Wellspring Wisconsin campers achieve more than just weight loss at camp. Greater confidence, new friends, more motivation—these are just a few of the ways in which campers’ lives improve dramatically.
Leigh W.
Lost 28 pounds in 8 weeks at Wellspring Wisconsin and another 18 pounds (and counting!) at home.

From Leigh’s Mom
Leigh is still so committed to the program and has been continuing to be successful. Today at our Weight Watchers meeting she has lost a total of 46 lbs. We stopped at a roadside market today and bought a 48 lb pumpkin and I made her carry it to the car and she could hardly make it. When she realized that she used to carry that around each and every day she was amazed at how many changes she's made since starting Wellspring.
- Cindy C., Mom of Leigh
Erica M.
Lost 23 pounds in 4 weeks at Wellspring Wisconsin

WANTING TO FIT IN BETTER AT SCHOOL...
After watching the video, I really wanted to go to Wellspring because I wanted to lose weight and fit in better at school, and not get teased. I was sort of nervous about going because I didn't know anyone, but was excited, too, because staying in the dorm with a roommate sounded fun.
MET—AND EXCEEDED—HER GOAL!
My goal was to lose 5 lbs a week. But I lost 23 lbs. in my 4 weeks, and when I got home, everyone was saying 'I can't believe how great you look and how thin you are'! That made me feel good that I did it and everyone noticed. One highlight for me was that we were supposed to get 10,000 steps in one day, and one day I got over 70,000 steps in! They said that was a Wellspring record!
- Erica
FROM ERICA’S MOM...
She has the knowledge and the tools she needs to stay on track and I think that has empowered her as well as me to let this be HER thing. I am so proud of Erica and so appreciative of Wellspring to have given not only my daughter, but me, the tools to be successful in managing lifestyle and weight. The motivation has to come from her, and the impact of that mentally as well as physically is so wonderful to see!
- Karen M., Mom of Erica
Wellspring Wisconsin campers say…
"I think here at Wellspring Wisconsin, they gave me the best BC, counselors, and campers. It has been an awesome experience and I hope I can keep on going when I get home to achieve my goal!"
"This year was so much fun! I'm satisfied with my success at camp. I love the staff they just brighten my day. It feels like I'm home when I'm at Wellspring Wisconsin!"
"Wellspring is wonderful! I loved it here. I feel I can definitely bring this home and be a long-term weight controller, and I hope I can take everything I learned here and continue to lose weight at home! Thanks for everything! The counselors are awesome and so is staff!"
Parent Comments about Wellspring Wisconsin…
I wanted to share some pictures of Ty running his first half-marathon last weekend.
I won't pretend that it's been smooth sailing; he's had some rough weeks here and there since we left camp. But, differently from anytime in the past, he always manages to get back on track, get focused, and apply all that he learned last year at Wellspring. He is wonderfully healthy!
On a personal and academic level, he's becoming the person I always knew he could be. He's graduating near the top of his class, and received a fully-paid four year scholarship to Ohio State University, where he'll start in the fall. Gone is the angry kid who wasn't happy with himself. In his place is a happy, confident young man.
I can't thank you and your staff enough for all that you did for Ty, and as well for our entire family. We all run together, and are now training to run a full marathon in October. Life is good!
Pamela H., Clarksville, OH
Our son was successful at camp. He has lost about 7 lbs since returning home. Activity level is most difficult to keep going with him. He is eating mostly on plan and understands what he needs to do and has found foods he likes. We just need to find activities he likes to do and will be self-motivated to do.
The camp was great as far as him feeling better about himself. He did not think he would lose any weight there and he did and is proud of that. He still has a ways to go and we are working as a family to continue his success.
The staff in Platteville was wonderful. They were available for answering questions, great motivators and helped with emotional difficulties Jackson had during camp and when leaving. We are very grateful to them.
Nancy K., Greenbay, WI
Hannah Zimmerer is our daughter that attended the Wisconsin camp for 8 weeks. It has so far been one of the greatest experiences for our family. Hannah has struggled with her weight her entire life and it has always been a worry for our entire family.
She lost a total of 52 pounds in the eight-weeks that she was there and it was amazing to us. Our entire family (Hannah's Dad, sister who is 17, brother who is 14 and me, Mom) attended the Family Workshop and we all think that it was so important that we were all there so we all knew what she had gone through and what was expected of all of us at home. We are all extremely proud of how Hannah has handled everything since being home. She knows the Plan very well and is trying very hard at everything.
Hannah has always been in sports so when she returned home volleyball practice started the very next day so she has been able to keep up with her exercise (her coaches were amazed at the shape she is in) but if she hadn't been in sports I think the whole exercise adjustment from being at camp to coming home would have been a huge adjustment for her. She has made the comment many times of missing the strictness and structure of camp. It has made Hannah much more confident and happy with herself. Thank you so much for everything.
Sherri Z., Verdigre, NE
Pedometers and counting fat grams will be our new way of life. Joe is going to be educating us at the grocery store and also how to prepare the meals. I am having a welcome home party for Joe with his family and he is so excited to show everyone, especially his brother and sister what he has accomplished. He has already set the menu of grilled skinless marinated chicken breast, with portabella mushroom on a low fat whole grain bun with low fat marinara sauce and rice on the side. I have emptied the refrigerator and Joe and I will be going to the store to start a new way of life, with healthy choices.
We want to thank you and all the Wellspring staff for dedicating your lives to helping young people return to healthy lifestyle. Going to Wellspring is the most important thing Joe has ever done. He is so happy with the results. I hope we will be able to talk to you in the future for your advice and guidance in continuing the great work you have provided.
Russel L., Oak Lawn, IL
We were not looking for a quick fix to our daughter's weight problem, rather a life changing experience, and at Wellspring we found exactly what we were searching for. It was during the Family Workshop (at the four-week mark) that my husband and I realized this was the best investment we could have ever made for our entire family. Our daughter was overflowing with new energy and information and we were right behind her - eager to learn more along with her. After eight-weeks, and 40 lbs. lighter, she is home and still thriving.
Our entire household has converted to being life long weight controllers, not just our daughter. We have so many things in common, so many things to talk about and do together - it is amazing! Many young girls who are overweight experience depression; Hillary was one of them.
While at camp, she felt so much better that she was able to stop taking one of her medications for depression and is almost completely off of the last (tapering down slowly to avoid problems). I believe that this would not have happened so quickly had she not been at Wellspring where she received daily support from the counselors, endless outdoor activities, and one-on-one behavioral sessions.
At this point, all I can say is THANK YOU for everything. She wants to be a part of Wellspring Camp for long time - what an impression!
Kristin H. - Battle Creek, MI
Leigh is still so committed to the program and has been continuing to be successful. Today at our Weight Watchers meeting she has lost a total of 46 pounds. We stopped at a roadside market today and bought a 48 lb pumpkin and I made her carry it to the car and she could hardly make it. When she realized that she used to carry that around each and every day she was amazed at how many changes she's made since starting Wellspring.
Cindy C., Englewood, CO
I am extremely happy with Jonathan’s response and results at Wellspring. He lost 24-pounds at camp and has lost another 7-pounds since he came home. All of the kids at school are raving about how great he looks. I convinced the Freshman football coach to allow him to try out for the team (even though he missed the tryouts while at camp). So, Jonathan has football practice everyday, follows his diet religiously and looks and feels great. His behavior problems with ADHD have not recurred, which I think is in part due to his significantly increased exercise, a reduction in calories in his diet and how happy he is with himself. I have told Jonathan’s psychiatrist and psychologist how wonderful the program is and without reservation recommended your camp to any child with similar problems.
I would be happy to do anything I can to help promote your programs to other desperate parents. Oh…and I have lost 7-pounds since I returned from The Family Workshop. You, Dr. Kirschenbaum, the camp and all of your personnel are wonderful. I can never thank you enough for getting my child turned in the right direction.=
Dr. Rebecca Q., Hinsdale, IL
I want to personally thank you for the topnotch job you are doing in regard to e-mailing parents as to the goings on, difficulties, and achievements at camp. These e-mails have been extremely helpful in my writing an e-mail to Steven each day. Your continual contact is what has kept me going the past few weeks. I was also extremely happy to receive a picture of Steven's door decorated for his birthday. Today I saw and printed out two pictures of Steven and his roommates. How excited his brother and sister were to see them!
When Steven called for the first time this morning, he sounded so together and sure of himself. He told me all the new foods he has tried and likes. He also mentioned all of the sports he has taken part in. He was so proud to tell me that he achieved his goal of becoming an Explorer, and included in that the fact that he would be able to call for a longer period of time next week. Steven proudly stated that he had lost nine pounds during the first weigh in.
Lastly, I asked Steven how he would rate his happiness at Wellspring if ten was the absolute happiest anyone could be. He quickly replied, "A nine Mom!" Needless to say, I was blown away!!! I am so pleased to share this comment with you, and please feel free to pass it on to your staff members who know and work with Steven.
Thank you for all you do for and on behalf of all the children at Wellspring.
Susan T., Greenbay, WI
We are very pleased that Olivia had such a successful summer. Every phone call indicated great satisfaction with her accomplishments and a strong regard for the Wellspring program and its professionals. A happy Olivia is the best recommendation in our eyes to the thoughtfulness and effectiveness of the program. Thank you again to your team. It means the world to us to hear our child so happy, satisfied and proud of her work this summer. We wish ongoing success to your organization. It is a thoughtful approach and a great service to a growing health problem in the US.
Donna M., Kenilworth, IL