In today's fast-paced world it is rare for people to take the time to write thank you letters. Even upon receipt of so many letters over the years, HCF is still humbled by the kind words and the lives that have been touched. From campers to parents, these are their words...

Former Campers:

"I gained 30 pounds my freshman year of high school. The summer before my sophomore year, my mom decided I needed some more help. She thought about what she could do to benefit me the most. She found that there was going to be a new camp opening up...which was the Healthy Children's Foundation camp. The camp seemed to be more focused on improving self-esteem and eating right than on weight-loss. I did not really want to go because I felt like I was being shoved away from the friends I had just made. When I got there, the hatred of the thought of camp really was a blessing. As time went on, I realized that camp was great. I started loving the experience, the friends, the counselors, the support system, everything. I started looking inside myself, and realizing that I was a beautiful girl. I did not need the approval of anyone else except my own. I realized that if I wanted to be happy with my appearance, I had to change it myself. My counselors and fellow campers supported me with the thoughts of changing my life. They encouraged me to do my best at every activity...now, I look back on it, if I had not gone to Healthy Children's Foundation camp, I probably would be bigger than I am today. The camp had helped me focus on myself, what I needed to do, and how I needed to do it. I feel so much better about myself." - Annie P. of Cary, NC

"[Camp] was the best thing I've ever done for myself. This was life-changing in my confidence, my weight, and my entire perspective. The people I've met here are amazing."- Kathleen O.

"This is truly a great place to be. I love the counselors, campers, chefs and most of all, Ira for being there for me. He really cares about us and wants us to beat our battle."- Savannah S.

"This camp was awesome. [It is a] very good idea for a camp and [the staff] is extremely supportive of each individual camper."- Angelica M.

Medical Professionals and Parents:

"The Healthy Children Foundation, which operates Camp Shining Stars, "Where Success Soars!"...is the first non-profit co-educational weight loss camp in the country...Mr. Green's camps have applied a holistic management program that includes physical fitness, nutritional management and psychological and emotional counseling for children and families who face this rapidly escalating problem. Mr. Green has also contributed invaluable data and information, both scientific and anecdotal, to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. His management plan for more than 500 obese children has supported his belief that individual attention and care of a child in a nurturing and positive environment is essential to recovery and progress toward healthy adulthood. I have personally observed his weight loss camp in North Carolina. I report a positive and uplifting experience provided by Mr. Green and his staff with deep compassion and understanding for the youngsters they work with. More impressive to me are the continuing life-altering changes that many of his campers maintain after their summer camp experience is completed." - Dr. Walter J. Pories

• Parent-Mike Parr

  Daughter-Katie

  Pleasant Garden, N.C.

  Email: Parrmp@yahoo.com

• Parent-Robin and Pierre Lemaire

  Sons-Stephan and Christophe

  Wilson, NC

  Email: plemaire@nc.rr.com

• Parent-Richard Lovelace

  Daughter-Diana

  Raleigh, North Carolina

  Email: Richlove@nc.rr.com

• Parent- Leslie Ashinoff

  Camper-Simone

  East Meadow, New York

  Email: Ashinoff@aol.com

• Parent- Melissa Jackson

  Son-Jackson

  Durham, NC

  Email: mjackson212@nc.rr.com

• Parent- Susan Blackburn

  Son-Turner

  Manchester, Georgia

  Email: sblackburn@GA-NE.com

• Parents-Jeannie&Henry

  Son-Mitchell

  Raleigh, North Carolina

  Email: jeannie@jeanniehutton.com

• Parent-Sherry Russell

  Daughter-Sharon

  Nassau, Bahamas

  Email: Sherry@ronatkinson.biz

• Parents- Mindy and Louis Kandel

  Daughter-Lindsey,Marietta, Georgia

  Email: minkandel@aol.com

• Parent-Emily Condon

  Daughter-Elliot

  South Carolina

  Email: emilycondon@comcast.com

• Parent- Steve Kiousis

  Southern Shores, N.C.

  Daughter-Maddie

  Email: Pncakeboy@hotmail.com

• Parents-Janice and Al Simons

  Silver Springs, Maryland

  Son- Matt

  Email: asimons24@aol.com

• Parent- Pamela

  Knightdale, Noth carolina

  Daughter-Nicole

  Email: Pjmurray@nc.rr.com

• Parents-Kimmie and Chris Powers

  Marrietta, Georgia

  Son- Devon

  Email: Kimmie_Powers@yahoo.com