If your child needs to get in shape and shed a few pounds the healthy way, you may want to enroll him in fitness camp. Even if your child is at an adequate weight, he can still benefit from aSee More »

If your child needs to get in shape and shed a few pounds the healthy way, you may want to enroll him in fitness camp. Even if your child is at an adequate weight, he can still benefit from an exercise camp to stay healthy, learning long-lasting values in terms of health, fitness and food. Fitness camps offer activities aimed at promoting good eating habits, coupled with safe, fun exercise regimens that kids can easily continue when they leave. Sample activities may include cooking classes and competitions, hiking, dances, movie nights, camp fires, scavenger hunts, games and skits. Social skills programs help enhance campers' self esteem, building it up through workshops, role playing and other helpful activities.

What to Pack: Since many fitness camps promote sports and recreation, be sure to send your child with plenty of lightweight, breathable clothing, along with comfortable sneakers and warmer clothes for those chilly evenings.

Counselor Certifications: All counselors should be background checked and certified. Many of them are fitness and nutrition experts, and many of them have been overweight and out of shape as a child and made a career out of getting healthy.

What to Ask the Camp Director: Does the fitness camp provide off-camp outings, such as movies, bowling, fireworks on Fourth of July, area amusement parks or white water rafting?