Relational · Strength-Based · Practical
Success Counseling
A framework for the one-on-one moment when a camper is struggling, dysregulated, or off track.
At a Glance
Success Counseling is a Tier 1 skill set for the individual moment, the conversation that happens when a camper needs to be pulled aside, redirected, or reconnected. It gives staff a concrete framework for navigating those moments well, from the initial approach through the conversation itself to leaving with the relationship intact and the behavior addressed.
Staff leave with a set of practices they can use with any camper in any situation.
THE PROBLEM
Every staff member eventually has to pull a camper aside. This training is about what happens in that conversation.
The individual moment with a camper, the conversation that happens when something has gone wrong, is one of the least taught skills in camp staff training. Without a framework, staff tend to either avoid those conversations or rush through them. Both patterns leave the camper without what they needed from the interaction and the behavior unaddressed.
A staff member with a clear framework for the individual moment handles it differently, and the campers in their group experience that difference across the whole summer.
WHAT’S INSIDE
4 Core Modules
The Story Behind the Behavior
Behavior makes sense in context. This module gives staff a framework for understanding what a camper’s behavior is communicating before they respond to it. That understanding changes the quality of the conversation that follows.
A lens for reading behavior that improves every one-on-one interaction
The 5 Questions
The core of Success Counseling is a five-question protocol that walks a camper from where they are to where they need to be. What do you want? What are you doing to get it? Is it working? What are your other options? How are you going to follow through? Staff learn each question, why it comes in that order, and what to do when a camper gets stuck.
: A concrete protocol staff can use in any one-on-one moment
Practice Rounds
Staff see the protocol modeled first, then practice it themselves in groups of three, rotating through the roles of counselor, camper, and observer. Repetition before the summer starts is what makes the protocol usable under pressure.
Multiple rounds of practice before the protocol is needed
When It’s Not Working
What to do when the one-on-one conversation isn’t gaining ground. How to escalate thoughtfully, loop in leadership, and stay connected to the camper in the process.
A clear escalation path that keeps the relationship intact
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone Working Directly With Campers
NEW COUNSELORS
ACTIVITY SPECIALISTS
JUNIOR COUNSELORS
RETURNING COUNSELORS
TRIP STAFF
GROUP LEADERS
CITS
Designed for frontline staff at any experience level. Works well during orientation as a core skill-building session, and equally well mid-season when staff have specific situations in mind. Leadership staff often attend to build a shared framework for how the team approaches individual camper conversations.
FORMAT & LOGISTICS
What to Expect
1 - 2 Hours
Depends on amount of practice and discussion built in.
DURATION
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 as a standalone session or as part of a larger behavior management track.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WALK AWAY WITH
A framework for understanding what a camper’s behavior is communicating
The five-question Success Counseling protocol and how to use it
Multiple rounds of practiced application before the summer starts
A clear escalation path for when individual conversations aren’t gaining ground
PAIRS WELL WITH
Build a Full Training Track
STAFF TRAINING · BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
The Consequences Playbook
Consequences and relationships work together. This pairing gives staff both sides of the picture.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT · CAMPER BEHAVIOR SYSTEMS
Beyond Sticker Charts
The organizational system that creates the structure for Success Counseling to happen consistently. The continuum determines when a one-on-one conversation is needed.
STAFF TRAINING · BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
Classroom Management at Camp
The foundational training that sets up the behavior management context this one builds on.
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