Want to make new friends? Not too sure how to? Well, your fellow Poacher participants have a few tips. This may seem obvious, but just going up to people and saying hi often works. Olly from 3rd Harpenden Scouts, Circus Fest, put it simply, “just go up and start a conversation”. He was kind enough to give a live demonstration and now has another acquaintance at Poacher. But what to say after that? Ask, where are you from? Which subcamp are you a member of? What has been your favourite activity so far?
If you aren’t confident enough, don't worry. Start with a fist bump or a game of rock, paper, scissors. Another option would be to decorate pegs and try to peg people (clip a peg to someone). Then, if they catch you - you can laugh about it. If not, they will have a pleasant surprise later.
Pegs aren't the only object to get friendships started. Rochelle and Anna, members of 1st Aviemore Scouts on Circus Fest, carry a Scottish flag and “get people to sign it”. They now have an impressive number of signatures, several new acquaintances, and friends. During their interview, they started making new friends by speaking to people in the queue. So, while waiting for an activity, don’t waste your opportunity to chat with new people and socialise.
A Poacher specific way of making friends would be completing certain tasks for the Poacher Challenge. Ask people for their birthday or if they are from another subcamp and want to have tea with you.
One word. Swaps. They are the perfect way to start a conversation and interact with people from different areas. You also get a new badge or small item to add to your swaps collection. We even saw some people trading cereal. But remember, be yourself, be kind, and do what you're comfortable with!
