Five Ways to Make Friends at Camp

Summer camp is one of the best places for children to develop meaningful friendships, gain independence, and build social confidence. As the director of Camp Walt Whitman for twenty years, I’ve seen firsthand how campers arrive with nervous excitement and leave with friendships that last a lifetime. For many parents, the biggest concern when sending their child to camp for the first time is: Will they make friends?

The good news is that summer camps are designed to foster friendships in a way that school or other extracurriculars often don’t. If your child is heading to camp this summer, here are five proven ways they can build strong friendships at camp.

1. Join Group Activities with an Open Mind

Camps create countless opportunities for kids to bond over shared experiences. At Camp Walt Whitman, we intentionally design our daily schedule to include group challenges, sports, and team-building exercises that encourage collaboration. From ropes courses to athletic competitions, participating in these activities naturally brings campers together.

Tip for Parents: Encourage your child to approach new activities with a willingness to try rather than focusing on excelling. A positive attitude makes it easier to connect with others. When kids allow themselves to have fun, regardless of their skill level, they can quickly form deep connections. Research has shown that shared experiences help create stronger social bonds (Psychology Today).

2. Be a Good Cabin Mate

For many campers who are used to having their own bedroom at home, sharing a cabin with ten other kids is a new and unique experience. However, friendships at camp often start in the cabin. Learning to share space, respect different personalities, and positively contribute to the group dynamic is key to making connections. Some of the best bonding moments happen in the cabin—whether it’s during rest hour, playing board games on a rainy day, or chatting at night before lights out. At Camp Walt Whitman, counselors guide campers in developing strong bunk relationships by reinforcing the importance of kindness and respect.

Tip for Parents: Talk to your child about being a good roommate—listening, sharing, and being considerate of others’ feelings. These small habits help friendships flourish.

3. Put Away the Screens and Engage

Unlike school or home, camp offers a rare opportunity to unplug from digital distractions. For many children today, screens have become a crutch in new social situations—when they feel uncomfortable, they instinctively reach for their phone. As a result, they miss opportunities to engage with others and develop social confidence. At Camp Walt Whitman, we are proudly screen-free, meaning campers are fully present, engaging with peers rather than retreating into devices. This is a learned skill that improves with practice.

Tip for Parents: Help your child practice face-to-face conversations before camp by encouraging them to ask open-ended questions or play games that promote social interaction. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the benefits of screen-free environments for social development.

4. Embrace Shared Mealtimes

There’s something about eating together that builds community. At our camp, we prioritize family-style dining, where campers sit with peers their age and engage in conversation throughout the meal. This tradition strengthens social bonds and gives campers a natural space to connect.

Tip for Parents: Before camp, encourage family meals at home without screens or interruptions. Practicing casual conversation over meals will help your child feel more comfortable doing so at camp.

5. Lean on Camp Counselors for Support

One of the most valuable aspects of summer camp is the guidance campers receive from well-trained counselors. At Camp Walt Whitman, our staff are experts at helping campers navigate social situations, ensuring every child feels included and supported. Whether a camper needs a conversation starter, a confidence boost, or help breaking into a group, counselors are always there to facilitate friendships.

Tip for Parents: Let your child know that if they ever feel uncertain, they should seek guidance from their counselors. A trusted mentor can make all the difference in helping them feel comfortable and connected.

Final Thoughts

Making friends at camp is one of the most rewarding experiences a child can have. With the right mindset, supportive staff, and a welcoming environment, even the most hesitant campers can thrive socially. At Camp Walt Whitman, we see it happen every summer—campers arrive unsure and leave with friendships that last a lifetime.

If you’re preparing your child for their first camp experience and want to learn more about fostering friendships, explore resources from the American Camp Association (ACA) for expert insights into social development at camp.

Do you have questions about helping your child adjust to camp life? Contact us—we’re happy to help!