Finding Your Tribe in High School: A Game-Changer for Teens Who Want Real Friendships
Let's be honest—high school can feel like navigating a social minefield. One day you're sitting alone at lunch wondering why making friends feels so hard, and the next you're overthinking every text message you send. If your teen has ever said, "I just don't fit in" or "I don't know what to say," you're not alone.
That's exactly why we created Finding Your Tribe—a one-day intensive bootcamp that gives Casey council area students the practical tools they need to build genuine friendships, feel confident in social situations, and actually enjoy their high school years.
What Makes This Different?
Here's the thing: most teens aren't struggling socially because something's "wrong" with them. They simply haven't been taught the specific skills that make conversations flow, friendships stick, and social anxiety fade.
Finding Your Tribe isn't about changing who your teen is—it's about giving them the roadmap to connect with others authentically.
And it's based on something pretty incredible: UCLA's PEERS® Program—the only evidence-based social skills curriculum proven effective for teens worldwide. Used in over 70 countries and backed by 20+ years of research by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, PEERS® isn't theory. It's real strategies that actually work.
What Your Teen Will Learn (In Just One Day!)
Morning Session (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Building the Foundation
We kick off with the essentials—the skills that make every social interaction easier:
✅ Two-way conversation techniques – How to keep conversations going without awkward silences
✅ Finding common interests – The secret to connecting with peers naturally
✅ Electronic communication etiquette – Texting, messaging, and online interactions that build (not break) friendships
But here's where it gets good: we don't just talk about these skills. Your teen will practice them through:
Role-playing real high school scenarios (think: starting a conversation at lunch, joining a group chat, handling being left out)
Guided practice with supportive peers
Interactive activities that build confidence in a safe, judgment-free space
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM - 3:30 PM): Navigating the High School Jungle
The afternoon dives into the trickier stuff—the social dynamics that can make or break a teen's high school experience:
✅ Understanding social hierarchies and groups – How to find your people (not just the "popular" crowd)
✅ Handling peer pressure and conflicts – What to do when friendships get complicated
✅ Managing social anxiety – Practical strategies for feeling calm and confident in new environments
By the end of the day, your teen won't just know what to do—they'll have practised it, received feedback, and walked away with a toolkit they can use immediately.
Why PEERS® Actually Works (And Why That Matters)
Let's talk results. Because when you're investing a day (and your teen's courage to try something new), you want to know it's worth it.
PEERS® has been rigorously tested in clinical trials and real-world settings. Here's what the research shows:
80% improvement in social skills knowledge
Significant reduction in loneliness
Increased friendship quality and quantity
Better conflict resolution abilities
Translation? Teens who learn PEERS® strategies don't just feel more confident—they actually make and keep friends. And that changes everything.
Is This Right for Your Teen?
Finding Your Tribe is perfect for students who:
Struggle to make or keep friends
Feel anxious or awkward in social situations
Are starting high school or changing schools (and want to get ahead of the social curve)
Want to improve their conversation skills and feel more comfortable around peers
Have been told they're "shy" or "quiet" but actually just need the right strategies
Whether your teen is neurodivergent, dealing with social anxiety, or simply finding high school tougher than expected—this bootcamp is designed to meet them where they are.
What's Included?
When you sign up for Finding Your Tribe, your teen gets:
✅ Full-day intensive program with PEERS®-certified facilitator
✅ Take-home workbook and resources (so the learning continues)
✅ Morning tea and lunch provided (one less thing to worry about!)
✅ Certificate of completion
✅ Follow-up support resources
✅ Bonus: Parent workshop and strategies (because you're part of the journey too!)
Meet Your Facilitator: Julie Athanasiou
Hi, I'm Julie—PEERS® Certified Facilitator, Director of Strivesocial and Youth Connect Foundation, and someone who's deeply passionate about helping young people not feel lonely.
I've been trained directly through UCLA's PEERS® program, and I've worked with countless teens (both one-on-one and in groups) to build their social confidence. I've seen firsthand how the right skills can transform a teen's high school experience—from dreading Monday mornings to actually looking forward to seeing friends.
Every teen deserves to have genuine friendships and feel confident in social situations. That's why I do this work—and that's why I can't wait to meet your teen at Finding Your Tribe.
Ready to Help Your Teen Find Their People?
High school doesn't have to be lonely. With the right skills, your teen can walk into any social situation feeling prepared, confident, and ready to connect.
Finding Your Tribe is happening soon in the Casey council area—and spots are limited to keep the experience personal and impactful.
👉 Book your teen's spot today or get in touch to learn more.
Let's help your teen find their tribe. 💙
Questions? Contact Julie:
📧 julie@strivesocial.com.au
📞 0408 707 866
Finding Your Tribe is proudly delivered by Strivesocial and Youth Connect Foundation—helping neurodivergent young people build genuine connections and thrive socially.
