Developing Motivation at Wellspring Academies
We frequently speak with parents who are concerned that their overweight child seems to lack the motivation to exercise, do school work, help around the house, or even socialize with friends and family. Many parents are concerned that this lack of motivation means that their child is "lazy" and doesn't want to participate fully in life.
At Wellspring, we understand that the types of behaviors that concern parents—watching excessive amounts of television, avoiding group activities, not putting in effort on school work—are often the result of the negative self-image and lack of confidence that accompany being overweight.
For many overweight kids, these types of behaviors have become habitual. After all, if a child believes that he or she will not succeed at a given activity, it is easier and less risky to simply not try at all, rather than put forth effort and risk the sense of failure that is familiar to so many overweight children.
At Wellspring, we have a structured way of working through the lack of motivation that so many students exhibit when they arrive on campus—the Wellspring Level System.
Wellspring Level System Explained
Many years of research on motivation have shown that we work harder to change when we set clear goals and experience immediate consequences. This is a fundamental principle of the behavioral change program at Wellspring, helping students to rediscover the joy of accomplishment and rewards of self-discipline.
Students move up the Level System by mastering the components of the Wellspring Plan, including consistent self-monitoring (writing down food intake, activities, and thoughts and feelings) and meeting daily step goals (10,000 per day, and higher as the camper rises up the level system). Each level also requires students to demonstrate support and respect for their peers. The goals at each level are achievable by all students, regardless of their level of fitness.
On their first day at Wellspring Academies, students learn precisely what is expected in order to advance from level to level. Advancing from one level to the next results in recognition at the Academy's weekly ceremony, as well as concrete privileges and rewards such as special trips and longer phone calls.
As students rise from level to level, they not only benefit in terms of rewards and privileges, but most powerfully, from the tremendous support they receive from each other and from Wellspring staff.
Weekly Ceremonies
Weekly ceremonies are held to acknowledge students who have advanced to a new level. At these ceremonies, individual students enjoy their moment in the spotlight, receiving recognition from staff members and other students for their accomplishments that week.
The level system is a fundamental part of the experience at Wellspring, both in terms of helping students learn to set and meet goals, and in establishing a positive social environment. During Family Workshops, we work with families to establish a similar system of behavioral contracting at home—a powerful tool for long-term change.
