Camp Friendships: Some are fleeting, some last forever

Camp friendships can be long-lasting but like any other friendship, they take work.

QUESTION

Hi Irene!

I was at camp and made a best friend over the course of a month. We bonded right from the first time we met and now we’re best friends. But now I’m back home and we are thousands of miles apart.

I don’t know when the next time will be that I will see her. I miss her so much and I am starting to worry if our friendship will last. What do you think? Is there anything I can do to keep the friendship going? I really don’t want to lose her.

Thanks, Hannah

ANSWER

Dear Hannah,

Camps are great places to make new friends. At camp, you are living with other campers so there is a large pool of people from among which you can find some kindred spirits, either because you are sharing a hobby/activity or sharing a cabin. You have the time and opportunity to see each other on a daily basis, and often experience many “firsts together,” whether it’s the first time being away from home on your own, the first time singing around a campfire, or the first time you kiss a guy.

Many camp friendships turn out to be long-lasting relationships but others fizzle out for a number of reasons: People may grow and change after they leave camp; people get immersed in their own lives and friendships at home; or people fail to nurture their camp friendships.

If you have been lucky enough to make a good friend at camp this summer, try to stay in contact with that person over the year. You can write, email or talk to each other by phone so you remain current in each other’s lives. In some cases, you may be able to make plans to meet somewhere in-between and or to spend an extended visit at one of your homes during the holidays. If you’re lucky, you may be able to pick up your friendship again at camp next summer.

However, since you do live so far away from each other, you won’t be able to rely on your friend for the same day-to-day companionship you had at camp. Make sure that you use the friendship-making skills you acquired at camp to develop new friendships closer to home and school as well.

My best, Irene

Tags: camp, camp friendships, keeping friends, maintaining friendship, making friends

Category: KEEPING FRIENDS