Is your child preparing for an unforgettable adventure? One of the most rewarding elements of camp 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 show you four tried-and-tested tips on how to make friends at camp and create memories that last a lifetime.
Why is making friends important?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why making friends is so important. Friends offer companionship, understanding, and a sense of belonging, especially in unfamiliar settings like outdoor adventure camps. Building relationships not only enhances social skills, empathy, and communication but also improves self-confidence. Plus, who doesn’t love sharing laughs, stories and marshmallows with friends by your side?
How to make friends at camp
Here are a few tips to share with your child on how to make new friends at our outdoor 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 to not be afraid 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 and shows that you are very brave. You could ask questions about their favourite activity, their favourite toy, or if they have any pets at home. Starting conversations sparks connections!
3. 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.
4. 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.
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, Aqua Explorer, Bushcraft, Cooking and much more.
So 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.
