There’s a lot that goes into childhood, and for anyone it’s next to impossible to single out any one part of it that could be said was the defining feature. But a strong contender might be summer camp, in particular the friendships made there. There’s just something magical about them. Between the late-night campfires, inside jokes, cabin pranks, and shared adventures, the bonds formed at summer camp often feel stronger than those made anywhere else. That’s why saying goodbye to a summer camp friend can be so hard: you’re not just leaving a place, you’re parting from people who feel like family.
Once the school year begins and life fills up with homework, sports, and other activities, it can be easy to drift apart. But staying connected with camp friends helps keep that warm, joyful camp spirit alive all year long. And with a little creativity and a touch of effort, it’s easier than ever to stay close until you’re all back together under the same summer sky.
1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
One of the simplest ways to keep in touch with a summer camp friend is to plan regular catchups. Set up a monthly video call to share updates, swap stories, or even sing a few camp songs together. You could even add in some related fun by hosting a “virtual campfire night,” in which you and your friend grab your favorite snack, join a video call, and have a nice chat. The key is consistency. Checking in regularly helps keep your friendship fresh and reminds you both how much those summer memories mean.
2. Write Letters or Send Care Packages
In a social scene dominated by texts and DMs, getting a handwritten letter in the mail can feel extra special. Send your summer camp friend letters with drawings, photos, or even a friendship bracelet or two tucked inside. It’s a personal way to show you’re thinking of them and helps recreate that simple, heartfelt feeling of overnight summer camp life. And by the time summer rolls around again, you’ll have a stack of memories to look back on.
3. Plan a Mini Reunion or Camp-Themed Get-Together
In the end, of course, nothing can really beat seeing your summer camp friend live and in-person. To this end, try organizing a mini reunion during a long weekend, school break, or holiday. If travel to some fun locale isn’t possible, plan something local, maybe a picnic at a park, a day of hiking, or a campfire-themed night with s’mores and stories.
You can even make it feel like overnight summer camp by wearing your Camp Tall Timbers shirts, singing camp songs, or playing a few of your favorite games. In-person reunions are the perfect reminder that even though the school year keeps you apart, a camp friendship can truly last all year long.
4. Keep the Camp Spirit Alive at Home
If you’ve done all of the above, and you’re still yearning for that connection to your time and your friendships at summer camp, you can find ways to bring a little summer camp magic into your daily life. Do your favorite camp crafts, go for a nature walk, or teach your family a campfire song. You could even start a “camp tradition” at home, like a Friday night s’mores bar or a backyard stargazing session. All of these activities keep you connected to camp and help the countdown to next summer feel a little shorter.
It’s Not Goodbye …
Summer camp can be one of the defining features of childhood, the bonds formed there often feeling stronger than those made anywhere else at any other time of youth. But the friendships you build at summer camp don’t have to end when summer does. By making small efforts throughout the school year, you can keep those connections strong, stay in touch with your camp family, and keep that camp spirit alive no matter where you are.
And before you know it, the next summer will be here and you’ll pick up right where you left off, laughing around the campfire with all the friends who made Camp Tall Timbers feel like home. And for those truly motivated to make sure a return to Camp Tall Timbers is in the works, you’ll be excited to know that registration for summer 2026 is open now, with discounts still available for a short time. So what are you waiting for? Keep the friendships and the adventures going by reserving your spot today!