Hi Shayna,

I really need your help. All my friends are going to the same sleep-away camp, and I’m not going with them. They’re always talking about it in front of me, and sometimes I feel like they’re trying to rub it in my face that I won’t be with them. I know that they’re not doing it purposely, but I still feel so left out. What should I do?

Dear Alone Aliza,

If you go to day camp you’ll make new friends. When you make new friends that’ll keep you occupied. That’s all you need for the summer and years to come. If you aren’t going to camp, I’m sure there are people also not going to camp that you can be friends with.

You can mail your sleep-away friends letters. Grow a garden to keep yourself occupied; I hear cherry tomatoes are very in season. You can color. You can try new dishes. You can make the dishes. You may want to have a big sale with all your dishes. Guess what… What? You can read books. And you can miss your friends, but why do you need to, if you see them again in September? But all in all, I’m sure sleep-away still has a few open spots.

Shayna is a sixth grader and understands what kids in middle and elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.