June 30, 2026
5 Ways To Stay Social This Summer
Whether you are in middle school or college, summer brings more unstructured time, which sometimes means less opportunities for social interaction. Here are five ways you can stay social this summer.
1. Join a Class or a Camp
Whether it’s a day camp, sleepaway camp or a class at a local community college, having a structured opportunity to meet new people can help with maintaining social gains as well as fostering new friendships. Shared activities and experiences can make it easier to start conversations and make connections.
2. Immerse Yourself In Your Community
There are many ways to get involved with your community this summer. Joining a sports league, attending a concert at a community center, or volunteering at an animal shelter are awesome ways to attend fun events and meet people with similar interests.
3. Talk To Someone New
When you are ordering a latte at your local coffee shop or walking your dog in the park, take advantage of the opportunity to speak to someone new. Making small talk, asking a question, or offering to help someone, are ways to start conversations with people that you wouldn’t normally interact with. This is a great way to practice being social in a low pressure environment.
4. Schedule Hangouts With Friends
With so many different family and vacation plans, it can be hard to find a time to connect with friends that you see so effortlessly during the school year. Whether it’s going for a walk, meeting up for ice cream, or having a friend over, be intentional about making plans with your friends and keeping your connections strong throughout the summer.
5. Stay Connected Virtually
Sometimes in person hangouts aren’t possible during the summer. However, you can still stay connected socially by communicating via text, call, FaceTime, or other platform. Sending a quick message, a meme, a photo, or simply asking “How’s your summer going” can go a long way in maintaining friendships over time and distance.
Choosing one or all of these ways to stay social this summer can help you stay connected, while still enjoying some of the fun that summer has to offer. Remember social skills grow with practice, and even small interactions can lead to meaningful connections.
Social Learning & Executive Function Coach, Frankenberger Associates
