Last year, our son George was going nowhere, his activity levels were non existent and he spent the days just watching television and playing computer games.  He was becoming depressed, irritable and his self esteem was rock bottom.  We had tried everything but it was an absolute battle to get him to get up and moving or have any enthusiasm for anything at all!   So in desperation my husband and I scanned the internet for health camps or anything that might be of help and thank goodness we came across Wellspring .

 

Although George knew he had to do something, he was full of trepidation and as we waved goodbye to a very miserable, but hopeful, boy we had tears in our eyes.  The four weeks went by quite quickly and one of us went up to the Lakes for the family workshop which was invaluable.  It was a very humbling experience watching the kids working so hard together and achieving so much.  I had nothing but admiration for them and for the dedicated Wellspring Team.  The camaraderie was very touching.  Seeing George up at camp as well was amazing - a different boy greeted me.  He was standing proud, tall and with a big ‘Georgie’ smile on his face (the one we thought he had lost forever!!)

 

George is now back home and back at school and what a difference.   No more grumpiness, he is full of energy and is back to sports full time.   He is now more accepted amongst his peers and is included in social outings.  Just recently he was selected to play fly half for the U15’s at London Irish - no mean achievement.  We are so very grateful to Wellspring for helping George to find the path to health and fitness again and we would have no hesitation in recommending your program.

 

 

Andrew Quaile, FRCS and Deborah Quaile, RGN, Ewshot Nr Farham, Surrey   

 

 

When we arrived in Penrith to drop Lisa off, we were immediately swept up in the good humour, enthusiasm and obvious warmth of everyone we met, and I left feeling sure that, if Lisa had any problems at all, she would be better than well looked after. And so it turned out.  I couldn’t wait to hear from Lisa and every time I did she was even more enthusiastic than the last.   When the time came to go to collect her, I found Lisa radiant, obviously fit, healthy and unrecognisable as the rather shy girl I had left behind. I was introduced to everyone, and invited to stay to lunch, which was positively sumptuous. Leaving was a terrible wrench for her.  She found the sports programme amazing, and told tales of camping, abseiling, canoeing, hiking, and the great thrill of reaching the summit of Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in . There were so many activities she was still remembering another one after a month back home!

 

She is still enthusiastically teaching me what she learnt at Wellspring. We are still at the stage of having to do lots of sums when preparing meals, but will no doubt get used to it soon. I have already lost a kilo under Lisa's direction, and she is getting me used to the idea of doing lots more exercise.

 

I just wanted to write to thank you all for your effort and enthusiasm.  Lisa had what she describes as the best time of her life. In fact, when we were half way home she was begging to come back. She misses you all terribly, and is plotting a reunion - be warned!

 

I wanted particularly to thank you for the stunning improvement in Lisa not just physically, but in her self-esteem and confidence. I have never seen her so physically fit and so keen to exercise (she is jogging three miles a day, and cycling and swimming....); she is in terrific shape and determined to remain so. But the most striking difference is in her personal confidence. She is so much livelier and incredibly outgoing, no longer shy and retiring. Whatever it is you guys are doing, and I assume it is a combination of techniques, you can certainly count my daughter among your most resounding successes.  So thanks to all of you, administrators, instructors and fellow students.  Lisa thinks of you all as really good friends, and I am deeply grateful to you for everything you have done for her.  I find it hard to put into words how warmly I would recommend the Wellspring programme. Only time will tell, but I feel (and Lisa agrees) that it was a life changing experience –very definitely for the better.

 

 

Eileen Hall, Tervuren,

 

 

The Wellspring UK camp certainly has made a big change to Camilla’s life. After just some few days she realized the importance of nearly eliminating fat in her food intake AND being active would enable her to reduce weight. The first week, she lost 8 lbs. Fantastic! During the 4 weeks at Wellspring she had a great time, she got many new friends, friends who she even has visited after the camp. Always enough food, never hungry, plenty of steps and WHAT a result: Camilla lost 26 lbs during the camp – a great start of a new lifestyle.  Coming back to , Camilla have bravely managed to continue her awareness of what she eats as well as the need for 10,000 steps per day, which has resulted in a further weight reduction for Camilla.  She is happier and healthier now, THANKS to what she learned at Wellspring .

 

 

Lars Berg, Oslo,