Camp Shame: Episode 1 – Welcome to Camp Shane

Published: June 5, 2025 | Host: Kelsey Snelling | Produced by I HeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Camp Shame, host Kelsey Snelling delves into the controversial history of Camp Shane, one of America’s longest-running weight loss camps for children. Touted as a miraculous solution in a fatphobic society, the camp promised transformative weight loss for its young participants. However, beneath the glossy facade lay darker truths of emotional and physical strain that persisted for over five decades. This episode sets the stage for an eight-episode investigative series aimed at uncovering the hidden costs of body shaming and the flawed system that allowed Camp Shane to operate for so long.

The Allure of Camp Shane

Camp Shane, founded in 1960 by Selma Ettenberg, was marketed as the premier weight loss camp for kids and teens. The camp boasted a picturesque location in the Catskills, complete with traditional camp amenities such as ropes courses, soccer fields, and swimming pools. Parents were drawn by promises of rapid weight loss, often up to 35 pounds in just a few weeks, alongside activities designed to foster friendships and confidence.

Notable Quote:

"You send the child, you send your money, they send the child back, the weight is gone. It's that seductive." (05:46)

Life at Camp Shane

Upon arrival, campers experienced a structured environment that emphasized both physical activity and strict dietary controls. The camp’s design, including a notoriously steep hill leading to the cafeteria, inadvertently served as an additional workout for the children. Activities were rigorous, with campers engaged in six to seven hour-long sessions daily, leaving little room for rest.

Notable Quote:

"It checks all the boxes and it's so easy." (05:43)

Camper Experiences and Community Dynamics

Former campers shared their initial excitement and subsequent revelations about life at Camp Shane. The camp was depicted as a “bubble” where children, often labeled as misfits in their regular lives, could shed their extra pounds and gain acceptance among peers facing similar struggles.

Notable Quote:

"It's the most fun you'll ever hate. That sums up camp in one sentence." (05:54)

Carl Evans, one of the campers, recounted how the camp provided him with a sense of liberation and confidence that he had struggled to find elsewhere. Similarly, Arielle Burger described the pervasive sense of shame associated with food and body image from an early age, which Camp Shane sought to address.

Diet and Exercise Regimen

The camp implemented a highly restrictive diet, often serving between 1200 to 1500 calories per day regardless of the camper’s age or activity level. Meals were minimal and repetitive, including items like French toast sticks, cereal, and small portions of protein. Such stringent dietary controls, combined with excessive physical activity, led to rapid weight loss but also left campers hungry, tired, and at times, restless.

Notable Quote:

"A kid who weighs 180 pounds should not be down to 150 in eight weeks. It's not healthy." (29:30)

Coping Mechanisms and Contraband

Faced with hunger and strict controls, campers developed creative methods to circumvent dietary restrictions. Sneaking food became a common practice, leading to the establishment of a black market within the camp. Campers traded contraband items like candy and chips, turning food into a form of currency and a source of rebellion against the oppressive rules.

Notable Quote:

"It's like the Sopranos of camp chain." (34:26)

Staff and Counselor Dynamics

Counselors at Camp Shane, including David Attenberg and his wife Zipporah Janowski, played pivotal roles in shaping the camp’s environment. While some staff members fostered a sense of community and self-esteem, others enforced the oppressive dietary and exercise regimes that contributed to the camp's toxic atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

"I don't know that I fully understood body shame until I went to a fat camp and it's why it was called Camp Shame." (05:59)

The Sudden Closure of Camp Shane

In 2021, after over 50 years of operation, Camp Shane abruptly closed its doors, leaving parents and campers bewildered. Investigations by state authorities revealed troubling practices and mistreatment of children, prompting media scrutiny and public outcry. The abrupt shutdown exposed the underlying issues that had been masked by years of celebrity endorsements and glowing testimonials.

Notable Quote:

"Nothing about that camp was right." (44:18)

Host’s Reflection and Investigation

Kelsey Snelling shares her personal connection to Camp Shane, motivated by her own experiences and a desire to understand how a place designed to help children became so harmful. Through extensive interviews with nearly 100 former campers, counselors, staff, and parents, she aims to uncover the systemic issues and cultural fatphobia that sustained Camp Shane’s operations.

Notable Quote:

"But someone should have asked questions." (42:43)

Conclusion and Future Episodes

Episode 1 serves as an introduction to the complex history of Camp Shane, highlighting both its initial appeal and the problematic practices that ultimately led to its downfall. As Kelsey Snelling commences her investigation, listeners are left with a critical understanding of the intersections between childhood obesity, body image, and the societal pressures that fuel such controversial institutions.

Closing Quote:

"The camp works. Kids lose weight." (42:32)

Key Takeaways

• Historical Context: Camp Shane operated for over half a century, promoting rapid weight loss for children under the guise of a traditional summer camp.

• Toxic Practices: Strict diets and excessive exercise regimens led to physical and emotional strain among campers.

• Cultural Fatphobia: The camp was a product of a society obsessed with thinness, reinforcing harmful body standards from a young age.

• Contraband and Rebellion: Restrictions led to the creation of a black market within the camp, symbolizing the campers’ resistance.

• Abrupt Closure: The sudden shutdown of Camp Shane in 2021 unveiled long-standing issues, prompting investigations and media attention.

• Investigative Journey: Kelsey Snelling’s personal connection and extensive research lay the groundwork for exploring the deeper ramifications of Camp Shane’s legacy.

Further Listening

Stay tuned for the subsequent episodes of Camp Shame as Kelsey Snelling continues her exploration into the hidden narratives of Camp Shane, uncovering stories of mistreatment, resilience, and the enduring impact of body shaming on former campers.

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