20/01/2026
How Children Make Friends at Barracudas
If you’re thinking about sending your child to a holiday camp, chances are friendship is high on your list of hopes (and worries).
Will they feel confident enough to join in?
Will they find someone they connect with?
What if they feel a bit lost in a new environment?
These thoughts are completely normal. As parents, we want our children to feel happy, included and comfortable, especially when they’re stepping into something new. At Barracudas, helping children build friendships is a huge part of what makes the experience so special.
Here’s how it happens and why it often has such a positive impact.
A Fresh Start That Feels Exciting, Not Intimidating
One of the lovely things about Barracudas is that children arrive without the usual school labels or friendship dynamics. There’s no “who sits with who” or pressure to stick with the same group they always do.
Instead, everyone starts on a level playing field.
This fresh start helps children:
- Feel more open to meeting new people
- Try activities they might not usually choose
- Connect naturally through shared fun
For children who are quieter, new to a school, or just need a confidence boost, this can make a big difference.
Shared Fun Is the Best Icebreaker
At Barracudas, friendships don’t come from awkward introductions, they grow through doing.
Whether it’s racing through an obstacle course, teaming up in a game, creating something brilliant in arts and crafts, or laughing together during a group challenge, children bond quickly when they’re enjoying themselves.
These shared experiences:
- Break down social barriers
- Create natural conversation and laughter
- Help children feel part of a team
Often, parents are amazed at how quickly their child starts talking about “my new friend from camp”.
Why Baseroom Time Is So Important
One of the key ways Barracudas helps friendships grow is through Baseroom time.
Baseroom is where children meet with their group at the start and end of the day. It’s a calm, familiar space that helps children feel settled and secure, especially if it’s their first time at camp.
During Baseroom time, children:
- Get to know the other children in their group
- Take part in relaxed, age-appropriate activities
- Chat, play games, draw, read or unwind together
- Reflect on the day and share favourite moments
This “chilled out” time is incredibly valuable. It allows friendships to form naturally, without pressure, and gives children the chance to build trust and familiarity with both their peers and the staff supporting them.
For many children, Baseroom becomes their safe base; a place where they feel comfortable, included and confident to be themselves.
Supportive Staff Who Know How to Help Friendships Bloom
Barracudas staff are trained not just to run activities, but to really understand children.
They’re great at:
- Spotting children who might be feeling unsure
- Gently encouraging group play and inclusion
- Pairing children with similar interests
- Creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere
This thoughtful support reassures parents and helps children feel supported without ever feeling pushed.
Extra Care and Reassurance for Our Early Years Children
For younger children, starting camp can feel like a big step and Barracudas understands that completely.
That’s why the Early Years group receives additional, age-appropriate care and support throughout the day.
This includes:
- Smaller group sizes
- Staff experienced in early childhood care
- Familiar routines and clear structure
- Plenty of reassurance, encouragement and praise
- Activities designed specifically for younger children
Early Years children benefit greatly from gentle social interaction, with plenty of time to settle in, observe, and join in at their own pace. This nurturing environment helps them feel safe, secure and confident, which is the foundation for making their first camp friendships.
For parents, this extra level of care offers real peace of mind.
A Place Where Children Can Just Be Themselves
Without the structure and pressure of the school day, children often relax and open up more at camp.
At Barracudas, children are free to:
- Be energetic, creative, curious or calm
- Express their personalities
- Build confidence in a supportive setting
When children feel accepted for who they are, friendships tend to form more naturally and feel more genuine.
Learning Friendship Skills That Last
Holiday camps aren’t just about making friends for the week, they help children practise important social skills they’ll use everywhere.
Through everyday camp life, children learn how to:
- Communicate and cooperate
- Take turns and compromise
- Handle small disagreements
- Include others and feel included
These are skills that support children long after the holidays are over.
Confidence That Comes Home With Them
One of the most rewarding things parents notice after a Barracudas camp is a quiet but powerful change: Their child believes they can make friends.
That confidence often shows up in:
- Greater independence
- More willingness to try new things
- A happier approach to social situations
It’s not just a great holiday, it’s a boost to your child’s emotional wellbeing.
More Than a Holiday Camp
At Barracudas, children don’t just fill their school holidays, they build friendships, confidence and happy memories that really matter.
For parents, there’s nothing better than seeing your child come home smiling, relaxed and excited to tell you about the friends they’ve made.
Because when children feel happy and connected, everything else falls into place. Just see why Barracudas is the best choice for school holiday childcare and activities.