I saw a reality TV show the other night, "Brat Camp". A bunch of girls from the UK had been involved in everything from drugs, alcohol, crime and truancy, to problems with anger management or being "spoilt and demanding". In the Utah desert, they were involved in long daily hikes, with heavy packs and pull-carts, sleeping in tents, "bathing" out of the same rusty cans as they cooked rice in. Privileges were gained and lost, according to behavior and compliance with the rules.
Personally, I think I would rather be in goal, than in such a situation. I understand that kids can be impossible and that parents get desperate, but something that really upset me: The format of this camp was REMARKABLY similar to that of another reality TV series, "Teen Fit Camp". This "fat camp" was in a very similar setting, with the same privilege/demerit system, as well as advancement thru "ranks". I would almost bet my bottom dollar that it was designed by the same well-meaning lot.
Sure the Teen Fit Campers could have proper showers (though this too was a privilege that could be lost) and have a hot meal without having to rub sticks together, but otherwise there appeared to be very little difference. Why are these overweight/obese kids being treated like criminals? Have they not suffered enough?
I am not a parent myself, so I try not to judge. I do, however believe it is a parent's responsibility to control what foods are in the house, or purchased from the school canteen, as well as to get the kids involved in physical activity, either individually, or as a family. Having read Gary Taubes, I am more aware than ever that obesity may not even be a result of "gluttony", "sloth" or lack of discipline. Why then should these kids be "punished"?
It is not as if the kids volunteer for such an ordeal, for prize money or status (as in The Biggest Loser.) I cannot help but think that this is all so horribly wrong!