Camp Shane's 50-Year Operation Under Scrutiny Following Revelations of Mistreatment

Camp Shane, once America's longest-running weight-loss camp for children and teens, is now the subject of intense scrutiny, with new revelations emerging about its controversial 50-year history. Founded in 1968, the camp was initially envisioned as a "safe haven" for young individuals seeking to lose weight, promising "extraordinary results" in a society increasingly focused on thinness. However, a new investigative podcast by former counselor Kelsey Snelling aims to uncover the camp's darker realities and its eventual abrupt closure.

The camp, established by Selma Ettenberg, grew significantly over five decades, eventually being run by her son David Ettenberg and his wife Ziporah Janowski. At its peak, Camp Shane served over 500 campers, inspired the 1995 Disney film Heavyweights, and garnered endorsements from celebrities like Tyra Banks, Dr. Oz, and Oprah Winfrey. It was widely featured in media outlets such as MTV, ABC, and the New York Times, netting millions in annual profits.

Despite its public image, internal practices at Camp Shane were reportedly harsh, with campers subjected to strict diets of 1200-1500 calories daily and excessive exercise. This regimen, often uniform regardless of a child's age or size, led to instances of "disordered eating" and mistreatment, according to former attendees. Campers frequently resorted to sneaking food, creating elaborate black markets, and even attempting to obtain food from outside vendors.

The camp, described by some as a "dysfunctional sanctuary," faced growing criticism over its methods. In 2021, Camp Shane unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving parents and former campers with unanswered questions about its sudden cessation of operations. State investigations followed, revealing significant health and safety issues that contributed to its closure.

Journalist Mike Pesca recently highlighted the ongoing re-evaluation of the camp's legacy, tweeting: > "Who founded Camp Shane? Why did it exist? And how successful was it, really? Kelsey Snelling on the rise—and fallout—of America’s most notorious weight-loss camp." Snelling's "Camp Shame" podcast delves into these questions, re-examining the culture of fatphobia that enabled the camp's practices and bringing to light stories of mistreatment from former campers and staff.