Welcome to Camp Jump Start, one of the best summer camps in the nation for kids and teens. Our mission is truly unique: to help children gain a healthy perspective on diet and fitness. We create an environment of self confidence by helping each child realize his or her potential, and most importantly, to have a summer filled with fun and new friends who stick around long after the summer ends. Camp Jump Start is a FUN weight loss camp for kids ages 9-17 years old. We provide a safe environment along with quality programming to develop campers’ knowledge and abilities to better pursue a healthy lifestyle and weight loss. We promote self-discipline and foster a positive self-image in aiding the camper in his or her development as a healthy, responsible and caring person. We strive to recognize and address the individual needs of each of our campers and guide each to reach his or her FULL potential. Camp Jump Start is the FIRST health professional owned and operated weight loss camp in the nation. Our experienced, professional staff guide campers to weight loss success through fitness activities, behavior modification, and nutritional education along with well-balanced, portion-controlled meals. Campers leave feeling empowered to make healthier choices in order to maintain weight loss. We’re a weight loss camp, but weight loss is only one part of the awesome benefits you find here. Check out our mission statement, find out about who we are, view doctor-recommended data, and read testimonials from campers and parents! If you would like to learn more about our camp join the Camp Jump Start Facebook Fan Page!

Camp Jump Start on Facebook

Significant weight loss occurs at Camp Jump Start, but “it is the self-esteem and self-confidence that is key for long term weight loss success,” says Mama Jean as the kids lovingly call her.

 Camp Jump Start is a healing place for campers and staff alike.  Campers are taught personal responsibility in the care of their beings—whether about weight loss or not.  Campers take control and choose how they will carry themselves throughout their life.

 At Camp Jump Start, it does not feel like a weight loss camp.  You receive the expertise of health professionals at a camp rate.  And it does not feel clinical either.  It is FUN!

Our staff has extensive experience in the successful treatment of childhood obesity and the prevention of diseases associated with childhood obesity. This is evidenced by scientific articles reporting positive outcomes in their four week to eight week weight loss camp with long-term follow-up, as well as recognition from the National Institutes of Health, Cooper Institute and the National Institute on Children’s Healthcare Quality. Jean presented outcomes from weight loss camp at a national congress in 2006 in Washington DC.  She is a partner in the St. Louis Regional Youth Health and Wellness Initiative and the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicagoland Children. She has spoken at the American Camp Association Midstates Conference.  St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Glennon have conducted research evaluating programs and outcomes along with other health-related studies during weight loss camp.

 Jean is dedicated to teaching kids.  She was a lead facilitator at the St. Louis RAMS NFL Teen Summit.  She is the St. Louis Regional American Heart Association media spokesperson for the “Go Healthy Challenge” part of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.  Jean is a leader in the grassroots effort to improve the health of children and families which includes the prevention of the complications due to obesity through weight loss.

 Anyone can say they are successful with weight loss, but Camp Jump Start has proven it.

We are the FIRST weight loss camp to make public our evidence-based outcomes to support our claim of success.  We have independent sources that “looked over our shoulder” and our success is then evidenced through the many consumer and scientific articles written about our results.  We have had peer review articles in medical journals, but what is most important to us is the ripple effect of what we do.  We congratulate Mark Martin on his remarkable transformation and weight loss.  Mark is the father of a camper who taught her family about health, fitness, nutrition, and healthy weight loss after she attended Camp Jump Start.  Mark’s weight loss was 150 pounds and he gave up smoking.  He began to run and has competed in nationwide marathons.  He is a weight loss role model. (Photos here and here.)

Camp Jump Start puts into place a follow-up program so that you can continue the weight loss success at home.  This progressive training program helps keep families on track after camp.  The Jump Zone is available for as long as needed to maintain the weight loss. There is not a quick fix in losing weight, but the weight loss journey becomes easier when you have support.   The health professionals that have lived with you at camp are the same ones that follow-up with you after weight loss camp.  You become part of our Camp Jump Start family---we still have contact and help our campers from our weight loss camp’s first year in business for free!

 Please check all camps with the Better Business Bureau and the American Camp Association before sending your child.  There is a lot of deceptive marketing in the weight loss industry.  Media coverage typically occurs on the east and west coast since the camera crews are stationed there for national shows.  Our media coverage has been truly news worthy.   We never exploit the children who come to our weight loss camp.  As the adult, you have to get behind all the glitz, high pressure sales and false claims of other camps and truly choose wisely for your child.  Campers can have fun at all camps.  But if you are ready to make the changes necessary to keep your child healthy and happy then Camp Jump Start is the place for you.  We help you help your child! 

It is important to us that we are a good fit since we are going to be family for a while---we do not accept everyone that contacts us unlike the big business weight loss camps that need to fill all those beds.  Please contact us today if you would like to reserve a spot.  It is never too early to register because we are full every year.  We look forward to working with you!

Recepient of the prestigious Safety 1st designation from Markel Insurance Company.  Camp Jump Start was selected based on our proven safety record, which according to Markel demonstrates our superior commitment to safety.