Is your child preparing for an unforgettable adventure with us at camp? One of the most rewarding elements of life at PGL is making lasting friendships. However, for some children, particularly those with introverted tendencies, stepping into a new environment and meeting new people can feel daunting.
Whether they are first-timers or seasoned campers, knowing how to connect with others can take your child’s outdoor adventure from great to EPIC! In this article, we’ll share five tried-and-tested tips on how to make friends at camp and maintain those friendships long after camp has ended, helping your kids create lifelong connections.
Why is making friends important?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s take a moment to talk about why making friends is so important. As humans, we’re naturally wired to seek connection, and childhood is where we start to develop the social skills that shape our future relationships.
Much like family, friends hold a special place in our lives. They’re there to help us through life’s ups and downs, making the ability to form and nurture meaningful connections a key life skill. Here are just a few reasons why friendship matters:
Offers companionship
Firstly, friends provide one of the most basic needs—companionship! They’re the ones we laugh with, create memories with, and share life’s adventures (big and small). This connection has a powerful impact on our wellbeing by enriching our lives and making us feel supported every step of the way.
Creates a sense of belonging
Additionally, healthy friendships also foster a sense of belonging, helping to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. It makes us part of something bigger than ourselves, and with friends who accept and value us, we feel seen, heard, and appreciated all the more.
Enhances communication
One of the most important reasons for making friends is enhancing our communication skills. Through socialisation, we learn how to be good listeners, express ourselves openly, and resolve conflicts. By developing these skills, we build stronger connections and grow into more confident, understanding individuals.
Increases empathy
Speaking of, friends teach us to see the world from a different person’s perspective. When interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, we’re encouraged to step into their shoes, strengthening our ability to empathise and relate to their emotions and experiences. As a result, we build more meaningful friendships rooted in compassion and mutual respect.
Boosts self-confidence
Friends believe in us, even when we doubt ourselves. Having people who genuinely care about us and encourage us to achieve our goals can significantly boost our self-confidence, especially during childhood. For example, a friend cheering us on during a school presentation or helping us overcome fear can make us feel capable and valued.
5 tips on how to make friends at camp
It’s obvious that friendship plays a vital role in our daily lives, and our school holiday camps are the perfect place for your child to make friends while having a ton of fun!
Beyond enjoying a wide variety of outdoor activities, they’ll have countless opportunities to interact, bond and build lasting connections, all in a safe and supportive environment.
To help your child get the most out of their experience, here are a few helpful tips to share with them on how to make new friends at our adventure camps:
1. Maintain a positive attitude
Positivity is contagious! We encourage our campers to approach each day with enthusiasm and a smile, welcome new challenges, and be willing to step out of their comfort zone. Having a positive outlook can make all the difference, and even just saying “hello” shows you’re open to chatting, which attracts like-minded people and boosts your chances of making new friends.
2. Ask questions
When it comes to making friends at camp, it’s important to ask questions about your fellow campers’ interests, hobbies, and experiences. This demonstrates your willingness to listen and learn more about them as individuals. You could ask what their favourite activity or toy is, or if they have any pets at home. By taking the time to understand what others enjoy, you open up a window of opportunity for connection and conversation.
3. Be kind and inclusive
No one likes to feel left out, which is why kindness and inclusivity are so important at camp. Make an effort to invite others to join in on games or activities, offer a friendly smile, and don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand when someone needs it. Small gestures like these show others that you’re approachable and thoughtful. You’d be surprised how a simple “Want to join us?” can make someone’s day!
4. Participate in team building activities
Team building activities are a fantastic way to make friends at camp. Whether it’s a thrilling high-ropes course, an orienteering exercise, or a competitive game of archery tag, seize every opportunity to engage and have fun with your peers. By working together towards a common goal, this strengthens bonds and creates shared memories.
5. Always be yourself
Finally, always be yourself. That means embracing your quirks, interests, and unique personality traits. Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are, flaws and all. When you’re genuine, you attract friends who appreciate you for you. Remember, there’s no need to pretend to be someone you’re not, the right people will love you for being yourself.
What if you are struggling to make friends at camp?
If your kids feel anxious or struggle to make friends at camp, know that this is completely normal. Here are some tips to share with your child to help them build connections and feel more at ease:
1. Start with a smile
A warm smile, genuine eye contact and a friendly “Hi!” can go a long way in making new friends. Introduce yourself and ask simple questions like “Where are you from?” These small interactions help break the ice, inviting others to strike up a conversation naturally. Even if you feel shy, making the first move shows that you’re approachable and interested in getting to know them. Tip: If group settings are overwhelming, try talking to one person at a time, allowing you to build confidence over time.
2. Be open to new experiences
As we’ve mentioned previously, one of the best ways to meet people is by participating in group activities like sports, arts and crafts, or team challenges. At first, these experiences might feel new or a little outside your comfort zone. But stepping in and giving them a try helps you to interact with other kids, without the pressure of forced conversation, creating fun moments and sharing laughter along the way.
3. Find like-minded people
Whether it’s music, sports, books, or video games, talking about what you like helps you find people who share your passions. Start by mentioning what you love, like “I’m really into netball” or “I love drawing in my free time.” When others see that you have common interests, chances are someone else enjoys the same things! Connecting over common interests makes friendships much easier to form and gives you something fun to talk about.
4. Reach out to camp leaders for support
If you’re feeling left out or unsure how to make friends, don’t hesitate to talk to a group leader. They can introduce you to others, suggest activities where you might feel more comfortable, or even guide you to start conversations with fellow campers. At PGL, we’ve supported many kids in the same situation before and always strive to create a welcoming environment for all. Remember, you’re not alone!
5. Be patient and kind to yourself
Friendships take time to grow, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t instantly click with others right away. Keep being friendly, open, and involved in camp activities. Sometimes, friendships form when you least expect them, like while waiting in line for lunch or during a quiet moment in your accommodation. Most importantly, be yourself, and the right friends will come.
How to maintain friendships after camp
Making friends at camp is only the beginning! Staying connected after the adventure is over is just as important, giving campers the chance to nurture and strengthen their newfound friendships. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for kids to keep in touch, including:
- Swap contact information: If your child is old enough to have a phone, be sure they swap phone numbers, social media handles, or email addresses with their new friends. This seems obvious, but in the excitement of the last day, it can be easily forgotten! For younger children, parents can exchange contact details (with permission) before saying goodbye. You might even discover that you live nearby!
- Become pen pals: In today’s world of instant messaging and social media, sometimes all you need is a pen and paper! Becoming pen pals is a fun and meaningful way to stay connected after camp. Kids can exchange handwritten letters, postcards, or even drawings. It’s a bit old-school, but that’s exactly what makes it so unique and memorable!
- Plan fun days out: Who says the fun has to stop once camp is over? Keep the good times going by planning days out with your new camp friends! Whether it’s a trip to a theme park, a bowling night, a shopping spree, or simply playing together at a local park, these shared experiences create new memories and deepen friendships.
- Reunite at your next camp: Finally, one of the best ways to reconnect with old friends is by returning to camp together! Going back to the place where your friendship first began not only strengthens those bonds but also creates opportunities to meet new people along the way. Plus, with all the exciting outdoor and indoor activities, every adventure camp shared becomes another chapter in your friendship tale!
Make friends at a PGL kids’ camp!
Whether you’re singing songs around the campfire or conquering new challenges together, cherish these moments and the friendships that blossom along the way.
Here at PGL, we encourage kids to make friends and learn essential life skills, all while experiencing the great outdoors! We offer a wide range of adventure camps, including Multi-activity Holidays and Specialist Adventures like Aqua Explorer, Bushcraft, Cooking and much more.
With over 9 UK centres, go ahead, dive in, and make friends at a kids’ camp near you! Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help or search and book their next adventure
