How to Maintain Your Friendships Over the Summer

 

How to Maintain Your Friendship Over the Summer 

Summer is the time of relaxing, sunshine, and warm weather. It is a big break from school and work, which for some means endless free time for fun, but for others can be a scary thing. A big summer break can prevent some from seeing their friends and peers for long periods of time. Although everyone has their own activities planned for the summer, making time for your friends, peers, and buddies is very important to ensure that everyone continues to feel included through summer break! 

Ways to Stay in Touch:

Social media, the internet, and zoom provide a way for us to be as connected as ever! Utilizing these platforms can help maintain your friendship virtually over the summer if you and your buddy cannot be together physically. 

Things to Keep in Mind: 

1. Remember internet etiquette! 
2. Remember to always be respectful and kind! 
3. Be considerate of other people's busy schedules! 
4. Be mindful of time zone differences if your friends are traveling over the summer! 

Communicating daily, weekly, or monthly over FaceTime, Text, Zoom, etc is a great way to put a big smile on your buddy's face and stay in touch with them. Just chatting and catching up can be enough for some friendships to stay in touch, but if you prefer more engaging activities there are plenty of options for virtual fun! 

Virtual Activity Ideas: 

1. Watch movies together via Netflix & DisneyPlus Watch Parties! 
2. Host an online Game Night 
3. Play a picture scavenger hunt (each person takes pictures of items on a list and shares them with their friends) 
4. Attend a virtual Zumba class 

Although virtual activities can be a lot of fun, maintaining an in-person friendship over the summer can be very valuable. If you are able, scheduling time to hang out with your buddy and peer buddy every now and then can greatly strengthen your friendship. Reaching out and scheduling time to hang out, chat, and do fun activities as a buddy pair are great ways to stay in touch face to face over the summer. 

Finally, remember to include ALL of your friends, buddies, and peers throughout the summer. If one buddy's peer is out of town, step in and hang out with them. If you have any contacts of buddies in your phone, check in on them every once in a while. If you know any ambassadors, reach out to them and see if they want to chat. Remember, Best Buddies is all about change and inclusion, and that starts with YOU this summer!