How to Create a Thriving Friend Group

Using Adventures from Scratch, Friends Edition

Making friends as an adult is no small feat, and if you’ve already started building connections (if not, check out our guide on how to make friends as an adult), congratulations! Now comes the next exciting step—keeping those friendships strong and creating a regular space to enjoy time together. One of the best ways to do this is by forming an adventure group with a shared activity that brings everyone together consistently.

A fun and engaging way to make this happen is by using the Scratch-Off Friends Adventure Book. This book is designed to inspire your friend group with new activities, deepen your connections, and create unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to form your group, structure your meetups, and get the most out of this adventure book!

Step 1: Confirm Your Group

The first step in making this work is identifying who wants to be part of your adventure crew. Here’s how to make it official:

A group of middle-aged and senior women outdoors at a park, engaging in an adventure challenge from the Scratch-Off Friends Adventure Book. They are participating in a fun activity, sharing laughter and strengthening their friendships

Extend an Invitation: Think about the friends you’ve recently made or those in your existing circle who love fun and connection. Send out an invite via text, email, or a group chat explaining your idea.
Set Expectations: Let everyone know this is a casual but committed group that meets regularly to complete fun challenges together.
Determine Group Size: A group of 4-8 people is ideal for flexibility while keeping it intimate and fun.

Step 2: Establish a Meetup Routine

Once you have your group, the key to success is setting up a routine that works for everyone. Here are some tips:

Decide on Frequency: Will you meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly? Choose a timeframe that is realistic for everyone.
Pick a Host or Rotate Leadership: Either assign a consistent host or rotate who plans each meetup.
Choose a Meeting Place: Depending on the scratch-off activity, you may need to meet at someone’s home, a park, a coffee shop, or a specific event location.
Use a Shared Calendar: Keep track of dates with a shared Google Calendar or group chat reminders.

Step 3: Start Scratching Off Adventures

The best part of this book is the element of surprise! Here’s how to use it effectively:

Pick Your First Activity Together: Have the group vote on a category or take turns scratching off adventures.
Commit to the Challenge: Whatever activity is revealed, embrace it with enthusiasm!
Capture the Memories: Take photos or keep a journal of your experiences to look back on.
Reflect and Connect: After each adventure, chat about what you loved, what surprised you, and what you’d like to do next.

A group of middle-aged and senior women sitting together in a cozy living room, scratching off a challenge from the Scratch-Off Friends Adventure Book. They are laughing and excited, enjoying their shared adventure.

Step 4: Keep the Group Engaged and Thriving

To ensure your adventure group stays active and fun, consider these ideas:

Theme Nights: Plan themed activities around certain scratch-off adventures, like “Outdoor Day,” “Creative Night,” or “Try Something New Week.”
Celebrate Milestones: Mark your progress through the book and celebrate achievements together.
Be Flexible: Life happens, so be understanding if someone can’t make it occasionally.
Invite New Friends: If the group feels open to it, occasionally invite new friends to join a meetup and keep the energy fresh.

Step 5: Strengthen Friendships Beyond the Book

While the adventure book is a fantastic tool for building shared experiences, deepening friendships takes intention. Keep the momentum going by:

Checking In on Each Other: Friendship is more than activities—make time for real conversations.
Planning Trips or Special Events: Once your group is solid, consider planning a weekend getaway or a bucket list adventure.
Supporting Each Other’s Lives: Show up for each other beyond the meetups, whether it’s attending a birthday dinner, lending a hand, or just being there for support.

Just do it!

Building a close-knit friend group takes effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your happiness and well-being. The Scratch-Off Friends Adventure Book is an easy and structured way to keep friendships thriving while adding excitement to your social life.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your crew, set up your first meetup, and start scratching off adventures together. Who knows? This might just become one of the best traditions you’ve ever started! Looking for more ways to build community and create meaningful experiences in midlife and beyond?

Join the Silver Sage Collective Club and learn how to connect with adventurous, like-minded women who are all about living fully, making memories, and embracing new friendships.