Consider with caution
Written: Aug 02 '04 (Updated Jan 20 '05)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Camp Facilities: |
 |
|
| Responsiveness of Camp staff: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Almost guaranteed weight loss
Cons: Does not match its glossy advertising. I wish Dr. Phil and Oprah knew this!
The Bottom Line: Recommend only if your camper is healthy in mind and body and REALLY wants to attend Camp Shane.
|
|
|
| bonhoffer's Full Review: Camp Shane |
I worked at Shane this summer (2004). Would I send my own child here? No. HOWEVER, I did see many campers who were happy, lost weight, and would like to return next summer. I also saw many kids at Camp Shane because they were forced or bribed into it. Those kids were miserable. Many of them obviously needed more parental attention, love, and discipline. Instead, they were shoveled into camp for 9 weeks, while the parents took off on extended vacations! My heart ached for those kids. Several campers had serious medical or psychological problems when they came to camp. Unless those kids were very responsible about taking care of themselves, they did not get the attention they needed. The guidance and health center staff were on overload most of the time.
The printed brochure and website camp information should not be swallowed whole. It's a very slick presentation that does not show the reality of Camp Shane.
Read the "No Refund" policy VERY CAREFULLY. They mean it.
The food is plain to the point of being dreary. Even though we had a real chef this year, his food budget was so slim he couldn't prepare tasty food according to his skills. The meals were low in calcium, fiber, and occasionally protein. The camp discourages vitamin supplements, yet I think every person there should have been taking a multivitamin. Constipation was a big problem.
Each camper is instructed to have a water bottle, yet most did not bring one, or they lost it. Getting adequate drinking water was a problem. I heard there are plans to install more water fountains around the camp.
The staff, in general, works very hard. Most of them cared about the campers and tried to make camp work. The campers who willingly joined in the activities (talent show, musical, sports, etc.), had a good time.
The physical buildings, plumbing, etc. are old and not in great condition. No heat or air conditioning. Malfunctioning plumbing was a chronic problem in some bunks. It was hard to find cleaning supplies and toilet paper. Having a Central Supply place would be helpful here.
Here is my advice: If your child is healthy in mind and body, and TRULY wants to attend Camp Shane, s/he will probably do fine. If not, take your child on a vacation with you. Visit some interesting places, do things that require walking and other physical activity. Eat with your child at each mealtime and keep junk food out of the picture. However, don't fixate on food and what s/he is eating. Set a good example with your own habits. Hope this information helps you make a good choice.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 6000 / 9 wks
Type of Camp: Other
Best Suited For: 13 to 17 years
Camper to Counselor Ratio: Counselors were few and far between
Financial Aid Available: No
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
bonhoffer
|
|
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.