If you've ever searched for weight loss camps on the internet, you're aware of the large number of camps for kids and teens that are out there. Choosing from these camps can often be a difficult decision, so I've created this hub to give you some tips for the kinds of things to consider.

Leadership - First, you should look for leaders at camps with credentials in education, educational management, weigh loss issues (clinical and behavioral), psychology, and outdoor education. If your child will not be in the hands of people that are competent in these areas, you should look elsewhere.

Clinical Program - A defined program should be explained to you that focuses on behavior therapy that is conducted by trained and supervised staff. Behavioral therapy is often just as important as the healthy living skills taught at weight loss camps and is often the difference between success at home or failure.

Nutritional Education Program - A good summer weight loss camp for kids will have a clearly designed nutrition program that teaches about the long-term physical and mental health benefits that are obtained by eating a nutritionally sound diet. It should help you children learn to make healthy eating choices and to feel good about it.

Controlled Diet - Of course, a good weight loss camp will involve some sort of a change in your child's diet. A good camp will not impose a strict diet that limits children to unhealthy caloric intake levels. Rather, look for a camp that focuses on full, enjoyable meals that are healthy and include some snacks. Since children are more likely to snack and eat full meals outside of camp, they need to learn how to make good decisions in those situations. It is important that the camp offer some foods that are not portioned or controlled with every meal. This teaches kids how to control their own portions and that some foods are often better options. Most camps will have a nutritionist help with meal planning, this is also a good thing to look for.

Exercise and Activities - Diet AND exercise are the key to losing weight. There should be a wide array of activities to choose from so that you child can find some sort of physical activity they enjoy and stick with it throughout the camp. Ideally, the camp will offer several activiies that can be continued after camp.

Success Stories - Of course, you should look for a camp that has a track record of being successful. Look for a camp that uses a variety of measures to track success and regularly monitors your kids progress to get them feeling succussful.

Before choosing a camp, you and your child should attempt to go check the camp out before making a final decision. Sometimes this is not realistic or economically feasible, but if you can get there for a tour and look around, you should. Otherwise, ask the camp to send you some footage of the camp, the activities, living quarters, etc.

Finally, keep in mind that a good weight loss camp should be a fun place where you happen to learn healthly living skills. However, keep in mind that it is only the beginning. A summer spent at weight loss camp is no good if the same bad habits are resumed upon returning home.