Camp Shame: Episode 2 - A Fat Girl's Vision
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Introduction
In the second episode of Camp Shame, titled "A Fat Girl's Vision," host Kelsey Snelling delves deeper into the history and operations of Camp Shane, one of America’s longest-running weight loss camps for children. This episode explores the origins of the camp, the motivations of its founder Selma Ettenberg, and the experiences of former campers. Through personal stories and historical context, Snelling uncovers the complex and often troubling dynamics that underpinned Camp Shane’s approach to weight loss.
Historical Context: Society's Obsession with Thinness
Kelsey Snelling begins by providing a historical backdrop, tracing America’s shifting attitudes toward body size and weight management from the 19th century onwards.
“If you can believe it, there was a time in American history when thinness was not the goal...” [02:05]
During the Industrial Revolution, technological advancements led to more sedentary lifestyles and increased availability of processed, calorie-dense foods. This period marked the beginning of a societal shift where larger bodies were no longer seen as symbols of prosperity.
By the 1920s, cultural icons like the Flappers and literary works such as The Great Gatsby solidified the notion that slimness equated to beauty and health. Influential doctors promoted calorie counting and restrictive diets, further embedding fatphobia into the societal fabric.
Selma Ettenberg: The Visionary Behind Camp Shane
The narrative then shifts to Selma Ettenberg, the founder of Camp Shane, born in 1923 in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager weighing 200 pounds—a rarity at the time—Selma’s early experiences with weight loss methods like strict calorie counting and diet pills ignited her obsession with weight management.
“In her late teens, she lost 60 pounds in two years through strict calorie counting and portion control. This transformation wasn’t just physical. It marked the beginning of her absolute obsession with weight loss, specifically, weight loss for kids.” [08:39]
Selma’s personal journey and professional experiences, including her role as camp director at Camp Napanok in the mid-1960s, inspired her to establish Camp Shane in 1968 in the Catskill Mountains. The name “Shane” is derived from the Yiddish word Shaina Punim, meaning beautiful, reflecting Selma’s vision of creating a supportive environment for overweight children.
“Selma had this vision. She called it Shane. You know, it was Shaina Punim, the like beautiful face.” [11:10]
Camp Practices: A Rigorous Regimen
Camp Shane’s daily routine was meticulously structured to enforce weight loss through a combination of strict diet, exercise, and educational sessions. Former camper Kenny Ritzer provides insight into the camp's operations:
“There was no electronic scales or anything. So it was the detecto slide rule scale. I guess you figure if it was accurate at your doctor's office, it must be accurate at camp.” [16:14]
Each day began with an early wake-up call and a controlled breakfast designed for portion control. Campers were subjected to weekly weigh-ins and measurements in front of their peers, fostering an environment of constant scrutiny and accountability.
Daily activities included rigorous physical activities such as basketball, aerobic exercises, swimming, tennis, and gymnastics. Nutrition classes were held to teach campers about calorie counting and healthy eating habits, though the effectiveness of these sessions is later questioned.
“Selma wanted to keep kids so busy they didn’t think about food. And when they did, it would be in a controlled educational setting.” [20:19]
Personal Stories: Experiences of Former Campers
Sue Steinberg’s Perspective
Sue Steinberg, a former camper, shares her affectionate yet critical memories of Selma:
“Selma has such a near and dear place in my heart. She wanted this to be a haven... If anyone had good intentions, it was her.” [05:13]
Sue recalls the strict rules and disciplinary actions implemented by Selma and her enforcer, Terry Brody. One notable incident involved a strict ban on chewing gum, which was enforced to suppress campers' appetites.
“She had this habit of saying your weight and telling you how much you lost... telling your weight out loud was embarrassing.” [16:54]
Kenny Ritzer’s Account
Kenny Ritzer provides a glimpse into the camp’s operational challenges and Selma's authoritarian management style:
“Selma was a force. She was a force.” [25:07]
Kenny recounts instances of enforcing rules and the pressure to adhere to regulations, which often led to a sense of fear and anxiety among campers.
Mark Rothenberg’s Experience
Mark Rothenberg’s narrative highlights the emotional toll of being forced into Camp Shane:
“I felt that my parents just don't want me, and they've thrown me away, and I'm repulsive and horrible...” [37:04]
Mark’s story underscores the psychological impact of the camp’s messaging, which emphasized self-blame and the need for continuous weight loss, contributing to long-term self-esteem issues.
Camp Culture: Weight-Focused Messaging and Strict Discipline
Camp Shane fostered a culture where weight loss was paramount, often at the expense of addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues related to weight. The camp’s hierarchy was rigid, with staff roles clearly delineated from counselors in training (CITs) to head counselors, all overseen by Selma.
“Selma saw firsthand what weight loss had done for her and wanted to give the same to as many kids as possible.” [31:30]
Discipline was strict, with little room for flexibility. Campers were frequently reminded of their weight and progress, which created an environment of constant pressure.
Challenges and Issues: Unsustainable Weight Loss and Poor Conditions
As Camp Shane grew in popularity, operational challenges emerged. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the camp struggled to maintain its facilities and ensure the quality of its programs despite an increasing number of campers.
“In our case, I had a gentleman that was from Europe. My guy was a soccer coach...” [34:18]
Camper Kenny Ritzer highlights poor management practices, such as underpaid CITs and insufficient supervision, which led to increased tensions and dissatisfaction among staff.
Nutritional education at the camp was superficial, focusing more on calorie restriction than on sustainable, healthy eating habits. This approach often led to yo-yo dieting, where campers lost weight during camp but regained it afterward, highlighting the lack of long-term solutions.
Internal Conflicts: David vs. Selma Ettenberg
A significant turning point in Camp Shane’s history was the internal conflict between Selma and her son David. As David took on more responsibilities, tensions arose over the future management of the camp. David sought greater ownership and control, ultimately challenging his mother’s authority.
“In 1987, David gave Selma an ultimatum... they agreed David would have more power at camp, and by no later than 1997, he would be given control as owner.” [50:48]
This power struggle affected the camp’s operations and contributed to an environment of uncertainty and inconsistency, ultimately undermining the camp’s stability.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Camp Shane
Episode 2 of Camp Shame paints a comprehensive picture of Camp Shane’s complex legacy. While the camp promised transformative weight loss for children, the methods employed often disregarded the psychological well-being of the campers. The strict, regimented approach led to short-term weight loss but failed to address the root causes of obesity, resulting in long-term negative effects on the campers’ mental health and self-esteem.
Selma Ettenberg’s unwavering dedication to her vision, despite the ethical and operational flaws, underscores the deep-seated societal issues surrounding fatphobia and weight management. The internal conflicts within the Ettenberg family further illustrate the unsustainable nature of Camp Shane’s business model.
As Kelsey Snelling continues to uncover the darker truths behind Camp Shane, this episode serves as a critical examination of how societal pressures and flawed weight loss practices can lead to harmful outcomes for vulnerable children.
Notable Quotes:
- Sue Steinberg: “Selma was a force. She was a force.” [25:07]
- Kenny Ritzer: “Selma had spies all throughout the county.” [27:12]
- Mark Rothenberg: “You were repulsive and had to be sent away.” [48:27]
Suggested Listening:
For a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological impacts of Camp Shane, continue with the next episodes of Camp Shame, where Snelling explores further into the camp’s operations, the long-term effects on its campers, and the eventual decline of this controversial institution.
Camp Shame is produced by iHeartPodcasts and brought to you by a dedicated team of producers, editors, and fact-checkers ensuring a thorough and engaging exploration of Camp Shane’s history and legacy. Subscribe to Camp Shame on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, and follow us on Instagram @CampShame for updates and additional content.