Advanced · Systematic · Relationship-Centered
Better Camper Contracts
A practical framework for writing camper contracts that hold and preserve the relationship.
At a Glance
When Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions aren’t enough, camps reach for a camper contract. A well-written one gives the camper a clear, specific path back to full participation and keeps the relationship intact while it does. A poorly written one creates confusion, invites argument, and puts the camp in a difficult position with families. This training gives leadership staff a functional behavior assessment process and a contract writing framework that produces the first kind.
THE PROBLEM
A poorly written contract creates an adversarial dynamic before the camper has even read it. This training fixes the writing.
Camper contracts tend to go wrong in predictable ways. The language is loaded or vague. The expectations are unclear enough that a motivated camper can find workarounds. The family is surprised when they receive it. Leadership staff write them reactively, under pressure, without a consistent framework for what should be in them or how specific the language needs to be.
The result is contracts that don’t hold, relationships that fracture, and leadership teams that lose confidence in the tool entirely. A well-built framework changes all of that.
WHAT’S INSIDE
4 Core Modules
When Contracts Are the Right Tool
A quick review of the behavior continuum and the specific conditions under which a contract becomes the appropriate response. Contracts are not for every situation, and knowing when to reach for one, and when not to, is part of using them well.
A clear set of criteria for when a contract is and isn’t appropriate
Functional Behavior Assessment
Before writing a contract, the team needs to understand what’s driving the behavior. This module walks through the ABC chart process, antecedent, behavior, consequence, using a realistic camp scenario. The completed chart informs every section of the contract that follows.
A completed functional behavior assessment ready to inform a contract
The Contract Writing Framework
Three sections: precipitating behaviors, intervention, and potential additional consequences. Each section has specific language requirements. This module focuses on the difference between loaded and non-loaded language, the use of active and measurable expectations, and how to write commitments that are specific enough to be enforceable and clear enough to be fair.
A drafted contract using the three-part framework
Implementation and Family Communication
A contract that families aren’t prepared for creates a bigger problem than the behavior that prompted it. This module covers the sequence of family communication, how to brief frontline staff on the contract, and what to do when a camper doesn’t follow through.
A clear implementation plan including family communication and staff briefing
WHO IT’S FOR
Built for
Behavior Staff
CAMP DIRECTORS
UNIT LEADERS
BEHAVIOR COORDINATORS
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
SECTION COORDINATORS
Designed for directors and leadership staff who are responsible for writing and implementing camper contracts. Works well as a follow-on to Beyond Sticker Charts for teams that have the behavior continuum in place and want to go deeper on the contract writing process.
FORMAT & LOGISTICS
What to Expect
DURATION
1 - 2 Hours
Depends on amount of practice time
DELIVERY
In-Person or Remote
Available on-site at your camp or virtually. Both formats are fully interactive, not just a slideshow.
TIMING
Training or Mid-Season
Works great as a pre-summer orientation session or a mid-season refresher when energy needs a reset.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WALK AWAY WITH
A clear set of criteria for when contracts are and aren’t appropriate
The ABC chart process for assessing behavior before writing a contract
The three-part contract writing framework with specific language guidance
An implementation protocol including family communication timing and staff briefing
PAIRS WELL WITH
Build a Full Training Track
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT · CAMPER BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS
Beyond Sticker Charts
The foundational systems training this one extends. Best delivered together or in sequence.
STAFF TRAINING · BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
The Consequences Playbook
The frontline companion. Where Better Camper Contracts focuses on the formal plan, The Consequences Playbook gives frontline staff the day-to-day toolkit.
STAFF TRAINING · CAMPER CONNECTION
Success Counseling
Contracts work best when the individual relationship is also being invested in. These two trainings support the same camper from different angles.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Bring This To Your Camp
Tell us a little about your organization and what you're looking for. We'll get back to you within 48 hours to talk through the details, customize the content for your context, and figure out what works for your budget and timeline.
Prefer to reach out directly?
jarod@thrivepointstudio.com