Navigating the teenage years and looking to make new friends? Maybe you’re a parent reading this to help your daughter, or you’re a teenager looking to expand your friend group. If you’ve struggled before, learning to make new friends isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about understanding and applying key habits that foster genuine relationships. Dive into these 11 tips and build a circle of friends who get you.
1) The Power of Positivity
Girls making friends in a canoe at Camp Kamaji
It’s no secret that positivity attracts people like a magnet. A positive attitude makes you more approachable and enjoyable and creates an inviting social atmosphere that attracts new friends.
Offering help to others boosts personal happiness and overall well-being, and acts of kindness can encourage a ripple effect of good deeds within your community.
Smile and Make Eye Contact
One way to radiate positivity is through non-verbal communication. Maintaining eye contact, for instance, is a silent way of saying, ‘I respect you, and you matter to me’. It makes you more approachable and likable, which is key when making friends. Remember, it’s all in the eyes, and smiling is contagious.
Be Encouraging and Supportive
Beyond your demeanor, being encouraging and supportive plays a significant role in fostering strong connections. Supportive friends boost each other’s self-esteem and confidence, provide reassurance, and motivate each other to cultivate admirable qualities.
2) Attend Summer Camp
I’ve sent my daughter to Kamaji for two years now. (As in, I’m posting about my own experience with the camp, not secondhand.) From the beginning of our experience with Kamaji staff we’ve been blown away by how their professionalism and how they relate with all of the different groups they work with. I was impressed with how much they go out of their way to ensure that campers know all of the ins and outs of camp (as much as possible, anyway) before they go to camp. There is an extraordinary amount of paperwork and prep as you get ready for camp to make sure that it will be smooth sailing once your daughter is there. Staff works hard to keep you updated during the sessions, providing photo and news updates, as well as counselor reports mid-session and at the end of camp. When you send your child on an adventure in the backwoods with 100+ of her new best friends for 4-8 weeks it’s only a matter of time before she’ll need *some* sort of medical attention; I mention this because the medical staff at Kamaji is absolutely stellar. They handle everything with skill and grace and keep you updated on details as need be. (My daughter had a mild case of pink eye this year and I was kept up to date throughout her treatment.) To speak to my daughter’s experiences, she could go on for hours talking about activities, friends, songs, meals, and traditions at camp. She’s a quiet but confident kid and Kamaji pulls her out of her shell a bit. We see her independence growing from Kamaji and we’re so thankful it exists.
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Camille Kite-Bussen
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Camille Kite-Bussen
I’ve sent my daughter to Kamaji for two years now. (As in, I’m posting about my own experience with the camp, not secondhand.) From the beginning of our experience with Kamaji staff we’ve been blown away by how their professionalism and how they relate with all of the different groups they work with. I was impressed with how much they go out of their way to ensure that campers know all of the ins and outs of camp (as much as possible, anyway) before they go to camp. There is an extraordinary amount of paperwork and prep as you get ready for camp to make sure that it will be smooth sailing once your daughter is there. Staff works hard to keep you updated during the sessions, providing photo and news updates, as well as counselor reports mid-session and at the end of camp. When you send your child on an adventure in the backwoods with 100+ of her new best friends for 4-8 weeks it’s only a matter of time before she’ll need *some* sort of medical attention; I mention this because the medical staff at Kamaji is absolutely stellar. They handle everything with skill and grace and keep you updated on details as need be. (My daughter had a mild case of pink eye this year and I was kept up to date throughout her treatment.) To speak to my daughter’s experiences, she could go on for hours talking about activities, friends, songs, meals, and traditions at camp. She’s a quiet but confident kid and Kamaji pulls her out of her shell a bit. We see her independence growing from Kamaji and we’re so thankful it exists.
I went here for three summers in the 90s and it was the most special. I really loved the independence from my parents and being around so so so many people. Great culture. Welcoming vibe. Super fun activities. 10/10
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britt appleton
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britt appleton
I went here for three summers in the 90s and it was the most special. I really loved the independence from my parents and being around so so so many people. Great culture. Welcoming vibe. Super fun activities. 10/10
Our younger daughter went here as a camper, then matriculated into a CIT, a full counselor, and head of the CIT's. Even served as a medical staff member when she was finishing nursing school. This was a life affirming summer home for her for more than 10 years. An amazing place.
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Eddis Goodale
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Eddis Goodale
Our younger daughter went here as a camper, then matriculated into a CIT, a full counselor, and head of the CIT's. Even served as a medical staff member when she was finishing nursing school. This was a life affirming summer home for her for more than 10 years. An amazing place.
Summer camp is the perfect place to make new friends and enjoy free training in various activities. Shared experiences, like living in cabins or learning new skills together, foster quick friendships and help form a strong group of friends, also known as a friend group.
Camps in the midwest, like Camp Kamaji Girls Summer Camp are perfect for summer camp destinations because there are plenty of outdoor activities since it’s not too hot during the day and cools down perfectly for campfires at night.
There are plenty of ways to stay in touch after the summer camp at Camp Kamaji, so you can meet again next year.
This place is magic. Our children visited camp this year and had an exceptional experience. Archery, fishing, sailing, tennis, and so much more. It was completely safe, organized, and fun. The staff were kind and helpful. I can't think of a better summer experience for a child!
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Amy Gearhart
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Amy Gearhart
This place is magic. Our children visited camp this year and had an exceptional experience. Archery, fishing, sailing, tennis, and so much more. It was completely safe, organized, and fun. The staff were kind and helpful. I can't think of a better summer experience for a child!
I spent 5 summers here as a kid and it forever changed my life in the absolute best way. I am still very close with my camp friends and look forward to sending my daughter here once she’s old enough!
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Holly Ebener
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Holly Ebener
I spent 5 summers here as a kid and it forever changed my life in the absolute best way. I am still very close with my camp friends and look forward to sending my daughter here once she’s old enough!
There is no more special place in the world to me than Camp Kamaji. I spent 5 summers there as a camper, two years as a staff, and I return at every opportunity I can. The friends I made when I was 11 are some of my closest friends 20+ years later. I know that I am who I am because of this camp, and I am so thankful for it. My own daughter will attend, no question. There is nothing more that I want for her than what you get from spending your summers at Camp Kamaji under the thoughtful care of its owners/directors, Kat and Jason.
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Kelly Appleton
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Kelly Appleton
There is no more special place in the world to me than Camp Kamaji. I spent 5 summers there as a camper, two years as a staff, and I return at every opportunity I can. The friends I made when I was 11 are some of my closest friends 20+ years later. I know that I am who I am because of this camp, and I am so thankful for it. My own daughter will attend, no question. There is nothing more that I want for her than what you get from spending your summers at Camp Kamaji under the thoughtful care of its owners/directors, Kat and Jason.
3) Discover Shared Interests
The best girls camp in the Midwest, Camp Kamaji, also has the best counselors!
Shared interests, or similar interests, form the backbone of any enduring friendship, including healthy friendships. Exploring each other’s hobbies and interests can lead to enjoyable activities that strengthen your bond as good friends.
Don’t shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone to discover new interests.
Join Clubs or Groups
Find something you love and you’ll find someone to do that thing with helping you make friends like these campers at Camp Kamaji
One great way to find shared interests is to join an established group or clubs that align with your passions, such as a book club. These provide structured opportunities for group members to participate in activities together, allowing friendships to form naturally over shared experiences.
Attend Social Events
Social events, an essential aspect of one’s social life, are an effective platform to discover shared interests and meet new people, as well as connect with an existing group. These gatherings offer a premise for future meetups and a chance to deepen your connections based on shared enthusiasm.
4) Develop Your Listening Skills
Listening is an art that forms the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship. To be a good friend, you need to listen closely, actively, and attentively, showcasing genuine concern and making the other person feel valued.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
One way to improve your listening skills is by asking open-ended questions. These questions are designed to elicit longer, more detailed responses, encouraging deeper thinking and engagement and preventing awkward silence.
A closed question is a yes or no answer like “So, you like dancing? / Yes” but an open-ended version of this question could be “What kind of dance do you enjoy the most?” or “What’s the last song your danced to?” or “Wher
Open-ended questions might include interests, recent trips, hobbies, school, and family.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is a dynamic process that fosters a deeper understanding of the speaker’s feelings and perspectives, building trust and facilitating positive communication change.
Cultivate Empathy
Empathy is connecting with others’ thoughts and feelings, deepening relationships, and making you more attractive to potential friends.
Empathy guides decision-making in social situations, ensuring your actions consider others’ feelings.
Show Genuine Concern for Others
Showing genuine concern for others is a powerful way to demonstrate empathy. Active listening and showing undivided attention during conversations is a sign of respect and can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships. Invite people into your social circle since making friends is about including new people just as much as staying connected with your existing group of friends.
Validate Their Feelings
Validating others’ feelings builds trust and rapport in a friendship. It’s about recognizing and understanding their emotional experience, which doesn’t necessarily condone their actions but acknowledges the legitimacy of their emotions.
Be Authentic and Genuine
Being authentic in friendships allows individuals to feel safe and accepted for who they are, without fear of judgment or the need to compromise their own well-being.
Share Your Vulnerabilities
Sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and struggles can create a closer connection and build trust. Being transparent with friends can lead to stronger, more honest relationships.
Stay True to Your Values
Staying true to one’s values is essential in establishing and maintaining trustworthy friendships. Surrounding yourself with individuals who respect and share similar values can reinforce your commitment to those values and foster supportive, meaningful relationships.
Practice Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential in forming and nurturing friendships. It ensures that personal thoughts, feelings, and expectations are expressed clearly, reducing misunderstandings and fostering mutual understanding.
Be Clear and Concise
Clear and concise communication helps ensure that your message is easily understood. Preparing and organizing your thoughts before a conversation can lead to a clearer and more focused exchange.
Use Appropriate Body Language
As much as words matter, so does body language. It significantly influences communication, conveying emotions and intentions.
Offer Help and Support
Offering help and support to friends contributes to building relationships and mitigates feelings of isolation, fostering a shared sense of community and belonging among other members.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering your time to help out friends is a powerful way to show that you care. Whether it’s helping with homework or participating in a community clean-up, every act of kindness goes a long way in strengthening friendships.
Lend a Listening Ear
Sometimes, what a friend needs most is a listening ear. If you’re unsure where to start, listen, then ask follow-up questions like “Tell me more about that” or “How did that make you feel?” Being emotionally supportive during both good times and challenging times strengthens friendships.
Listening is just as important as speaking when making new friends
Maintain Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries in friendships protect personal identity and space, preventing others from taking advantage or limiting personal freedoms. Setting boundaries with friends involves clear guidelines for acceptable behaviors, expectations, and personal limits.
Know Your Limits
Knowing and communicating your personal limits in your personal life is crucial to prevent resentment and distress that could arise if friends cross those boundaries.
Respect Others’ Boundaries
Respecting friends’ boundaries is as important as setting your own. Understanding when boundaries are needed can come from recognizing scenarios where friends may unintentionally overstep.
Nurture Existing Friendships
Last but not least, it’s crucial to nurture your existing friendships. Acknowledging the role of existing friends in your life provides a basis for deeper connections, which can lead to an expanded social circle, ultimately resulting in many friends.
Show Appreciation
Show your friends how much you appreciate them. Expressing gratitude and recognizing friends for their unique traits and actions contribute to the flourishing of friendships.
Strengthen Bonds
Strengthening bonds with your friends comes from spending time:
Investing time regularly in them
Being present during key life events
Trying new experiences together
Engaging in conversations on how to enrich the relationship further
Girls learning to make new friends at Camp Kamaji, MN
To Sum it up: How girls can make new friends
Making new friends is a journey that requires positivity, shared interests, strong listening skills, empathy, authenticity, effective communication, offering help and support, maintaining healthy boundaries, and nurturing existing friendships.
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What is the best way to attract friends?
The best way to attract friends is by showing genuine interest in them, being a good listener, and staying connected. You can attract more friends and build lasting connections by taking the initiative, being friendly, and staying open to new experiences.
Why can’t I attract friends?
Girls can often default to being interpreted as cynical or mean, and that might turn others away. Make sure to work on yourself and prioritize your own emotional well-being, which can attract others. Also, shyness, social anxiety, and expecting too much from new acquaintances can make it hard to find friends. Ask someone you trust for their perspective to understand why you may be struggling.
How do I get into a friend group?
To get into a friend group, try having one-on-one conversations with group members to get to know them personally, and suggest activities for the group, like going to a movie or a restaurant, based on your individual friends’ interests. Saying yes to invitations can also help.
How can I nurture my existing friendships?
To nurture your existing friendships, acknowledge your friends’ role in your life, celebrate their accomplishments, spend quality time together, and show appreciation for their presence. This will strengthen your bonds and create a supportive network.
How can I meet new friends this summer?
At Camp Kamaji, making friends (and including new campers) is second nature to who we are. You’ll join a tribe of friends and you’ll be in that tribe for life, even as you return back to Kamaji year after year. It’s no surprise that we’re one of the best all-girls camps in the Midwest, where both campers and their families love seeing the growth in courage (Learn about how Kamaji celebrates courage) and independence that a summer at Camp Kamaji brings.
I’ve sent my daughter to Kamaji for two years now. (As in, I’m posting about my own experience with the camp, not secondhand.) From the beginning of our experience with Kamaji staff we’ve been blown away by how their professionalism and how they relate with all of the different groups they work with. I was impressed with how much they go out of their way to ensure that campers know all of the ins and outs of camp (as much as possible, anyway) before they go to camp. There is an extraordinary amount of paperwork and prep as you get ready for camp to make sure that it will be smooth sailing once your daughter is there. Staff works hard to keep you updated during the sessions, providing photo and news updates, as well as counselor reports mid-session and at the end of camp. When you send your child on an adventure in the backwoods with 100+ of her new best friends for 4-8 weeks it’s only a matter of time before she’ll need *some* sort of medical attention; I mention this because the medical staff at Kamaji is absolutely stellar. They handle everything with skill and grace and keep you updated on details as need be. (My daughter had a mild case of pink eye this year and I was kept up to date throughout her treatment.) To speak to my daughter’s experiences, she could go on for hours talking about activities, friends, songs, meals, and traditions at camp. She’s a quiet but confident kid and Kamaji pulls her out of her shell a bit. We see her independence growing from Kamaji and we’re so thankful it exists.
read moreread less
Camille Kite-Bussen
×
Camille Kite-Bussen
I’ve sent my daughter to Kamaji for two years now. (As in, I’m posting about my own experience with the camp, not secondhand.) From the beginning of our experience with Kamaji staff we’ve been blown away by how their professionalism and how they relate with all of the different groups they work with. I was impressed with how much they go out of their way to ensure that campers know all of the ins and outs of camp (as much as possible, anyway) before they go to camp. There is an extraordinary amount of paperwork and prep as you get ready for camp to make sure that it will be smooth sailing once your daughter is there. Staff works hard to keep you updated during the sessions, providing photo and news updates, as well as counselor reports mid-session and at the end of camp. When you send your child on an adventure in the backwoods with 100+ of her new best friends for 4-8 weeks it’s only a matter of time before she’ll need *some* sort of medical attention; I mention this because the medical staff at Kamaji is absolutely stellar. They handle everything with skill and grace and keep you updated on details as need be. (My daughter had a mild case of pink eye this year and I was kept up to date throughout her treatment.) To speak to my daughter’s experiences, she could go on for hours talking about activities, friends, songs, meals, and traditions at camp. She’s a quiet but confident kid and Kamaji pulls her out of her shell a bit. We see her independence growing from Kamaji and we’re so thankful it exists.
I have always been impressed with the level of intentionality and care that Kamaji shows their campers!
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Travis Allison
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Travis Allison
I have always been impressed with the level of intentionality and care that Kamaji shows their campers!
I took my family for a long weekend to Kamaji as a part of a direct experience with the camp 'life' and Kamaji's programming to determine if my daughter would be a good candidate to attend camp there for 4 or 8 weeks next Summer. From the moment we arrived, our family was welcomed into 'camp life'. I saw my daughter transform with increased confidence and independence in a few short days. Jason (owner/operator) showed her a speed boat experience, all while conducting the boat and its operations with the utmost professionalism in water craft knowledge and safety in mind. There is literally NO ONE I would have trusted with my young daughter on a lake in the middle of the woods until I saw Jason in action without me being there. It is really hard these days to find people whom will treat your kids like their own, and seeing both Kat and Jason 'in action' doing what they do best (which is running Kamaji and keeping its long-standing traditions alive and well) absolutely changed my entire perspective on what summer camp can bring to my daughter's life. We cannot wait to send her one day soon.
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Meghan Hannes
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Meghan Hannes
I took my family for a long weekend to Kamaji as a part of a direct experience with the camp 'life' and Kamaji's programming to determine if my daughter would be a good candidate to attend camp there for 4 or 8 weeks next Summer. From the moment we arrived, our family was welcomed into 'camp life'. I saw my daughter transform with increased confidence and independence in a few short days. Jason (owner/operator) showed her a speed boat experience, all while conducting the boat and its operations with the utmost professionalism in water craft knowledge and safety in mind. There is literally NO ONE I would have trusted with my young daughter on a lake in the middle of the woods until I saw Jason in action without me being there. It is really hard these days to find people whom will treat your kids like their own, and seeing both Kat and Jason 'in action' doing what they do best (which is running Kamaji and keeping its long-standing traditions alive and well) absolutely changed my entire perspective on what summer camp can bring to my daughter's life. We cannot wait to send her one day soon.
