Carnegie Camps Case Studies 

Lucci’s Story, age 15

On arriving at camp its fair to say to that Lucci was nervous about his new surroundings, not knowing what to expect, and worried about leaving his parents for the first time.

However it was soon evident that he was one of the main characters on camp. His bubbly personality and positive attitude not only motivated all his friends but also impressed the staff. Lucci soon formed great friendships with campers and staff, friendships which are still strong today.

“Camp has changed my life” said Lucci, it was very clear to see from the camp reunion that Lucci has continued the good work he started on camp.

“I like myself now, I have found a new confidence and a new set of friends who like me for who I am, which is fantastic.”

He was the first to admit that it’s been hard since camp and at times seemed impossible, “the camps follow on programme and continued support really helped me continue on the right track.”

“Camp gave me the knowledge and skills needed to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle but the continued support from the team the follow on programme has helped me put these skills into practise.”

“I now can’t wait for the summer to come around so I can return to camp and see all my old friends, as well as continuing on the path of success camp has put me on.”

Sadie, age 16, says:

“Before coming to camp I weighed 16.7 stone.  My lifestyle was terrible!  I would never exercise and would eat fast food and chocolate.   The support I received at camp was amazing; the lifestyle lessons prepared me for life back at home and the variety of activities allowed me to make some amazing friends and give me the confidence to do them at home.  I now weigh 13.5 stone; I go to the gym every morning before college, attend three classes at my gym and eat three meals a day.  I still treat myself to chocolate and crisps, but they taste so much better when you have it once a week instead of every day.”

Sadie is set to return this summer and, since leaving camp last year, has changed her college studies from administration to a two-year diploma in Health Studies.  She has recently completed her training to become a fitness instructor and hopes to go on to university to study nutrition.  Sadie said: “I had a complete change of heart when I realised that I wanted to help others in the same boat as me and as the Carnegie staff have helped me.”  She offers this advice to anyone wanting to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle: “Stay focused, motivated and when you see yourselves going through such a journey as a person you will never regret changing.”   

Shea, 15, attended camp from 2001-2005. 

Shea has lost 32 lbs (2.6 stones).

Shea says: “I thought I was overweight and my mum and I saw a documentary programme on the camp and it looked liked fun”.  Sheila, Shea’s mum says: “I first recognised that Shea had a weight problem in junior school when he was 8 years old.   Obesity runs in our family and I was concerned about his health.  I had tried to find other weight-loss programmes for kids in this country but came across nothing until I saw the documentary on the camp.  After contacting the camp and receiving additional information on the programme and speaking to the staff Shea and I agreed that it would be a good opportunity.”

Shea continues: “I had my doubts about camp at first.  But it looked like it would be lots of fun and I was hoping to meet new friends.  I enjoyed everything about camp!  I learned a lot about nutrition, how to eat healthy, eat in moderation and that it was about changing my lifestyle not a diet.  The most important thing I took away from camp was about making small goals and to work up to big goals like losing weight.                

Returning home was hard.  I found it difficult and didn’t realise I needed to fully apply what I learned on camp back at home.  I felt pressure when I went to McDonalds’s with my friends to make healthy choices, then I remembered I wasn’t on a diet and could eat things in moderation.  I got my head around it all and took advantage of the support from the camp staff and realised that I wanted to be fit for the football team and the girls!
 
I received a lot of support from my friends and family but the best support I received was from the camp staff.  Even though camp is not ongoing I received phone calls, emails, letters and newsletters that gave me advice throughout the year.  If I was having a bad time or struggling with my weight I would phone the camp staff and they were always there to listen and help.

My lifestyle has changed I play football three times a week and go to the gym one day and try not to eat too many takeaways.  

I think I kept going back to camp because I knew I was guaranteed to lose weight, make friends and have a great time.”