program works? Uh because it doesn't but if you want to send your child year after year to a program that won't stick and will have your child develop a bad attitude and poor morals please waste your money here. Also one the head staff told me and several others the owner sued his own mother to gain ownership of the camp so while that little family story on there website may sound nice , it's as fake as the rest of the camp Shane mission and promise. RID: 49788
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 5/15/15   1     1     1     1     1   This is a HORRIBLE, UNSAFE camp! DO NOT send your child here!!! RID: 48660
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 2/6/14   1     1     1     1     1   very poor conditions. I stayed there back in 2001 still have sleepless nights. I have a more accurate review on epinions .com as the blacklab horrible place needs to shut down RID: 46711
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 11/21/13   4     4     5     5     4   We are from Canada.While the facilities are not brand new, everything was really clean and invited activity and fun for my daughter Megan. It was a little pricey and I was nervous but was able to speak to Megan weekly and able to see pictures daily. She looked so happy.Coming home was hard as in camp they were set up to exercise daily, portioned food and classes. Mr. Ettenberg put us in contact with camp Nutritionist. She saw our family for 2 months.Camp regularly reached out to us sending blogs and tips. Megan lost 29 lbs! WOW.To see my child happy and confident is what was most important to me. Decor did not impact us; watching her feel beautiful and happy is a mom's dream!Kids with weight come with lower self esteem but they all react differently to change. Some embrace it, others are resentful.I am not sure what kind of experiences other have had or the circumstances surrounding it, but Megan's group,staff and Mr Ettenberg gave us our child back. We are so grateful.THANK YOU! RID: 46291
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 10/11/13   4     5     5     4     5   Two years ago we decided to send our daughter to sleep away camp mostly because she needed a sense of independence - needleless to say she didn’t agree. We selected Camp Shane because as a specialty camp there weren't well established cliques of kids who bunked together since they were 8 that would make a new camper feel like an outsider. 8 weeks after drop off - she had a great summer, made great friends and had self esteem that wasn’t there at the beginning of the summer. Did she drops some weight - absolutely - was it life altering for her - 100%.....but most importantly she had a great summer. Our two daughters returned last summer for 9 weeks each. This time they both had an amazing time (as did their parents being without kids for the summer). I recommend Camp Shane because it is a great spot for kids to have an awesome summer - and as an added bonus - they were really active, ate healthy, learned about good choices and came home feeling and looking great. RID: 46109
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 6/12/13   5     5     5     5     5   Shane showed me what it was like to fit in, be loved, and actually be a part of something big. They say that camp isn’t just a place, that it’s a feeling. This statement is 100% true. I never thought I’d find somewhere on the other side of the country that made me feel at home. I can’t even explain what its like to watch my campers grow each day. I personally work with the younger girls. I’ve never met so many kids so eager to grow and learn, but most importantly motivate each other. The first time one of my girls made a hit to 2nd base, or ran a full lap around the track without stopping, are memories that I will never forget. Camp Shane has truly shaped me in to the women that I am today. Some of my best friends to this day, I met that first summer. I leave each fall knowing that its just 9 short months till I get to come be back to my favorite place in the world, the place I can always count on to be there, where I can always be myself, and where I know I’ll always belong. RID: 44746
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 6/6/13   5     5     5     5     5   I have been attending Camp Shane since I was very young, and I cannot put into the words the appreciation I have for the place. Each summer I come back more confidant, happier, and more excited to be there. The grounds are gorgeous, the staff are awesome, and each year I see changes for the better. The day to day at Camp Shane involves meals that are normal, and well portioned. There are lots of sports, a huge pool, zumba,nutrition and cooking classes, paintball, and a bunch of other things. Oh, and you always lose weight. I always feel so good and ready to go home and be healthy at the end of each summer. The best thing about the place is the people. I have made the best friends that they I’ve ever had there. I am so beyond grateful for the friends I have made and the confidence I have gained at Shane. If you want to have the summer of your life, making amazing friends and lose weight, go to Camp Shane. I know I’ll be there this summer… cant wait!! RID: 44677
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 5/23/13   5     5     5     5     5   Camp Shane has changed my life in more ways than imaginable. I have so much more confidence than I thought I'd ever have. I've created friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Shane is my home away from home. I have been attending Camp Shane for 6 years not only to be in shape and be healthy, but it is such a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is accepted and I can be myself. Shane has the most fun and exciting activities, that you wouldn't even know you were getting in shape. The staff is like one big happy family. Your counselors become like older sisters or brothers to you because of the bonds you create during the summer. And the food is delicious! We are served normal foods like pizza and frozen yogurt, just in portion controlled sizes. I can't wait to get back to my "summer home" Camp Shane. -Camper for 6 years, Sam B RID: 44563
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 5/22/13   5     5     5     5     5   Attending Camp Shane was a huge blessing. I cannot start to describe how it has changed my life and the lives of my friends. I think we would all agree we got our “mojo” back.Camp Shane is definitely a special place. I won’t lie, the first week was hard. But, by the second week, I knew I found my second home. My counselors rocked and the girls in my bunk became sisters to me. For the first time, my friends understood me and I didn’t feel so hopeless and alone. They are my best friends. The activities also took some getting used to.They were hard. The specialists never took “I can’t” for an answer. They just required that we tried. Because of them,I finished my first 5k at home this year. I wouldn't of been able to do this without Camp Shane. I had the summer of a lifetime, and I am now a happy and confident individual.I owe Camp Shane my life. Thank you Camp Shane! RID: 44558
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 4/25/13   5     5     5     5     5   I was a counselor at Camp Shane. I found the staff to be very concerned about both the counselors and campers. The counselors were thoroughly trained prior to camp and encouraged and listened to throughout the summer. Camp Shane was a happy and fun place to spend a summer. RID: 44344
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 3/23/13   5     4     5     5     5   I attended Camp Shane in New York when I was 15 years old. At the time I was quiet, shy, and weighed over 200 lbs. During my time at camp, I lost about 30 pounds but that is not the most impressive or memorable thing about camp. At Camp Shane what I lost in weight I gained in friends, memories, and self confidence. My time at camp taught me that my self worth is not tied to a number on a scale or anything that can be measured in inches. Many of the friends I made at Shane are still my friends today. We bonded over past experiences and learned how to be healthier people together, inside and out. My camp counselors were extremely nice and understanding (many of them having had the same struggle in their youth). With the completion of each daily activity I grew more confident, happy and proud to be me. Yes, I left camp a few sizes smaller on the outside and excited for a new wardrobe, but the improvements on the inside were far more substantial and life changing. RID: 44053
 
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 3/21/13   5     5     5     5     5   Ever since I was a little girl I've always wanted to be different&to make a difference,after all who doesn't?My definition of a difference has always been to influence the lives of others&make a difference that I can be remembered for long after my years.I first entered the gates of Camp Shane with high levels of fear. "What do you mean mom and dad?I am 12!The sound of fear in my voice was all very real.Little did I know,that so many years later I would still be apart of this incredible place!I walked into the gates of Camp in 2000 & am still in touch with everyone I met.I have been a dedicated camper,counselor,& group leader.I don't regret a second of my time.I learned how to be social,fearless,& most importantly to love myself. Weight&body image has always simultaneously been a struggle for me. With the tools and knowledge I learned at Shane, I am now 132 pounds lighter and look at the world positively! I took the skills I learned at camp and utilize them daily. Thank you Camp Shane! RID: 44036
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 3/5/13   5     5     5     5     5   I worked at Camp Shane as a Head Councillor for 5 years.Having had the privillege to work at a place that helps transform kids lives is nothing short of amazing!I had the best job in the world. Waking up every morning to these inspiring kids determined to change their lives is something everyone should witness.Many of these kids have never been to sleep away camp, have experienced diffuculties making friends, or have never been chosen for a sports team. Within weeks, they love camp, make lifelong friendships and hit home runs. The weight comes off and self confidence emerges. Owner David Ettenberg was very hands. He could be seen chatting with campers, dressed as an indian chief for events or jumping on stage and dancing the macarena. Meeting with Directors daily, David demanded a clear agenda and vision of the weeks events and activities making sure they were all tp notch. Camp Shane create lifelong memories for campers and staff. RID: 43898
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 2/23/13   5     4     5     5     5   I work at Camp Shane. I lost weight with lifestyle choices yrs prior on my own, felt a wt loss camp would be a great place to pay it forward. Once there I wished my adult-teen daughters could have attended. I learned as much about my relationship to a healthy lifestyle from the kids as they learned from me. I watched kids detox off their daily lives, foods, inactivity, screen time. I watched kids rehab from being bullied in their lives at home into advocates of those less able. I watched high school boys befriend and VERY protectively include a young man with different abilities. Hundreds of kids dropped their screens and plugged in with those around them. Young kids lost enough wt in the 9 wks that running and playing was possible for them again. Homesickness is severe, the kids are encouraged to be more active and have lost food as one of their "go to" coping skills. The kids now run for school office, dress up for dances, join teams. The fallout is worth the challenge of change. RID: 43789
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 2/17/13   5     5     5     5     5   Best Camp Ever. Even if you don't need to lose weight. They have everything you could want in an overnight camp. Plus the added bonus of learning how to eat right. Love this camp and camp family RID: 43737
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 2/15/13   5     5     5     5     5   Me and many of my best friends in life met at Camp Shane. I went for many years and Camp Shane will always have a special place in my heart. You share some of the greatest times and memories with the greatest, most down to earth, caring people. The counselors and staff are so kind. Everybody truly cares about each other and making sure everyone has a good experience and makes the most of their stay. Camp Shane for me was a place where I had a clean slate as a child. I came in and nobody held any of the judgements I dealt with in high school and middle school. I made so many friends and mentors who made me feel good about myself, and we all lost weight together. Throughout the years, many of us have remained in touch and surely will be for life. Everybody at Camp Shane shares the same goal. Many of us are insecure, have been bullied, called names, and walked on. We hear people call us fat and stare at us in public. Our friends, classmates, and sometimes even our RID: 43714
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 2/15/13   5     4     5     5     5   Being a counselor at Shane was one of the best experiences of my life. I'm studying to become a social worker for kids, so summer camp was a great place for me to gain experience in a really unique way. Camp Shane just has that extra benefit of being a warm, caring, safe environment for kids of all ages to get healthy and have a great time doing it. I was so proud to be a part of that last summer. I was able to form bonds with my campers and I made friendships that I'll never forget. As a counselor, watching the campers grow as people was one of the most rewarding things I've ever gotten to do, and I was honored to be named Counselor of the Year in 2012. Coming back and doing it all over again would be a dream come true. RID: 43712
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 2/9/13   5     4     5     5     4   My son has lost a total of 88lbs with Camp Shane over the past three summers. Camp Shane has empowered him to take ownership of his weight and take pride in what he does. Even now that he is at his goal weight he looks forward to next summer. He has made friends with kids form all over the world who travel to Camp Shane to lose weight. The staff is supportive and encourage the kids every step of the way I would "HIGHLY RECOMMEND CAMP SHANE" to any parent looking for a positive and healthy way for their child to lose weight. My son was performing low academically and is now a high functioning student. His self esteem is through the roof because the encouragement from the Camp Shane staff brought him out of his shell by supporting him in trying new things and not letting his weight stop him. RID: 43629
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 2/6/13   5     4     5     5     5   I work as a member of the head staff here at Camp Shane--and I have been able to pay it forward –by being a part of this life changing experience with these kids and young adults. At Camp Shane—we reach for the stars. We strive for positive change- while implementing the tools for continued success. With group circuit training, nutrition and cooking classes we learn how to make a physical change. With fun evening activities and weekend programs—we learn how to make that special change within ourselves- enabling each and every camper to We walk in the first day as strangers and we leave nine weeks later as a family. There’s nothing about Camp Shane that I don’t love. I spend nine months every year looking forward to heading back to Ferndale, NY to spend the summer with a family that understands, loves and accepts everyone that walks through those gates for the fabulous person that they are!! RID: 43594
 
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 2/5/13   4     5     5     4     5   I have worked at Camp Shane as a parent liaison for six years now and weight loss has been amazingly successful. I have personally witnessed Camp Shane changing the lives of hundreds of children. Many of children and young adults would never have the mind set to make the change if it weren't for this camp. I've seen the children enter the camp grounds with their heads down as they are walking around. But within a few days, they're changed people because they see a ray of hope. Anyone who has ever been on any exercise and regiment knows that it take time to get used to a new life style. It is a big transition to go from eating over 2500 calories per day to consuming only 1700 per day. The same is true for not exercising at home and then coming to camp where you are involved in some sort of physical activity every day. In fact campers and their families constantly call us throughout the year to advise their continued achievements. I’ve found that there are a few parents who constantl RID: 43586
Click to report rating    1/24/13   1     2     2     1     1   My son's experience at Camp Shane was not only disappointing it was disgraceful. The counselors teased the campers, the staff did not respond when asked for help or counseling, the activities were without inspiration. Sure, have kids exercise and eat less in a controlled environment and they will lose weight. But not to bring joy to their lives is inexcusable. I would NEVER recommend this camp. RID: 43483
Click to report rating    11/9/12   2     3     4     2     1   This was my personal experience, no exaggerations. I was hired as a counselor this past summer and left after a week. The owners put no money back into the camp, they just buy new BMW's. The food is awful, my campers couldn't use the bathroom for days. One of my campers found a live, wiggling worm in the salsa... not okay! There are not enough staff, due to the poor treatment. I was expected to function on around 5 hours of sleep a night. I really tried to make this experience work but couldn't. Honestly you would be better off buying your child a gym membership and a trainer. RID: 43005
Click to report rating    7/29/12   2     1     1     1     1   Camp Shane is falling apart. David Ettenberg has not put any money back into the camp. The camp facilities are broken, dirty, or falling apart. They are so short staffed that most activities are closed. My children report that they have the basketball specialist teaching tennis, etc., and everyone is doing three jobs. My two sons have been terrorized by another camper and they have done little to resolve the problem or offer any kind of security to my sons. Every time I have called the administration tells me they are short staffed and it is difficult to have proper supervision because of the staffing problem. The Problem is David Ettenberg being petty and cheap and trying to milk every penny out of the camp. Why is a camp that usually has 300 campers down to 150?? The reason is that the camp is in such awful disrepair and there is no structure and poor organization. I sent an email in the beginning of summer and it took two weeks to get a reply. Shame on you camp shane! RID: 42138
Click to report rating    7/10/12   1     1     1     1     1   Please DO NOT send your children to this camp. I know that children get homesick, but when your child is begging you to go home you MUST trust your instinct. I worked at this camp for several days and left because I felt my professional liability was compromised. I was hired to work with your children in a very personal capacity, and yet they did not do a background check, take my license information, check ID on arrival, nor check references. Your children are wonderful and really wanted to work hard, but this is not the place. I would have taken them with me if I could have. Please, check the place out fully, see all of the facilities, meet the staff, find out about the camps security...above all, trust your gut before sending your child here. RID: 41644
     3/27/12   5     5     5     5     4   Aside from the amazing outdoor activities (pools, boats, lake inflatables, athletics, ropes course, splash park, climbing boulder, bike track, archery, etc.) and "indoor" activities (cooking, arts and crafts, theater, music, gymnastics, ceramics, science, etc.), the camp endeavors to plan special activities including a carnival, late stays, visits from fun guests, and a color war. For those seeking some Jewish culture for their children, a shabbat service is held every Friday. Most importantly, however, the staff aims to make your children happy by ensuring they are with friends, are supervised by competent and fun counselors, and are given the opportunities to excel in their own special areas. Love this place. RID: 40637
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Click to report rating    4/28/11   1     1     1     1     1   every single one of these ratings are true. this camp has horrible cabins and other facilities. they are filled with bugs and dirt and they aren't ever cleaned properly. the staff pushed and pushed people to the point where i was crying, even when i was hurt. everyone was underfed and the food was basically plastic. you never had a say in what was going on either. you overpay, and sure you lose weight but pretty much every single person gains it back eventually, so don't waste your time. this is a horrendous camp and should be shut down for good. RID: 35769
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 8/8/10   5     1     2     1     1   I was thoroughly unimpressed by this camp.I wish I had read the reviews before going to the camp. I spent a week being sick as a dog before they even let me see a doctor. The food was not very healthy. It was cheap and bought in bulk from sysco. The Staff was amazing though. The trainers really tried to help the campers and the nutritionists did everything they could to help campers learn. They weren't given much to work with and had to fight for campers to get salad that wasn't Iceberg lettuce and bread products that weren't white. The activities weren't bad but weren't great. All in all this camp is not worth your money. Results vary from great to almost nothing. Some people have good experiences but as a young adult, I can honestly say that this place is horrible and sending your kids here endangers them on a number of levels. Please consider another camp. ANY other camp. RID: 33662
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 5/3/09   5     4     5     5     5   Camp Shane does wonders for kids and teens. I have been working there for 5 years and see first hand every summer the change that the campers make. The staff are well trained and develop unforgettable bonds with every camper. Parents need to remember camp is not a quick fix, but a chance for your child to learn tools to succeed. If after camp it is not a joint effort in the home it is harder to work. However, Camp Shane has great activities and the kids have tons of fun. We pull out every stop to make the campers smile and being around people who understand what you're going through is priceless. RID: 29651
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 3/13/09   5     5     5     4     4   Camp Shane was hands-down the most amazing experience in my life. It was completely life-changing. They had normal food + fair servings. The activities were great,everything from jewelry + ceramics to go-karting + paintballing, and fun sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and so much more. Additionally, there were some totally fun and outrageous activities, such as Fear Factor Day, Color War, Shaner Idol, and So You Think You Can Dance. At Camp Shane, you truly learn the meaning of friendship and support. I met some of the nicest people I have ever met and ever will meet at Camp Shane. There were some people there that needed to lose more weight than others, but that didn't change the way people treated each other. At Camp Shane, everyone was equal, and everyone was friends. In addition to coming home thinner, I came home happier and much more confident. Camp Shane's motto is "We're not a place, we're a feeling," and you wouldn't believe how true that really is. RID: 29263
Click to report rating    9/15/08   1     1     1     1     1   I BEG YOU-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE SENDING YOUR CHILD TO THIS CAMP. This camp treats children who need to lose 15 lbs the same as those who are 100 lbs overweight. They provide barely enough food to survive with no choices whatsoever. The strenuous exercise alone would allow most children to lose weight. The counselors are there for one reason only-they are predominantly obese and want to spend the summer losing weight. They don't care about the children. The owner David is a cheap money hungry man who charges families and campers on visitng day for water and ices! I called the first week to take my daughter home and was told "NO REFUNDS." I mistakenly made my daugher stay an additional 2 weeks and ended up losing $3,000 anyway. I wish I had taken her out the first day in spite of this. She was constantly getting hurt from coed softball. A 300 pound boy hit a ball into her leg causing a huge bruise. They didn't take her to the doctor. They made her exercise even when she was sick! RID: 26547
Click to report rating    8/10/08   3     1     2     2     1   This camp was too expensive for the facilities offered-no mats to exercise-outside on hard grass/poor food for dieters only an apple for fresh summer fruit/poor facilities-watch movies in the owners' house. I've been and sent my kids to other wonderful camps. They advertise a gimmick-to loose weight-poor food,sparse facilities and no psychological help for those who need it. Highly unrecommended RID: 25551
Click to report rating    3/30/08   1     5     5     1     4   I went to camp shane for 3 years, 89-91. I lost weight every summer, but i also put a lot of work into every physical activity. I couldnt maintain that level of activity at home. i made some great friends and gained a lot of self esteem. i dont feel that they taught me to eat correctly, they often served food that i would never eat now(fruit in syrup,etc) I also felt that in some cases, the staff were inadaquitely trained. I was threatened for weeks by a peer, on my last night, she punched me in the back of my head with fingers full of rings (brass knuckle substitutes) I was taken to the nurse, who sent me back to my bunk to sleep. A poor sleeper, I feel asleep with the lights on as my bunkmates traded clothes. I had difficulty awakening in the morning. when i was picked me up, i was immediately taken to the emergency room, she hadnt been notified and I wasnt allowed to call. I had a concussion. Although I requested help from staff repeatedly over the summer, I wasnt taken seriously. RID: 21756
Click to report rating    1/28/08   5     5     5     5     5   Camp Shane was the best thing that ever happened to me. I went 30 years ago for 2 summers(1976,1977). Losing weight and gaining self esteem along with making great friends that shared my common goals enabled me to face the world with confidence.I learned great habits and the importance of exercise. I feel Camp Shane and the staff gave me the tools to live a wonderfully productive life as a wife, mother and nurse. My son,a 3rd psychology major in college, recently came to me unhappy about his weight gain at school and I highly recommended a summer at Camp Shane. I know he will offer compassion and empathy to the campers as well gain the same confidence I did 30 years ago. Kudos to the owners for their years of caring and service!! I know under Camp Shane's fine reputation that my son will have the best summer ever while gaining the tools he needs to become a healthy adult. Thank you for many years of wonderful memories and thank you for being there for those that need your service. RID: 19478
Click to report rating    12/16/07   1     1     1     1     1   Worst camp i have EVER been to. The couselors SUCK and so do most of the campers. You've got the really fat kids who want to lose a lot of weight and then you have realllyyyy skinny kids who come just to look around at all the fat kids and feel better about themselves and boost their own self esteem while destroying the fatter people's self esteem. The couselors are the earths scum and should be sent away. The facilities are horrid, they really don't do much of anything and its just all so very unorganizedd. The food is also horrible. I mean, i've been on diets before and quite frankly, you don't have to eat cardboard and watered down juices to be healthy, they take it to an extreme. If you're thinking about having a fun, healthy summer, please, never go to this camp. You'll save yourself a lot of money and time. RID: 18051
Click to report rating    8/10/07   1     1     1     1     1   Everythign this camp tells you is a lie. My child is far more depressed now then she was when I sent her to this camp. The counselors were beyond terrible, there was zero supervision, and they only care about parents seeing results. This camp should be shut down and the camp directers should be sent to jail. RID: 13808
Click to report rating    6/13/07   2     2     4     3     3   Its a great camp. i have been going there for six years i will be going there in 2 weeks as a matter a fact. i would have been 300 pouinds by now if i didn't go to camp shane for those years. even though i gain it back every year, i still make friends have fun, and thats very good <333 RID: 11943
Click to report rating    6/1/07   2     1     2     1     1   I was a counselor at Camp Shane in 2001. I had recently lost a significant amount of weight, knew how it felt ot be overweight and wanted to help kids struggling with obesity. I was hired after a 5 min phone interview to help take care of a bunk of 12 tween girls, and also to teach arts and crafts. I had a couple days training, but the counselors who weren't teaching any of the classes were given very, very little training. Although most counselors had good intenions, many counselors came for the social experience, to see America, and most of all to lose weight themselves. The vast majority were age 18-22 and had no idea how to deal with kids with self-esteem problems. The owners are made to look like "the camper's best friends" on the website, but they only showed up for photo-ops and special events. Although I knew the food wouldn't be great because it was "diet food", it was worse than I thought. I gained any weight back that was lost that summer. RID: 11338
Click to report rating    5/22/07   2     2     2     2     4   My son left chubby and came home skinny. He never gained the weight back. I'm glad he went but...bunks too crowded, there is no supervision, and the photo session is humiliating especially the "before" shots. Still, it was a great decision to go just don't expect too much. RID: 11028
Click to report rating    5/18/07   1     1     1     1     1   I am begging you, for your child's sake, do not send your children here. The counselors brag about food that they are eating, my child saw a few very drunk counselors coming off from their nights off. The bunks were almost unlivable. That camp really just wants results and is okay with hurting your child in the process. RID: 10926
Click to report rating    5/6/07   1     4     4     3     2   Program was great but the counselors were awful. My son and daughter both attended 2 years and lost weight. Overall they enjoyed the experience and made great friends - except for the counselors. Counselors went into town during their evenings off and sometimes returned very drunk. They spoke to the kids about how they gorged on fattening foods. They were often mean to the kids for their own entertainment. Even though the overall program resulted in successful weightloss, I would never send my kids back after hearing some of the things the counselors did and said. RID: 10568
Click to report rating    1/21/07   5     4     5     5     5   SHANE is probably the best thing that every happend to me i still talk to so many of the people the counsilers are amazing and so much fun every the biggest complaint is the food but if you just get over yourself and dont think about it its not bad at all i LOVE LOVE LOVE Shane and truley a SHANER FOR LIFE RID: 7061
Click to report rating    12/23/06   3     2     3     2     3   i went to this camp last summer and i hated it i lost 18 lbs. and i hated it and i onli gained bak like 5lbs. and mi parents r forcin me to bak nxt summer , the councilers r ok but they need to improve the cabins i mean i know we are out doors but still!! And tri and get better healthy foods please!!!! RID: 6248
Click to report rating    10/6/06   4     4     3     4     3   As Shane Staff, I loveeeeed the Camp Shane experience! The bunks are a little ghetto, and it is a bit expensive, but I've never before seen so many kids go in a little rough around the edges [personality wise, self-esteem wise, body wise] and come out with so much more than they expected. It truly is an amazing experience. RID: 3799
Click to report rating    8/18/06   4     3     1     1     1   I hate this syupid camp and I never want to go back again!!! It is way toooooooooooooooo much work and they pratically starve you!!! The food sucks, too!!! The only good thing was the cuonselers. They were cool. But the rest sucked!!! I mean, you lose the weight, but slowly and painfuuly like their torchering you. RID: 2151
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