Are there *any* ways for NH teens to meet people?

Submitted by confused-gourd t3_11afl7z in newhampshire

As far as I can tell, it's pretty secluded growing up here. There aren't many activities available for getting to know anyone who's not in your direct vicinity, except for the boys and girls club, but that's not anyone's idea of a good time.

Is there anything I could look into to try and rectify this for myself? I have a strong interest in learning French, origami, exploring, and writing, if any of that could help with giving suggestions. Thank you!

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dojijosu t1_j9rw8dp wrote

The local libraries have a lot of teen centered activities. Everything from Pokémon to writing fan fiction to learning programming. Maybe see what’s up there?

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sndtech t1_j9ry1hy wrote

Winter time isn't so great for it but many towns have recreation departments that have sports and such available. Libraries are also a great place to get in touch with the community and make friends.

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wustenratte6d t1_j9rq9w4 wrote

I recommend Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts of America). Excellent program and now has boys and girls troops. All year program with multiple events that involve troops from all over the state. Big summer camp in June, lots of hiking and camping all year. Tons of things to learn and do.

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confused-gourd OP t1_j9u8093 wrote

Great suggestion, but there're two reasons I can't.

  1. I've been a girl scout for 11 years, and that's where my primary commitment lies.
  2. A... rather dramatic friend of mine is in boy scouts (today is the first time I'll be talking to her again after she got mad at me that I told her boyfriend about her plans to cheat on him with me ;-;).
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smartest_kobold t1_j9ub5ck wrote

Join a cult. Most of them provide free transportation (one way obvs.)

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sonarblips t1_j9s868v wrote

The public library in Derry NH has a teen art and writing club that creates and publishes its own magazines. Check your local library to see if it has options you may like. Go in person and ask your librarian if they know of any activities for your age group that may be hosted by other agencies. Not knowing what town you're in makes it tough to give many more ideas. Many games shops have game nights etc. Barnes and Nobles have a lot of book club meetups. Meetup.com has hiking and other outdoor activities.

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confused-gourd OP t1_ja08r1h wrote

Technically, 'tis illegal for me to make a Meetup account. I fully think my parents would be fine with me getting it, but should I not? In any case, thank you so much for the other suggestions - I adore Barnes and Noble, and would love to spend more time in Derry.

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sonarblips t1_ja09rnq wrote

Oh good point about Meetup. Do not make an account if it's against policy, that is for your safety. Maybe if a parent makes an account, you can find a club in your area that involves teens with their parents. After attending a couple Meetups with a parent, you might find a few new friends that way. Your parent may be up for a new friend or two as well :) Pick an event you may both enjoy. Also, about libraries, I think Derry is for Derry residents only, so check with your local one.

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averageduder t1_j9sbjxz wrote

join an extracurricular activity. work.

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widget_fucker t1_j9t1in7 wrote

With your attitude and disposition i see an incredibly bright future. Being a teen is tough (anywhere). Wish i could offer more but i know fuckall about this on a local level.

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briansays t1_j9t9ywd wrote

I feel you, things were really starting to wind down when I was in my early 20's. But I second the local library comment, based on your interests. Places like NH Sports Plex have leagues you can look in to, I've made some of my best friends at gyms since it's a shared interest thing, and often those people have connections to other interest groups. Oh and if you're looking for outdoor connections there are local hiking groups, just depends on where you're located. They generally have a Facebook presence if you search for them, same goes for your local town/city as well.

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Novasadog t1_j9tks4d wrote

Do high schools not have social clubs anymore? I realize that I am 'dating ' myself, but when I went to hs in the late 1980's, there were social clubs you could make or join based on your hobbies. Your club could connect with other similar (high school) clubs across the state

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heyhelloyuyu t1_j9tp1i4 wrote

My HS had a lot of clubs (mid 2010’s) but I found them very high pressure and full of “I need this for my college application” types. Always ended up feeling like another class where there would be some giant, resume worthy high pressure project or competition at the end of the semester to prep for and if you ever missed a meeting you’d get blamed and shamed by other club members for being lazy… or legit get kicked out.

I ended up legit not being in any clubs after freshman year bc I kept getting sick all the time and would get shamed for not being able to go every single week.

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confused-gourd OP t1_j9trwy9 wrote

We do have clubs, but it's hard to get into them. There's an initial club day, and if you miss anything then or decide to try out something else instead, it's very difficult to join later on. The club I've stayed consistent in is crafting, and while quite fun, there's only one other kid. My music lessons and homework took priority over debate, so I don't have that option anymore.

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movdqa t1_j9trukw wrote

I think that you just needed a teacher to sponsor your club if you wanted to form one and if there was demonstrated interest. I think that teachers got paid to help manage a club back then. I suspect that this varies widely by school district. It's probably harder in a small school than a very large one.

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movdqa t1_j9trcxd wrote

Our local YMCA was packed last night with kids and adults. Sports is one way to meet other kids. The other things that you are interested in are probably less common in terms of people getting together to do them. Those are good areas to start one or a few YouTube channels for.

When I was a teen, I was in the math and chess clubs and I also had part-time jobs so some fairly natural ways to meet people. The math and chess stuff was just at school unless we were traveling for competitions.

Market Basket hires a lot of teens and they seem fairly happy there to me and I often see them chatting together.

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confused-gourd OP t1_j9tv3vl wrote

When it comes to YMCA, there aren't any directly near me - the closest is about 20 minutes away. But they apparently do a teen night on Fridays. Is that something I should consider?

My sister had a job at Market Basket when she was my age, and she enjoyed it, but I don't think it's the right fit for me. I already know most of the kids who work there, and they scare me, honestly.

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movdqa t1_j9txyp9 wrote

I'm not a fan of a general gathering of people as there's some apprehension on meeting people. A venue for a common interest means that you already have something to talk about and this can suppress any apprehension in mingling.

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confused-gourd OP t1_j9w9wk0 wrote

Well, against your advice, I tried to go to the teen night. Turns out it's once a month, and I was in Scotland when they did the last one ;-;

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K3CAN t1_j9tyved wrote

A job is great solution. Not only do you get to meet a lot of other teens and young adults, but you'll make money, too!

I'd also look for local organizations that align with your interests. When I was a (rather geeky) teen, I was interested in hiking, computers, radios, and public service, so I met a lot of my friends after joining my local Civil Air Patrol unit and getting involved in Search and Rescue.

If you're interested in writing, maybe check the local library for writing groups. Your school might have a writers club, or French group of sorts, too.

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inanemantra t1_ja0nf48 wrote

Jobs are a good one too. I have friends from my first few jobs that I still hang out with to this day.

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sp1d3_b0y t1_j9w16aa wrote

i used dating apps ngl

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confused-gourd OP t1_j9w19zi wrote

I'm too young for that to be legal, and I've already been raped by someone I met online, soooo not the best idea

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inanemantra t1_ja0mxwp wrote

Not sure of the age limits, but the makerspaces have classes on all kinds of hobbies. Shared experiences and hobbies are the best way to make friends throughout life.

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captnfapin t1_j9w0q7h wrote

This 40yo man pretending to be a 16yo child. And you weirdos are talking with him. That’s messed up.

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confused-gourd OP t1_j9w0y0e wrote

Uh... I think my high school, parents, friends, music lesson teachers, and everyone who's ever met me would disagree with you 😭

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