Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- Wellspring Camps has extended its contract for three years with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, which is projected to bring in almost $1 million to the area.

"The biggest part of our decision to renew was the people. Everyone at the university has been very accommodating to our needs. Plus, the facilities are exceptional for our campers to learn and live healthy lifestyles," said Jeremy Whitworth, Wellspring Wisconsin program director.

Wellspring Camps hosted their first Midwest location at UWP last summer. Wellspring Wisconsin is one of a dozen fitness and weight loss camps around the world from Hawaii to the United Kingdom. Specific dietary needs and fitness opportunities are what have made UWP ideal with its dining operations, indoor and outdoor recreation space and housing. Last summer UWP exceeded expectations with higher camper numbers than what had been projected and universal satisfaction by campers, parents and staff.

Last year there were 60 campers, ages 10-18, who chose from a four-week session that ran either June 15 to July 13 or July 13 to August 9, or attended the full eight weeks. Thomas Pitcher, a 2006 UWP graduate, taught martial arts and yoga and also supervised one wing of the residence halls where the campers stayed. "I was contacted by Wellspring because of my martial arts background," said Pitcher who credits his experience from being a member of the Aikido Club at the university. The position is similar to being a resident assistant where he was on-call six days a week, facilitated activities and provided transportation if a camper needed to go off campus.

"If you're into something like this, it is some of the most fulfilling work you can do. On a personal level, it was really great to see the campers master the program and it was great to get the chance to be a kid again," said Pitcher.

Pitcher is originally from Mt. Horeb and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Whitworth has said that they would like to hire more UWP students in the future and are looking for those who have camp counselor experience and enjoy working with young adults with the ability to manage activities.

Whitworth stated that Wellspring is looking forward to developing a rhythm within the next few years at UWP to maintain and improve Wellspring Wisconsin.

"Our overall sentiment as a company is that UWP is great across the board. They are complete rock stars and we're looking forward to the future," said Whitworth.

Anyone wanting more information about Wellspring Wisconsin or opportunities for employment can contact Kelly Jo Hadfield, interim conference services and event planning coordinator, at (608) 342-1301 or johnsonk@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Kelly Jo Hadfield, interim conference services and event planning coordinator, (608) 342-1301, johnsonk@uwplatt.edu Written by: Leeann Duwe, marketing coordinator, Student Centers, (608) 342-1351, lonsdorl@uwplatt.edu