a CampPage Summer Camp Guide
Midwest Summer Camps > Hiking and Backpacking Summer Camps
Wellspring Wisconsin
Residential Coed Fitness and Weight Loss Camp
Wellspring Wisconsin combines Wellspring's unparalleled weight loss program with exciting activities on our campus and in the surrounding region. We are located on the beautiful 820-acre campus of University of Wisconsin-Platteville, boys and girls ages 11-18 enjoy state-of-the-art facilities for swimming, fitness, personal training and team sports. Wellspring is a proven, remarkably effective fitness and weight loss program based on decades of scientific research on what actually works for dramatic weight loss and long-term weight control.
Nutrition and culinary classes paired with the delicious food served in the dining hall guarantee knowledge of and love for new foods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a "BC" (Behavioral Coach) in group and individual sessions knits these elements together into comprehensive lifestyle change for rapid weight loss and long-term weight control.
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Missouri Military Academy Summer Leadership Camp
Residential Boys' Summer Camp
This is a two-week residential military leadership camp for boys ages 13-17 . The camp is a rigorous two week program that teaches campers the basics of leadership while exposing them to a variety of fun, adventurous and physically challenging activities.
Activities include daily physical training, paintball, rappelling, rifle marksmanship, canoeing, Pugil sticks, swimming, knot tying, leadership reaction course, first aid training with certification and map reading.
The camp is sponsored by Missouri Military Academy, a school for boys located in the heart of the Midwest. Our historic 288-acre campus features residence halls, state of the art buildings, a rappelling tower, stables, a paintball course and an obstacle course. Counselors and camp directors are experienced faculty members , many of whom serve on the MMA teaching staff.
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YMCA Camp Lakewood
Residential coed summer camp
YMCA Camp Lakewood, a branch of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis is a co-ed summer residential camp for ages 6-17, located 75 miles south of St. Louis between Potosi and Steelville, MO. Set amidst 5,000 beautiful woodland acres with a private 360-acre lake, Camp Lakewood is a true escape. Your child will forget all about television, video games, and mp3 players while discovering the ultimate childhood experience, all within a safe and trusted environment.
Programs at Camp Lakewood are based on the YMCA's four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. We believe in making your camper stronger in spirit, mind and body! At Camp Lakewood, your camper can attend our Traditional Summer Camp Program, participate in the Ranger Program, work on leadership skills in our Leaders In Training Program (LIT), or focus on a special elective of our regular camp program like Horsemanship.
Campers ages six to eight can experience a taste of the summer camp program through Mini-Camp. We also have Tween Camp for campers ages 9-10 or Pre-Teen Camp for ages 11-12.
We welcome children of all nationalities and denominations and pride ourselves on the cultural diversity of our campers and counselors.
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Camp Olson YMCA
Coed Camp with Residential & Day Camp Sessions
For more than 55 years, Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life changing experiences for youth and young leaders through quality camp programs. The Spirit of the Northwoods is the legacy of superior staff and facilities including over 1250 acres of pristine forests lakes and fields. Traditional Summer Camp is available as well as specialty programs in Sailing, Horseback Riding, and Nature Study.
A range of Leadership Development Programs are available to teens both on site and in outbound trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Isle Royale National Park. Our skilled leaders nurture teen-aged campers through intense curricula that challenge the mind, body, and spirit of all participants.
Everyone deserves Camp! Scholarship Assistance applications are easy to complete and are available upon request. Contact us for more information.
Camp Kawaga for Boys
Residential boys' summer camp
Camp Kawaga offers a balanced, well-rounded program. Boys who are skilled athletes and those who are not both love Kawaga and find their own niche here. With endless opportunities, Kawaga offers an exciting array of more than 100 athletic and non-athletic activities! Established in 1915, Kawaga in one of the 25 oldest camps in North America. With an 85% camper return rate & a 90% staff return rate, Kawaga is like no other camp.
The following is a partial list of clubs that are offered at Kawaga: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Bicycling, Boating & Canoeing, Boxing, Drama, Fishing, Fitness, Football, Frisbee, Golf, Journalism, Lacrosse, Music, Outdoor Adventure, Riflery, Roller-hockey, Rugby, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Waterskiing, Wood Shop. Every camper has the opportunity to go on a 2-4 night camping trip. Camp sessions are 4 or 8 weeks.
Wellspring Family Camp
Residential Family Fitness and Weight Loss Camp
Wellspring Family Camp is the world's leading program for family weight loss, designed for parents with children ages 5-15. Located at the University of California, San Diego families attend Wellspring for a one- or two-week weight loss vacation and transformation.
Taking advantage of all the amenities that UCSD has to offer, Wellspring Family Camp activities include personal training, hiking, fitness classes, swimming, and a wide variety of sports, games and other fun and energizing activities designed to motivate parents and children to continue a much higher level of activity after returning home. Parents may participate in Wellspring activities with their children, or enjoy their time on the golf course or in the spa. At the end of the session, all family members will have the skills, knowledge, and support necessary for transforming the home environment into a place where everyone has the motivation and mindset necessary for continued weight loss and a permanent healthy lifestyle.
Wellspring Family Camp is the best option for a fantastic family vacation, and to help start family members on the path to a healthy weight.
Bethel Mennonite Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Bethel Camp is a Christ-centered ministry with an emphasis on Bible study and personal commitment to Christ. In addition to the fun young people have while here, scores have come to know Jesus as Lord, over the past forty years.
Activities include: Hiking, Creek Hikes, Water Slide, Campfires, Shuffleboard, Archery, Outdoor Basketball, Outdoor Volleyball, and various other indoor activities.
St. Francis Camp on the Lake
Coed residential camp for the cognitively impairedSt. Francis Camp is a 19 acre specialty camp for cognitively impaired children and adults. We encourage our campers' use of daily living skills while at camp, and we also follow any special behavior or social plan they may have in place. Most daily activities at St. Francis Camp are camper led, traditional camp activities, and cover one or more of these developmental skill areas: fine motor; gross motor, socialization; and, sensory integration.
Camp licensed for children and adults 8 to 80. We accept all cognitively impaired children and adults.
Red Pine Camp for Girls
Residential girls' summer camp
If you are seeking a camp which will contribute to your daughter's character and development, protect her welfare and safety, augment her happiness, and increase her self-esteem, Red Pine is it. Red Pine is a traditional girls residential camp that prides itself on professional staff, excellent maintenance & individual attention.
Individual activity programming is determined by abilities and interests, allowing campers to meet and interact with campers outside of their cabin group. Campers are encouraged in a safe and supportive environment to enter wholeheartedly into the fun and spirit of daily life and adventure. Activity choices include sailing/windsurfing, canoeing, camp crafts & nature, horseback riding, water skiing, archery, tennis, arts & crafts (ceramics & pottery), theatre, mountain biking, swimming and much more. Four and eight week sessions are available for girls ages 7-16.
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Highland Lakes Camp
Residential Coed Camp
Highland Lakes Baptist Camp is a retreat center in south central Indiana approximately thirty miles southwest of Indianapolis. Located on over 400 acres of beautiful forest and nestled in the hills of Morgan County, Highland Lakes seeks to be a place of rest, refreshment, and reflection to encounter our Lord and Savior. Established in 1970, Highland Lakes continues to be a growing camp and conference center ministry reaching children, youth, and adults throughout Indiana and surrounding areas.
Demands from jobs, family, church, and school can sometimes overload people. There should be a place where a person can stop and take a break...a retreat from the world...a place of refreshment.
Bluestone Summer Camp
Residential coed summer camp
Bluestone offers four one week camping sessions in June and July. Our Resident Program will accomodate youth entering 3rd through 10th Grade, and our Trip Camps are for high school youth entering 10th through 12th Grades.
Our Summer Camping Program is based on a small group philosophy, which consists of one female and one male counselor to a group of around 10-12 kids. A week at Bluestone will provide campers with excellent opportunities for spiritual and personal growth, for meeting new friends, learning new skills, and challenging themselves.
In addition to daily arts and crafts, swim time and song time, Resident Campers have a daily bible study based on the theme of the summer. Hikes, creek walks, canoeing, sleeping out under the stars, nightly vespers, cookouts and s'mores are just some of the many other things to look forward to at Bluestone! Trip Campers can look forward as well to whitewater canoeing and rafting experiences, as well as other adventure activities depending upon which week they attend.
YMCA Day Camp Kici Yapi
Coed Day Camp
Your child can have an amazing outdoor experience this summer and sleep at home, too. YMCA Camp Kici Yapi jam packs every week with exciting, structured activities for both new and returning campers. Nature's beauty is all around to explore at Camp Kici Yapi. The camp is spread out over 80 acres of spectacular wooded land located in Prior Lake.
Each day campers, ages 4 through 14, participate in small-group structured activities with other campers in their age group. They learn new skills and build self-esteem while being guided by the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Campers fill their days with traditional camp activities such as swimming, lakefront canoeing, kayaking and row boating, archery, games, environmental learning, cookouts, arts and crafts, hiking and more.
Camp Lakotah
Residential Coed Camp
Camp Lakotah - Where the fun never ends! Situated on 126 acres of lush forest with an expansive white sand beach on Little Hills Lake in Wautoma, WI. Camp Lakotah boasts personalized attention, outstanding food service, rustic, cozy and newly renovated cabin accommodations, innovative programming and a quality staff that will meet or exceed your expectations!
We offer swimming, canoeing, kayaking, archery, riflery, arts & crafts, disc golf, nature exploration and leadership development. Be a part of new challenges, fun activities, lifelong memories and lasting friendships!
Camp Nicolet for Girls
Residential girls' summer camp
At Camp Nicolet, every camper is number one! Individual achievement, respect, support of one another, and the joy and enthusiasm of giving one's best effort are at the heart of Nicolet's traditional programs. Established in 1944, Nicolet is family owned and operated offering girls 8-15 a fun and safe adventure in Wisconsin's beautiful Northwoods. Our campers and staff join us from more than 20 states and internationally and enrollment is limited to 120 campers per session to provide individual attention and high-quality instruction. Leadership training and exciting tripping opportunities for all ages complete our American Camp Association accredited program. Join us and catch the Camp Nicolet spirit!
Exciting activities include: water skiing, wakeboarding, horseback riding, tennis, trampball, archery, soccer and most all team sports, sailing, boardsailing, crafts, yoga, in-line skating, theater arts, mountain biking, and backpacking, sea kayaking, and canoe tripping adventures! 2,4,6, & 8 week sessions, June - August.
Camp Foley
Residential coed summer camp
The mission of Camp Foley is to partner with parents to develop confident, responsible and respectful youth who gain skills and have fun through a quality camp experience in a youth centered community. Over 30 activities such as sailing, waterskiing, paintball, riflery, and climbing that promote healthy, safe risks and are taught with quality instruction.
Foley Quick Facts!
Who: Boys & Girls, ages 8 to 16. We have space for 165 campers and 45-50 staff (a 4:1 ratio). Last summer we had campers and/or staff from 36 states and 8 foreign countries.
What: Established in 1924, family owned and operated (since 1949).
Where: The beautiful shores of Lower Whitefish Lake in North-Central, MN.
When: 1, 2 or 4 week sessions starting in June.
Why: Develop skills, build supportive relationships, grow in character, enjoy the out of doors and learn independence in a safe environment. ACA Accredited.
Camp Jump Start
Residential coed summer camp
Your success starts here. Camp Jump Start is the FIRST health professional owned and operated weight loss camp in the nation-- we revolutionized the industry in 2003! Come to the camp that others try to copy but cannot. The weight loss is amazing under health professionals who guide campers to weight loss success through fitness activities, behavior modification, and nutritional education along with well-balanced, portion-controlled meals. The gain in self-esteem is incredible: Campers leave feeling empowered to make healthier choices in order to maintain weight loss. We offer lifestyle emphasis and FREE follow-up.
We are open to kids and teens and offer traditional camp activities with non-competitive sports, as well as many adventure experiences in mountain biking and hiking. Pool and lake on property. See our website for session dates and prices.
We're a weight loss camp, but weight loss is only one part of the awesome benefits you find here. CJS is FUN, and the campers are always part of our family-- even after the summer ends. See what a difference a summer can make!
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan
Wilderness Adventure Program
Widjiwagan was founded in 1929 as a wilderness adventure program in the wilds of northeastern Minnesota. Throughout this colorful 79-year history, young people have been inspired by the Widji wilderness experience.
The real magic of a Widji experience happens in the wilderness. For canoe groups, this might mean paddling out of camp or getting dropped off on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Quetico Provincial Park. For backpack groups, this means driving west to the mountains or east to the Isle Royale or the Superior Hiking Trail. Once groups go 'on trail' they spend the rest of their session in the wilderness. They move most days and camp in different places most nights. Free from distractions of civilization, groups get to know each other and come together to accomplish their goals. On trail is where friendships form and memories are made!
Camp Helen Brachman
Residential coed summer campSince 1906 we have continued a strong tradition with the special experiences we offer to campers at Camp Helen Brachman. 11 days of learning and fun for children ages 8 through 13. Also offers Teen Explorer Program to meet the needs of more experienced, veteran campers (ages 14 and 15).
The opportunities for growth and adventure are endless at Camp Helen Brachman. Campers enjoy athletics, arts and crafts, swimming, boating, camp outs, overnight trips, hiking, biking, fishing, drama, music, and campfires, while also building their self-esteem, developing valuable personal and social skills, and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Birch Trail Camp for Girls
Residential girls' summer camp
Make memories to last a lifetime! Birch Trail Camp is a traditional summer camp for girls ages 7-15 located in northern Wisconsin. We provide a safe, fun, and non-competitive camp environment for almost 200 campers and close to 100 staff. Our campers come from all over the world to form ever-lasting friendships and participate in an endless number of programs.
While in camp, campers have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities, including canoeing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, diving, fishing, rock climbing, land sports, tennis, horseback riding, biking, arts & crafts, gymnastics, aerobics, dance, yoga, and drama. Every camper has the opportunity to spend time camping in the upper-Midwest or Canada as part of Birch Trail's extensive wilderness trip program.
Camp Agawak
Residential girls' summer campCamp Agawak is located in the heart of the beautiful Wisconsin northwoods. Camp Agawak has been a summer home for girls since 1921. Our breathtaking grounds cover 160 acres on the shoreline of Blue Lake, a private clear water lake with a sandy bottom.
Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe, fun and nurturing camp environment where campers acquire lifelong skills and make lasting memories. Our heritage and rich traditions has made Camp Agawak a premier camp for generations and our staff loves working here!!
Activities: Water and land sports, camping, arts and crafts, drama, photography, dance and more!
YMCA Camp Menogyn
Wilderness Adventure Camp
YMCA Camp Menogyn has a long tradition of high-quality wilderness adventures throughout North America! Exciting activities such as canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing, all with an emphasis on personal growth, skill development and relationships provide campers with transformational experiences and memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Menogyn's goal is to provide safe, fun and enriching wilderness adventures in an environment of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect.
YMCA Camp du Nord
YMCA Family Camp
Du Nord is the perfect destination to gather your family and spend time together without having to be concerned over preparing meals or wonder how to entertain the variety of ages and interests in any family. Du Nord has it all: meal service, programs, age group activities, and wonderful recreational opportunities.
The mission of Camp du Nord is to strengthen families by providing opportunities for individual and family growth, supporting spiritual development and enhancing environmental awareness in a wilderness setting. Guided by this mission, our program seeks to: Enrich family life and inter-family relationships; Develop new insights and understanding between family members; Encourage awareness of the natural world and strengthen appreciation for wilderness; Encourage spiritual growth and renewal in a wilderness setting.
Camp Anokijig
Residential Coed Camp
Camp Anokijig has been recognized for excellence in camping since 1926, with a rich tradition and history of offering youth an experience that will last a lifetime. Anokijig is synonymous with new friends, positive values, personal growth, great adventures and outrageous fun. Coed, overnight programs are offered for kids ages 7-16, for 4 days to 1 or more weeks of summer fun. Campers may register for the traditional Resident Camp program with a wide variety of activities from which to choose, to emphasize a well-rounded and fun camp experience.
Resident Camp consists of two daily skill periods, all-camp activities, sectional/cabin activities, and directed free time. In addition, any resident camper entering 7th grade or above can also sign up for additional day trips. Or, campers can choose to specialize in Ranch or Circle A Riders (horse programs), Competitive Swim, Fishing Expeditions, Theater in the Woods, Yoga, Camp Comedy, Drumming, or Adventure Challenge Specialty Camp Programs. Older campers, ages 12 and above are eligible for our adventure trips which travel to the Sylvania Wilderness, Apostle Islands, and Devil's Lake State Park. Activities include: horseback riding, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, archery, fishing, crafts, drama, dance, nature, woodworking, riflery, music, digital photography, and much more!
Cran-Hill Ranch
Residential coed summer camp and Coed Day Camp
Cran-Hill is located on 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills located 65 miles north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are committed to give every person a wholesome, outdoor camp experience that will strengthen their relationship with God. Our caring, energetic, Christian staff are ready to give campers the most memorable summer of their lives. We have almost 40 years of camp experience and are ready to share it with you!
Activities include great games, a wild waterfront, cool campfires, horsemanship, photography, high adventure, mountain biking, extreme sports and much more.
Lake Geneva Youth Camp
Coed Residential and Day Camp
Lake Geneva Youth Camp is a place set apart for campers to have life-changing experiences. It provides a wonderful world of discovery for boys, girls, teens and adults. It is a place surrounded by God's beautiful creation filled with intense fun, and packed with real life experiences, challenges, and relationships that will draw them closer to God. Our programs are tailor-made for each age group and gender.
Our carefully selected and trained staff desire to give campers the time of their lives in a safe, nurturing environment. Lifelong friendships are developed. New skills areas are learned. Memories that last a lifetime are made. And first and foremost, the deeds and words of Jesus Christ are taught in relevant ways that will impact lives.
YMCA DayCroix
Coed Day Camp
DayCroix at YMCA Camp St. Croix is a wonderful place for your child to experience fun, outdoor adventures this summer! DayCroix at YMCA Camp St. Croix provides a week packed full of exciting and structured activities for the new and returning camper. Located two miles south of Hudson and 30 miles east of the Twin Cities, campers age 4-15 participate in small, age-appropriate groups as they build self-esteem, learn new skills, and practice the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. And each year, every child leaves with special beads to mark their accomplishments and treasured experiences.
Activities include swimming, boating, archery, games, environmental education, cookouts and more. DayCroix at YMCA Camp St. Croix offers specialty programs such as horseback riding, creative arts, science and nature, outdoor sports, and teen adventures.
Other DayCroix highlights include Pioneer Village, where campers experience a trip back in time as they explore crafts such as leatherwork, basket weaving, Voyager games, and make candles, butter, and ice cream! In the Oasis Waterplay Area, campers have loads of fun building sandcastles and staying cool splashing in the water. And DayCroix's music program is incorporated into daily activity rotations, and emphasizes rhythm using percussion instruments.
YMCA Day Camp Christmas Tree
Coed Day Camp
YMCA Camp Christmas Tree is a wonderful place for your child to experience fun, outdoor adventures this summer! YMCA Camp Christmas Tree provides a week packed full of exciting and structured activities for the new and returning camper. Located on beautiful Dutch Lake near Mound, campers age 4-14 participate in small, age-appropriate groups as they build self-esteem, learn new skills, and practice the YMCA's values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Traditional camp activities include lake swimming, canoeing, archery, games, environmental education, cookouts, camp crafts and more. For the older campers, our 50-foot climbing tower adds further challenges and excitement. On hot days, campers cool off under our umbrella tree spray mister. And Wee Backpackers will love our low-to-the-ground tree houses.
YMCA Camp Christmas Tree also offers a variety of specialty camps including water skiing, horseback riding, climbing, canoeing/kayaking, arts and crafts, fishing, archery, farm, princess fairies and dragons, and outdoor living skills camp.
YMCA Day Camp Sacajawea
Coed Day Camp
YMCA Day Camp Sacajawea is a wonderful place for your child to experience fun, outdoor adventures this summer! YMCA Day Camp Sacajawea provides a week packed full of exciting and structured activities for the new and returning camper. Located at Dakota County's Lebanon Hills Regional Park, just a short bus ride from several communities, campers age 4 through 16 participate in small, age-appropriate groups as they build self-esteem, learn new skills, and practice the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. And each year, every child leaves with special beads to mark their accomplishments and treasured experiences.
Traditional camp activities include swimming, canoeing, archery, games, environmental education, cookouts, arts and crafts, hiking, and more. Specialty camps include arts, fishing, challenge course, outdoor living skills, outdoor cooking and wild about nature. YMCA Day Camp Sacajawea is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Camp Voyageur
Residential boys' summer camp
Camp Voyageur, owned and operated by the Erdmann family since 1951, is a small private camp for boys 9-17 located next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota.
We have a traditional in camp program but our specialty is canoeing trips. We lead 3-16 wilderness trips canoeing in the Boundary Waters and Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. In addition we also lead hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior and on Isle Royale National Park and we lead sea kayaking in the Apostle Island National Lake Shore. Our in camp program of land and water sports includes: waterskiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, archery, rock climbing, sailing, arts/crafts, and much more. 1 well trained counselor to 4 campers.
YMCA Camp St. Croix
Residential Coed Camp
The rich camp traditions of over 100 years influence current overnight camp programming at Camp St. Croix. Once campers arrive, they realize they are part of a community linked together by common experiences, lifelong friendships, an appreciation for nature and spirit, mind, body and personal growth and enrichment through challenging and fun activities.
YMCA Camp St. Croix offers a wide variety of exciting activities that build confidence, cooperation, and care--making new friends, building on renewed friendships, and having a caring environment where your child can be themselves are high points of the camping experience.
The one and two-week and one month sessions are divided into units for different age levels. Younger campers are guided through a variety of experiences; older campers choose between specialized canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding and backpacking units which offer progressive challenges. Each time your child comes back to Camp St. Croix they can achieve a new level of achievement by progressing into a new, longer trail program! All of our activities at Camp St. Croix nurture character development and encourage all campers to step outside their comfort zones to have new experiences, increase self-confidence and care for others.
*Camp Tanager
Residential coed summer campEstablished in 1926 as a private, non-profit camp for children with health problems, Camp Tanager now serves over 600 children each summer. "Camperships" on a sliding fee scale permit all children to enjoy Camp Tanager regardless of income.
Children come to Camp Tanager to make friends, have fun, and learn through a camping experience. Campers may participate in the following variety of activities: Archery, Arts and Crafts, Badminton, Campfires, Carnivals, Dance, Educational Speakers, Fishing, Hayrack Rides, Hiking, Movies, Nature Study, Games, Roller-Skating, Skits, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, and Volleyball.
Wellspring Wisconsin
Residential Coed Fitness and Weight Loss Camp
Wellspring Wisconsin combines Wellspring's unparalleled weight loss program with exciting activities on our campus and in the surrounding region. We are located on the beautiful 820-acre campus of University of Wisconsin-Platteville, boys and girls ages 11-18 enjoy state-of-the-art facilities for swimming, fitness, personal training and team sports. Wellspring is a proven, remarkably effective fitness and weight loss program based on decades of scientific research on what actually works for dramatic weight loss and long-term weight control.
Nutrition and culinary classes paired with the delicious food served in the dining hall guarantee knowledge of and love for new foods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a "BC" (Behavioral Coach) in group and individual sessions knits these elements together into comprehensive lifestyle change for rapid weight loss and long-term weight control.
