Making Summer Friendships Last

Summertime isn’t just about getting dirty, staying up all
night, playing in the rain, and going off to camp--It’s
about meeting new people. Follow these tips to turn your
vacation acquaintances into lifelong friends.

1. Summer Memory Book
Make the summer last forever by preserving memories in a
special book. Fill the plastic sleeves of a photo album
with photos, ticket stubs, sections of road maps from
summer trips, and other mementos. When you’re finished,
exchange memory books with your closest summer buddy.

2. Picture Postcards
Keep in touch with vacation friends by sending picture
postcards. Scan summer photos and print them on cardstock
paper, 4 per page. Use scissors to cut individual cards. On
the blank side, include your friend’s address, your return
address, and a postage stamp. Don’t forget to write a cool
message!

3. Pen Pal Club
Start your own pen pal club! Swap addresses with your new
friends and make a commitment to keep in touch. Be creative—
don’t limit yourself to writing letters. Send an
inexpensive gag gift every so often, or an audiotape
letter. Send lists of your favorite things. For instance,
one month send your pen pals a list of your 20 favorite
movies, and then compare your lists.

No matter how you decide to keep in touch, don’t let summer
friendships end when summer ends.