Creating Friendships for Kids

[lbffl]

We have been tent camping for a few years now and generally go to the same cg each time. My oldest daughter, 6 in July, is excited about the new hybrid and can't wait to go camping to show her friends. However, she wants to continue going to the same cg because her "friends" are there.

We gently tell her that she can make new friends at other locations, but that isn't working on a 6 year old drama queen. I, without thinking, suggested that she bring a scrapbook/stickers/etc. that she could give to her new friends she will meet so they can remember her. That worked until she realized that they may not be prepared to reciprocate, so now we are back to the extreme drama.

Any thoughts on making new friends for a 6 year old?

[CanadianMom]

We have been camping with a group of people we met on PUT about 4 years ago.  Basically someone posts they will be at a certain park on a certain date and a bunch of others may book to be there as well.  Some of our gatherings can bring upwards of 80 people and some only 12.  Everyone is interested in a camping family atmospher and it sort of feels like going to a private park; the people are always familar, just the surroudings differ.

Planning to go on these group get-togethers is great for young kids (and their parents).  There are always "friends" to play with, my children truly enjoy and look forward to meeting up with their camping friends.  tbh, I have been able to create some great friendships myself that have evolved into more then just meeting up at a camp ground once or twice a season.

Last season I was a single parent camping with three younins for the first time and if it wasn't for my camping group, I don't think I would have survived. I highly recommend looking into your nearest camping group and giving it a try.  If you're ever up in Southern Ontario, Canada, give the Magical Flying Camper Club a try.

[Kelly]

Last season I was a single parent camping with three younins for the first time and if it wasn't for my camping group, I don't think I would have survived. I highly recommend looking into your nearest camping group and giving it a try.  If you're ever up in Southern Ontario, Canada, give the Magical Flying Camper Club a try.

I could have written this, Tammy ~ 'cept it was four youngins and a camping club in MN!!  

I agree, though ... finding a group to camp with made it a lot easier for my kids cuz they knew ahead of time who they were going to be camping with.

They also tended to do just fine making their own 'friends' at the playground and by the pool, etc.  Especially if I got out of the way!

[chasd60]

My daughter makes friends very easily. We now let her bring a friend each time we go camping. Sometimes it is the same person and sometimes it is not. It is good for the other kids to get the opportunity to go as well.

Last year we even brought her friend with us on a trip to Disney in April.

[GeneF]

"They also tended to do just fine making their own 'friends' at the playground and by the pool, etc. Especially if I got out of the way!"

Good advice Kelly

Dd never had any problems finding friends at a cg playground.  It generally wasn't too long before she would be bringing someone over to our campsite.

Kids have a way of meeting new friends rather quickly if they are left on their own.

True, a shy child may have more of a problem doing this but most will succeed in making new friends.  But then, one thing I can't accuse my dd of is being shy.

[4campinfoxes]

We sometimes camp with friends but usually my 2 girls make plenty of new "friends" at each playground they go to.  I would try to focus her attention on other things in the hopes she'd forget about her major concern.


Sharon

[Dee4j]

OMG--are you sure you don't have my daughter??? my 5 yr old went thru the same thing..but worse as we started remodeling the house she wanted to save old appliances, tile etc..and when we bought the Hybrid and said I was selling the PU..you'd thought I cut her heart out. Try signing up for a rally or camping with some friends. If she asks (never offer any info   )say it's a really neat place that has ...a playground, pool , horses whatever it is that she really likes. If shes asks about friends say you're going to a place with lots of kids to play with etc.  Everytime you camped it was always with the same friends??? if not use that to your advantage and reassure her that new friends are fun too

Good Luck
a mother of a Drama queen too  

[cyclone]

I think I just figured out one solution for your problem, Chad.  Also, perhaps the start of a new camping group.  4campingfoxes have 2 girls, one close in age to your drama queen.  It's time for a Iowa PUT camp-out!  (ps...plan it when I'm on vacation and I may just join you).

[Kelly]

I think I just figured out one solution for your problem, Chad.  Also, perhaps the start of a new camping group.  4campingfoxes have 2 girls, one close in age to your drama queen.  It's time for a Iowa PUT camp-out!  (ps...plan it when I'm on vacation and I may just join you).

Why limit to Iowa, Jan??  (GREAT idea, btw!)  I'd drive south and bring my Drama Queen and her 2 sisters!  

[4campinfoxes]

You know, I hadn't even looked at the location for Chad - Des Moines!  Am I unobservant or what!!!???  

We camp at Saylorville quite a bit and my girls always find new friends.  

I'm always up for meeting people from the board.  Somewhere here in Iowa works, or even Minnesota - we usually get up there at least once a year anyway!

Bring it on!

Sharon

[Kelly]

Hey Sharon ~  How does Forestville/Mystery Cave in October sound?  You could join our end-of-the-season campout!

Otherwise I'm sure we could find some place else to try out.  I've camped outside Des Moines once ~ Timberline Campground maybe?

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