Starting Holiday Club Without a Friend: How Atlas Helps Children Settle and Make New Friends

One of the biggest questions parents ask before booking holiday club is this: “What if my child doesn’t know anyone?”

It’s a completely natural worry. For some children, coming to holiday club without a sibling, classmate or friend can feel like a big step. For parents, it can raise all sorts of concerns: will they feel left out, will they join in, and will they actually enjoy the day?

The good news is that many children attend Atlas Holiday Clubs on their own — and go on to have an amazing time. With the right welcome, a little encouragement and plenty of shared fun, new friendships can form surprisingly quickly.

1) It’s More Common Than You Think

Parents often imagine that everyone else already knows each other, but that usually isn’t the case. At any holiday club, there will be children attending for different reasons: some are coming because their friends are there, some are trying something new, and some are simply there because mum or dad needs childcare during the school holidays.

That means your child is very unlikely to be the only one arriving solo. In fact, for many children, holiday club is one of the best environments for meeting new people because everyone is there to play, explore and get involved.

Atlas tip: children often settle faster when parents know this too. If you can frame the day as a place where lots of children arrive fresh and make connections naturally, it can help ease the build-up.

2) Why Coming Solo Can Feel Daunting

For children, not knowing anyone can feel like a very big unknown. They may be wondering:

• Who will I sit with?

• What if everyone already has a friend?

• What if I don’t know how to join in?

• What if I feel shy at first?

Those feelings are especially common in children who are naturally quieter, a little more cautious, or still building confidence in new settings. It doesn’t mean they won’t cope. It simply means they may need a warm start and a bit of help finding their feet.

3) How We Help Children Feel Included From the Start

At Atlas, we know that the first few minutes matter. A child who feels welcomed and noticed is far more likely to relax and join in.

That’s why our teams focus on:

• Warm welcomes so children feel seen and reassured from the moment they arrive.

• Simple introductions to help break the ice naturally.

• Easy first activities that children can join without pressure.

• Supportive check-ins for children who need a little extra encouragement.

Often, it’s not about “making” friendships happen. It’s about creating the kind of environment where children feel comfortable enough to start chatting, playing and connecting on their own terms.

4) How Friendships Naturally Happen at Holiday Club

One of the lovely things about holiday club is that friendships often grow through shared experiences rather than forced introductions.

When children are laughing during a team game, building something creative together, joining a challenge or talking over lunch, those little moments of connection begin to build naturally.

Our multi-activity setup helps with this because it gives children lots of ways to interact:

• Team games that encourage communication and cooperation

• Creative tasks where children can chat while they make

• Shared break times that feel relaxed and social

• A mix of activities, so children can shine in different ways

For some children, friendships happen immediately. For others, it takes a little longer — and both are absolutely normal.

5) Supporting Shy, Quiet or Slower-to-Settle Children

Not every child wants to leap straight into the busiest game — and that’s okay. Some children prefer to watch first, stay near an adult, or ease themselves in through a calmer activity.

At Atlas, we never see that as a problem. We understand that confidence can look different from child to child.

That’s why we aim to provide:

• Choices rather than pressure

• Calm spaces where children can regulate if they need to

• Encouragement that feels gentle and genuine

• Adults who notice when a child may need a little extra support to join in

Atlas tip: shy children often do brilliantly at holiday club once they realise there is no pressure to be the loudest person in the room. Feeling safe comes first; confidence usually follows.

6) What Parents Can Say Before the Day

If your child is feeling unsure about coming on their own, the language you use beforehand can really help.

Try keeping it calm, positive and simple:

• “Lots of children go without knowing anyone at first.”

• “The staff will help you settle in.”

• “You don’t have to make best friends straight away — just start with the day.”

• “You only need to try the first part. The rest can come step by step.”

If your child is also a little nervous about the transition itself, this links closely with our approach to supporting children through a tough drop-off too.

Coming to holiday club without a friend can feel like a big leap — but it can also be the start of something really positive. With a warm welcome, thoughtful support and plenty of opportunities to join in naturally, children often leave with more confidence than they arrived with. At Atlas Camps, we work hard to make sure every child feels noticed, included and ready to enjoy the day.

Explore Atlas Holiday Clubs

Quick FAQs

What if my child doesn’t know anyone at holiday club?
That’s very common. Many children arrive without knowing anyone, and our team works hard to help them feel welcomed, included and comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Will staff help my child make friends?
Yes. We use warm welcomes, group activities, gentle encouragement and supportive check-ins to help children settle and connect naturally with others.

What if my child is shy or slow to join in?
That’s absolutely okay. Some children jump straight in, while others need a little more time. We support both, without pressure.

Should my child come with a friend for their first day?
Coming with a friend can feel reassuring, but it’s not essential. Many children attend solo and still have a brilliant time once they settle in.