The PEERS® for Teens Friendship Bootcamp is a two-day, intensive version of this world-renowned, evidence-based program — designed to support teens to build real, meaningful friendships through practical, real-world strategies.

Our approach is neuroaffirming and strengths-based, focusing on helping young people understand how friendships work, develop skills, and connect with others in ways that feel authentic and comfortable for them.

Traditionally delivered over 16 weeks, this Bootcamp offers the same structured, caregiver-supported approach in a practical, accessible weekend format.

Who is this for?

This Bootcamp is ideal for:

• Teens (14–18) who want to learn strategies to make and keep friendships
• Those who have completed PEERS and would benefit from a refresher
• Teens who can’t commit to weekly sessions
• Families living regionally, who can attend a weekend format

A formal diagnosis is not required, although many participants have autism, ADHD, and/or social anxiety.

What your teen will learn

Across the weekend, we focus on the core building blocks of friendship:

Day 1

• Quality friendships
• Types of friends
• Conversational skills
• Being a good sport

Day 2

• Finding sources of friends
• Get-togethers
• Disclosing differences

How the Bootcamp works

The Bootcamp follows the structured PEERS® approach, combining learning with supported practice.

Teens can expect:

• Clear, step-by-step teaching of each skill
• Video modelling to show what skills look like in real life
• Role plays and guided practice
• In-the-moment coaching and feedback
• Take-home strategies to continue building skills beyond the weekend

Caregiver involvement (mandatory)

PEERS is a caregiver-assisted program, and this is a key part of why it works.

• One caregiver attends with each teen (included at no additional cost)
• Caregivers join some sessions with their teen, and also attend breakout coaching sessions
• You’ll learn how to support and reinforce skills in everyday life

This helps ensure skills don’t just stay in the room — they carry over into real-world situations.

Is this the right fit?

To get the most out of the Bootcamp, it’s important that:

• You have spoken with your teen beforehand, and they are willing to attend and participate respectfully in all activities and discussions
• Your teen is within the average range for language and cognition, as the program covers a significant amount of content across the two days
• Your teen is able to independently manage their behaviour and emotions
• Your teen can attend both full days, alongside one caregiver who is able to attend the full two days (this is a caregiver-assisted program)

It’s important that this is a good fit for both you and your teen. If you’re unsure, we’re very happy to offer a complimentary 10–15 minute phone call to talk through the program with you.

Details

Dates: Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June 2026
Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm (both days)
Location: Making Connections Toowoomba, South Toowoomba

Cost: $575
Includes:

• One teen and one caregiver (caregiver attends free)
• Resource pack & visual supports
• Lunch and light refreshments (both days)
• All facilitation

Payment

This program is open to families with and without NDIS funding.

If you are NDIS self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to use your funding, depending on your individual NDIS goals and plan. It is your responsibility to check your plan and confirm applicable codes and funding prior to enrolling. If you are unsure, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss commonly used codes.

Please note: Payment is the responsibility of the family. If NDIS funding does not cover, or only partially covers, the cost of the program, any remaining amount is to be paid privately.

Register or enquire

To register, please complete the form below.

PEERS® Friendship Bootcamp Ages 14–18 | June 2026 – Fill out form

Please note: If you’re new to Making Connections Toowoomba, we will most likely arrange a brief phone call prior to confirming your place. This helps ensure the Bootcamp is a good fit for your teen and your family.

If you'd prefer, you're also welcome to submit an enquiry instead and we can arrange a time for a complimentary 10-15 minute phone call.

• Email: fiona@makingconnectionstoowoomba.com.au

PEERS® Research 

https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers/research