Parent Tips: Building Community Starts at Home

Tips from Camp Director, Caitlin Thorington

At Camp Winnataska, we believe loving your neighbor starts with everyday moments - like learning someone’s name or sitting beside a new friend. These small acts of courage are how kids grow in faith and friendship.

1. Talk about “friendship bravery.”

Let your camper know it’s normal to feel nervous about meeting new people—but those nerves are actually a sign of growth. Help them come up with three “get to know you” questions they can ask someone new.

2. De-emphasize matching outfits.

Instead of coordinating clothes with friends, invite your camper to express their unique personality. Maybe they pick a favorite camp T-shirt or bandana—something that says “this is me” without creating cliques.

3. Reframe buddy requests.

Talk to your camper about how having a buddy is great, but it’s just the beginning. Emphasize how amazing it can feel to make a new friend all on your own—and how you believe they can do that.

4. Practice names at home.

Before camp, role-play introducing themselves and remembering others' names. It’s a small skill with a big impact on social confidence.

5. Embrace the discomfort (your own too).

It’s hard watching your child step into unfamiliar territory. But that stretch—the learning to belong with others who are different—is exactly what camp is for. Your confidence in them helps them rise to the challenge.

6. Trust the process.

Camp has been helping kids grow in friendship and confidence for over a century. It’s not always easy to step into a new group, but with the right support, kids rise to the challenge. We see time and again how meaningful connections form when campers are given space to stretch and belong.

7. Use encouragement, not rescue language.

Instead of “if you don’t like it, we’ll come get you,” try, “If it’s hard at first, that’s okay. You’re brave and we know you’ll find your people.”

8. Remind them: Everyone is new to someone.

Even returning campers meet new hut mates every year. That means everyone’s a little unsure—and that’s a good starting point for friendship.

Helping your camper grow into real community is part of what makes Christian camping at Winnataska so powerful. When they learn to love their neighbor, they’re also learning to live out their faith.