Making friends at camp starts with little moments—saying hi, sharing a game, writing a quick note, bringing a small thing to share. These camper, parent, and counselor-tested tips make breaking the ice easy (and fun!).
Making Friends
Introverts aren't antisocial—we just connect differently. Start with one or two close friends: say hello, ask about favorites (food, color, season), and keep trying. Failures lead to success.
Stay Connected
Bring a pen and small notebook to collect friends' contact info before you leave.
Bring Friends Along
If a bestie can't go, invite a sibling or another friend—give them a "day in the life" preview to get them excited.
Sending Packages
Pre-drop packages at the office with delivery dates. Include sharables—glow sticks, silly sunglasses, a small game—to spark cabin bonding (day two is perfect!).
Comforts of Home
Pack a few favorite snacks to share, a short stack of books, and an MP3 player. Shared comforts = easy conversation starters.
Bracelet Making Kits
Friendship-bracelet string + small box of colors = instant hangout and skill building during free time.
Sharing Eye Shadows
A colorful eye-shadow palette + Q-tips (for hygiene) makes you the go-to stylist on dress-up and color-war days.
Mad Libs
Rainy-day magic: a big book of MAD LIBS so the whole cabin can play together.
Friendships
Feeling homesick? Write a list of the new friends you've made—it's a quick mood lift.
Get Everybody In On The Fun
Bring cabin-wide goodies (glow sticks for glow night, etc.). Shared moments = fast friendships.
Making Friends
Be open, ask questions, find common interests, and invite new friends to sign up for activities together. Keep saying hi—soon you're just… friends.
Bottom line: friendship at camp grows from small, brave moves—sharing, asking, inviting. Bring something to bond over, be curious, and keep saying hello. The best part of camp is the people you meet.
