Camp Shame: Episode 4 – "As Big as it Gets"

Introduction

In Episode 4 of Camp Shame, titled "As Big as it Gets," host Kelsey Snelling delves deeper into the inner workings and escalating challenges of Camp Shane, one of America's longest-running weight loss camps for children. This episode uncovers the transformation of Camp Shane from a revered institution promising miraculous weight loss results to a beleaguered organization grappling with financial mismanagement, ethical dilemmas, and a tarnished reputation.

Camp Shane’s Golden Era

The early 2000s marked the zenith of Camp Shane’s popularity. Promoted heavily through mainstream media, the camp was lauded as a transformative haven for overweight children seeking both physical and emotional change.

• Media Endorsements and Public Perception

  Renowned personalities like Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey, and Dr. Oz publicly endorsed Camp Shane, reinforcing the camp's image as a miracle solution for childhood obesity. Tyra Banks is heard exclaiming, “[00:44] Tyra Banks: People can't stop talking about it, saying she looks fat, the way you dress and stuff. I don't think you're aware that you're a heavyset woman. That's what I said.”

• Carl Evans: The Camp's Poster Child

  Carl Evans emerged as a shining example of Camp Shane's success. A former camper who lost significant weight, Carl not only transformed himself but also became a devoted counselor, embodying the camp's mission. He shares, “[08:22] Simon Greenwood: But as a kid, I sort of had this omnipresent sense of, like, my competency, intellectual competencies attached to it...”

Leadership and Culture

Under the stewardship of David Attenberg, Camp Shane not only expanded its enrollment but also its cultural footprint. However, behind the scenes, cracks began to appear as leadership dynamics shifted.

• Simon Greenwood’s Ascension

  In 2003, Simon Greenwood, a beloved counselor known for his charisma and dedication, was promoted to Camp Director. His leadership was instrumental in enhancing camp operations and maintaining high morale among staff and campers.

  “[23:56] Simon Greenwood: Simon was the glue of the camp. The campers understood Dave as the owner of the camp, but everyone from counselor to camper understood that Simon was the boss.”

• Carl Evans’ Commitment

  Carl became deeply invested in the camp's success, taking on roles that extended beyond his official duties. His dedication was pivotal in Camp Shane’s aggressive recruitment and promotional strategies.

  “[13:13] Simon Greenwood: After my first summers, I was a true convert. I restructured my whole life around a commitment to camp Shane so that any labor opportunities, college opportunities, any opportunity could not interfere with making sure I was back there in the summer.”

IRS Investigation and Its Impact

Despite Camp Shane's outward success, financial mismanagement lurked beneath the surface, culminating in an IRS investigation that threatened to dismantle the camp’s operations.

• Tax Evasion Charges

  In the summer of 2004, the IRS uncovered that David Attenberg had failed to report over $100,000 in income from renting out campgrounds to church and school groups during the off-season. This led to David pleading guilty to tax evasion, facing potential imprisonment.

  “[37:02] Yvette Dion: In the society that we live in, diet culture is connected inherently to companies that profit from telling us that things are wrong with our bodies.”

• Legal Consequences and Accreditation Loss

  Although David avoided prison, receiving four years of probation and community service, Camp Shane's reputation took a hit. The American Camp Association (ACA) revoked the camp’s accreditation, casting doubt on its adherence to safety and quality standards.

  “[42:42] Kelsey Snelling: The American Camp Association, or ACA, removed Camp Shayne's accreditation. This meant it no longer met the ACA's guidelines for safety, health program quality, and management practices.”

Expansion and Decline

Post-investigation, Camp Shane attempted to rebound by expanding its footprint with satellite camps across the country. However, this rapid expansion strained resources and diluted the camp's core values.

• Satellite Camp Model

  Starting in 2007, Camp Shane opened several satellite locations in states like California, Georgia, and Wisconsin. These camps operated on college campuses, differing significantly from the original Ferndale location's rustic setting.

  “[43:05] Simon Greenwood: Things would not be repaired for a very, very long time...”

• Operational Challenges

  The expansion led to logistical issues, including inadequate infrastructure and deteriorating facilities at the main camp. Staff shortages and declining morale further exacerbated operational inefficiencies.

  “[36:07] Meryl Winter: We were busting at the seams at that point. It was like 575 kids. We had over 300 staff. It was a lot.”

Staff Struggles and Ethical Issues

As financial resources dwindled, Camp Shane faced increasing internal conflicts and ethical breaches. Staff members like Carl Evans and Meryl Winter began questioning the camp’s direction and leadership.

• Budget Constraints and Declining Standards

  Simon Greenwood highlighted the challenges of maintaining camp standards amid budget cuts. Essential repairs and upgrades were neglected, leading to frustration among counselors.

  “[43:05] Simon Greenwood: Things would not be repaired for a very, very long time. And not because Simon wasn't capable or didn't have it on his docket to do. It was the stringency of the way the budget would be.”

• Ethical Dilemmas and Overextended Responsibilities

  Counselors found themselves overburdened with responsibilities beyond their training, especially when dealing with campers requiring specialized medical attention. Meryl Winter recounts, “[46:11] Kelsey Snelling: Counselors were also now working with a new demographic of camper who needed even more medical attention...”

• Internal Conflicts and Leadership Failures

  Disagreements between staff and David Attenberg intensified, particularly over financial decisions. Carl Evans narrates a pivotal moment of confrontation over unpaid wages, revealing the deepening mistrust and dissatisfaction within the camp's hierarchy.

  “[51:05] Simon Greenwood: I came to help the camp halfway through the summer...”

The Downfall of Camp Shane

By 2008, the cumulative effects of financial mismanagement, ethical lapses, and declining staff morale led to the unraveling of Camp Shane’s operations. The once-celebrated institution was now a shadow of its former self, struggling to maintain its mission amidst internal turmoil.

• Loss of Accreditation and Trust

  The revocation of ACA accreditation had long-term repercussions, eroding the trust of parents and the broader community. Without accreditation, Camp Shane’s legitimacy was severely undermined.

• Staff Exodus and Deteriorating Camp Culture

  Longtime staff members left in increasing numbers, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and continuity. New staff, lacking the camp’s foundational ethos, failed to uphold the standards necessary for Camper well-being.

  “[45:13] Simon Greenwood: Some counselors who were multi-year counselors were given the same static pay. Well, that's bullshit. And people are gonna go somewhere, you know.”

• Carl Evans’ Disillusionment

  Carl, once a fervent advocate for Camp Shane, became disillusioned as he witnessed the camp's decline. His final summer in 2009 was marked by frustration and disappointment, culminating in a poignant realization of the camp’s downfall.

  “[50:00] Simon Greenwood: I had a really sad moment happen where I kind of knew it wasn't going to come back...”

Conclusion

Episode 4 of Camp Shame paints a comprehensive and unsettling picture of Camp Shane's rise and fall. Through firsthand accounts and expert insights, Kelsey Snelling exposes the intricate web of factors that led to the erosion of a camp once hailed as a beacon of hope for overweight children. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, financial negligence, and the corrosive effects of fatphobia entrenched within societal and institutional frameworks.

Notable Quotes

• Kelsey Snelling on Media Influence:

  “[04:29] Tyra Banks: People can't stop talking about it, saying she looks fat, the way you dress and stuff. I don't think you're aware that you're a heavyset woman.”

• Carl Evans on Camp Representation:

  “[08:09] Kelsey Snelling: That's Carl Evans. He was a shaner in the 2000s. As a black teenage boy, Carl was familiar with prejudice, and he understood how the world felt and thought about fat people.”

• Simon Greenwood on Leadership:

  “[23:56] Simon Greenwood: Simon was the glue of the camp. The campers understood Dave as the owner of the camp, but everyone from counselor to camper understood that Simon was the boss.”

• Dr. Lisa Erlanger on Societal Obsessions:

  “[10:38] Dr. Lisa Erlanger: The obsession with body size and the rise of that can really be traced in the United States to the time of chattel enslavement.”

• Meryl Winter on Overextended Roles:

  “[45:57] Meryl Winter: I remember we were giving out the meds and they were some heavy duty meds. All the kids, thank God, got the right meds and everything was great. But it shouldn't have been me that was giving them out. That was a scary one.”

• Carl Evans on Ethical Decline:

  “[54:14] Kelsey Snelling: That is actually really fucked up behavior. Like, I just, I can't be here anymore.”

Implications and Reflections

The decline of Camp Shane, as chronicled in this episode, underscores the profound impact of societal pressures and stigmas on vulnerable populations. It highlights how institutions, even those with ostensibly noble missions, can devolve into environments that perpetuate harm when oversight is lax and ethical standards are compromised. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability, compassionate leadership, and the dismantling of fatphobic ideologies that fuel such exploitative systems.

Final Thoughts

Camp Shame: Episode 4 – "As Big as it Gets" offers a compelling exploration of Camp Shane's internal dynamics and external pressures. By shedding light on the camp's darkest moments, Kelsey Snelling not only unravels the complexities behind its operations but also invites listeners to critically examine broader societal issues related to body image, health, and the ethical responsibilities of institutions catering to vulnerable individuals.