A camp should help a child build confidence, enjoy movement, and develop habits the family can support at home. These three options include two residential summer camps and a virtual parent-and-child program. Compare the format, age group, and clinical support with your child’s pediatrician, and involve your child in the decision.
1. Camp Jump Start
- Location
- Online; organization based in Imperial, Missouri
- Format
- Virtual parent-and-child program
- Focus
- Family routines, nutrition, and activity
Camp Jump Start currently offers virtual training rather than an in-person camp. Its program includes ten lessons, recorded materials, group Zoom calls, and three months of access to a mobile web app. Parents and children participate from home, allowing the work to focus on everyday family routines. Guided sessions are offered in January and June, with app access available after enrollment. This should not be booked as a residential stay in Missouri.
2. Camp Pocono Trails
- Location
- Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
- Format
- Residential summer camp
- Focus
- Fitness, nutrition, confidence, and healthy routines
Camp Pocono Trails serves children and teens ages 7–18, with a young-adult group up to age 21. It combines traditional camp activities with nutrition, cooking, and fitness instruction. Not every camper attends to lose weight: some focus on conditioning, confidence, or changing screen habits. Ask how age groups are separated and which program fits your child, along with the current session dates and medical arrangements.
3. Camp Pennbrook
- Location
- Summer campus by confirmation; office in Leonia, New Jersey
- Format
- Residential girls’ summer camp
- Focus
- Wellness, activity, and nutrition education
Camp Pennbrook describes a girls’ program for ages 8–21, with exercise, emotional support, and nutrition education involving a registered dietitian. Campers stay in shared dormitory rooms. Its public pages contain different summer-campus addresses, so obtain the current campus location in writing before arranging travel. That address is separate from its New Jersey winter office. Ask how activities and supervision are organized for the different age groups.
Frequently asked questions
How much do these programs cost?
Camp Jump Start currently lists discounted virtual tuition of $499, including three months of app access and group sessions; the offer can change. For a residential comparison, Pennbrook’s published 2026 rates were $3,500 for two weeks and $7,000 for four weeks. Those summer dates have passed, so use the figures as dated examples and request the next season’s quote rather than treating them as an available booking.
Can my child take part without sleeping away from home?
Yes. Camp Jump Start explicitly says it is not offering in-person camp at present. Its virtual program involves both the parent and child. That format avoids overnight separation and lets families work with the meals, schedules, and activity choices they already have at home. Check the live-call timetable and the expected parent participation before enrolling.
What kind of program has evidence behind it for children with a high BMI?
The USPSTF recommends comprehensive, intensive behavioral care for children age six and older with BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex. Programs with at least 26 contact hours show benefit, typically combining nutrition, activity, behavior-change skills, and family involvement. This does not mean any 26-hour camp is proven treatment. A pediatrician can help distinguish a recreational wellness camp from a suitable clinical program.
Does a child need to lose weight to attend Camp Pocono Trails?
No. Camp Pocono Trails says some campers attend for fitness, strength, nutrition skills, or confidence rather than weight loss. Discuss the child’s own goals with the camp and ask how staff avoid pressure to pursue a weight target that is not appropriate. For a growing child, health and development need to guide the plan rather than an adult-style target for pounds lost.
What should parents confirm before paying a deposit?
Pennbrook’s directions page currently contains both Philadelphia and Ewing summer-campus information, making a written location confirmation especially important. Also request the current dates, refund terms, supervision plan, medication arrangements, and how families will be involved. Camp Pocono Trails’ public rates page is labeled 2024, so its current tuition and session dates also need direct confirmation.