Camp Shame: Episode 6 - "When the Sh*t Hits the Fan"

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Kelsey Snelling
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In Episode 6 of Camp Shame, titled "When the Sh*t Hits the Fan," host Kelsey Snelling delves deep into the tumultuous events that led to the decline and eventual closure of Camp Shane, one of America's longest-running weight loss camps for children. This episode uncovers the hidden struggles behind the camp's façade of transformation and happiness, highlighting the physical and emotional toll on both campers and staff.

Camp Shane's Crumbling Facade (02:28 - 05:00)

Kelsey begins by setting the stage in the mid-2010s, a period when Camp Shane was grappling with severe operational issues. Nelson Giancaterino, a former camper turned counselor, provides insight into the deteriorating conditions:

"In the mid 2010s, Camp Shane was a shit show. Literally." ([02:28])

Nelson describes the camp's infrastructure failing—buildings in disrepair, subpar equipment, and cabins often flooded with unsanitary conditions. The promise of weight loss and transformation was overshadowed by neglect and mismanagement.

A Toxic Work Environment (04:25 - 07:08)

Harrison Davies, a marketing associate at Camp Shane in 2014, shares his harrowing experience:

"When I say that summer 2014 was the worst summer of my life, it's the worst summer by far." ([04:25])

Harrison highlights the grueling work hours, often 10-11 hours a day, six days a week, coupled with inadequate food provision for staff. The camp's leadership imposed strict dietary restrictions on employees, mirroring those of the campers:

"In a nutshell, you were given the same amount of food as the overweight campers were who were in their teens. That's what you were given." ([06:20])

This policy not only affected morale but also led to health issues among staff members, including Harrison, who faced significant weight loss and stress.

Deceptive Marketing Practices (07:37 - 13:37)

Camp Shane's marketing was meticulously crafted to portray an ideal environment, often at odds with reality. Harrison recounts his role in editing promotional materials to fit the camp's image:

"One part of Harrison's job was editing out parts of the promotional material that didn't fit Camp Shane's brand." ([09:01])

Promised amenities like working go-karts and Olympic-sized swimming pools were either non-existent or grossly misrepresented. The camp also engaged in dubious practices, such as creating fake Yelp reviews to bolster its online reputation:

"He was obsessed with online reviews... he would say, you know, write one at camp and then go down to McDonald's or another IP address and write another one." ([11:02])

Lack of Qualified Medical Support (13:37 - 16:27)

A critical aspect of Camp Shane's operations was the advertised presence of medical professionals, including a registered dietitian and cognitive behavioral therapists. However, these roles were often filled by underqualified individuals:

"The people who were supervising these therapy sessions were often inadequate... filled by college kids." ([15:12])

This lack of genuine medical support posed significant risks to campers, many of whom had underlying health conditions like diabetes and asthma. The camp's claims of being "medically supervised" were largely deceptive, leading to potential insurance fraud as parents were billed for unrendered services.

Escalation of Problems in 2015 (17:07 - 24:22)

The subsequent year, 2015, marked a significant downturn for Camp Shane. Without Simon Greenwood, the camp's beloved director, tensions between him and David Attenberg, the owner, intensified. Harrison reflects on Simon's absence:

"That was the first summer that Simon was not there and you could tell." ([19:45])

The camp's infrastructure continued to decline, culminating in an infamous incident where a camper's room was flooded with human waste due to a faulty converter:

"I see Turds floating in the water in my... I'm like, what the fuck? It is disgusting." ([20:32])

This event underscored the severe neglect and lack of proper maintenance, further eroding trust among staff and campers.

Failing Satellite Camps and Escalating Crisis (24:22 - 30:34)

Satellite camps, such as the one in California, mirrored the main camp's struggles. Counselor Derek recounts the chaos:

"We opened the supply closet, and it was literally a single Rubbermaid container with... a basketball that had... survived the Reagan administration." ([22:38])

In Florida, Kelly Holdridge's daughter, Sadie, experienced terror and poor communication, leading to a tense rescue operation:

"She breaks out crying, 'Come get me. Please come get me.'" ([26:37])

These incidents highlighted the camp's widespread failure across different locations, fueled by mismanagement and a toxic organizational culture.

Underlying Societal Issues: Fatphobia and Individual Blame (31:21 - 32:40)

Kelsey introduces Tigris Osborne, Executive Director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAFA), who provides a critical perspective on the camp's existence:

"The longevity of a place like Camp Shane is all about our continual obsession with being thin." ([31:21])

Osborne argues that Camp Shane capitalized on societal fatphobia, placing the burden of weight loss solely on individuals rather than addressing systemic issues. This fundamental flaw contributed to the camp's enduring yet problematic presence.

Final Decline and Closure (33:38 - 37:37)

By 2016, Camp Shane's condition had deteriorated further. Nelson returned to find a camp lacking experienced counselors, with operations marred by inebriation and poor management. Harrison reflects on David's frailty:

"Is this guy gonna die? Like, does he have a heart attack?" ([34:22])

2018 marked the final summer for Camp Shane in Ferndale, New York. The camp was sold in early 2019 for over $6 million, a stark contrast to its original purchase price of $50,000 in 1968. The closure symbolized the end of an era filled with unfulfilled promises and hidden hardships:

"For 50 years, the cabins at Shane had been filled with hopeful kids and raucous laughter. Now they were silent." ([37:08])

Conclusion

"When the Sh*t Hits the Fan" serves as a poignant exposé of Camp Shane's downfall, revealing the dark truths behind its outward success. Through firsthand accounts and investigative journalism, Kelsey Snelling underscores the heavy price of shame and the pervasive impact of fatphobia. The episode not only chronicles the camp's operational failures but also challenges societal norms surrounding weight and self-worth.

Notable Quotes

• Harrison Davies
  "When I say that summer 2014 was the worst summer of my life, it's the worst summer by far." ([04:25])

• Tigris Osborne
  "People think you have a choice about it, that if you don't want to be discriminated against, then just change your body." ([31:33])

• Derek (Counselor)
  "It's like we were the indie picture that punched way above its budget." ([23:35])

Key Takeaways

1. Mismanagement and Neglect: Camp Shane's decline was precipitated by poor management practices, lack of maintenance, and inadequate support for both campers and staff.

2. Deceptive Marketing: The camp engaged in misleading advertising, creating a false image that concealed the underlying issues.

3. Lack of Qualified Medical Support: Critical health services were inadequately provided, posing significant risks to the well-being of campers.

4. Societal Fatphobia: The camp's longevity was fueled by societal obsessions with thinness, placing undue blame on individuals rather than addressing systemic issues.

5. Closure and Aftermath: Ultimately, Camp Shane's operational failures and ethical breaches led to its closure, leaving behind a legacy of unhealed wounds and unfulfilled promises.

Further Listening

Stay tuned for the next episode of Camp Shame as Kelsey Snelling continues to unravel the complex web of stories surrounding Camp Shane. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss any revelations in this compelling eight-episode series.

Follow Camp Shame on Instagram @CampShame for updates and more stories.