Top 5 Tips for Making Friends at Camp!
I frequently have questions from parents asking about whether their children will make friends at camp. I understand their concern as camp is a new environment where they can’t really help their children navigate the unknown while they are away from home. We have a lot of campers who come from all over the country and the world and many come by themselves, away from home for the very first time. It is very rare that a child won’t make one, if not many friends at camp but I wanted to share a few tips with families to ensure confidence and success for kids when they come. These next five tips will have your child set up to meet a lot of new people and create some great friendships at the same time.
Tip 1 - Take a Deep Breath and Jump Right In
The beginning of camp can be a little scary. You don’t know anyone, you are in a new place, it can really bring out your nerves. BUT, everyone feels exactly the same way you do so I often tell kids to just try to connect with one other person within the first few minutes at camp. It will make you breathe just a little easier if you can smile and connect with just one person. This happens pretty naturally at Camp Telaphiba as you are introduced to your bunkmates almost immediately. Take a chance on putting yourself out there because the sooner you do, the better you feel and the easier it gets to keep doing.
Tip 2 - Have a “Go To” Question that You Can Ask Anyone
If you can have a question at the top of your mind that you can ask when you are standing next to someone while waiting in a group, a line, before an activity, as you pass them walking from one class to another, or whenever you are close to someone one on one, that might help with any awkward silence. A few easy suggestions might be:
Where are you from?
What is your favorite style of dance?
What is your school like?
Do you have any pets?
All of these questions are pretty easy for anyone to answer and can start a fun, light, new conversation with a potential new friend.
Tip 3 - Share a Fun Fact or a Funny Story
People love to laugh. So, if you can think of a silly or fun fact about yourself that you can share with a new person, that can really get a connection started. You can also tell a story about yourself or a time in your life that was super funny to you. Your new friend can then feel more connected to you because you shared something about yourself which in turn might have them wanting to share with you. Let the laughs begin!
Tip 4 - Sit Next to Someone New
At camp, you often are in different groups for different activities. At Camp Telaphiba, we have different buddy groups, dance class groups, outdoor activity groups, meals and still more groups. Every time you are put into a new group, consider scanning the group to find someone new to sit by or walk with. If you notice someone by themselves, all the more reason to go by them. Who knows, this might be the exact friend you are looking for. So, rather than only bonding with the same people at camp, consider opening up your circle to more potential friends.
Tip 5 - Talk to a Counselor
If you are still not feeling a strong connection with someone after trying the tips already listed, our camp counselors are excellent in helping kids to bridge the gap if they are not finding friends right away. They have a way of pairing kids up to create conversations in a way that feels genuine and authentic. They are here to help you in any way at any time.
In Conclusion
Camp is a great place to exercise your skills in making new friends. It offers the opportunity for kids to grow in independence, confidence and social skills with people from all over the country and the world. It always amazes me that at the end of each of our camp sessions, there is not a dry eye in the whole camp because our campers and staff are sad to leave the magical environment of camp with all of the connection, friendship and love that has been gained during the session. It makes my heart feel so full that people who may not have known each other only two weeks before could become so close and remain friends for many years to come! Come experience what Camp Telaphiba is all about where you will make new friendships that can last a lifetime!