Does your summer include moving to a new home, perhaps even a new state, in the midst of the usual swimming, sun and fun? You’re not alone. More than 10 million American kids move each year, many of them during the summer so they can start classes at their new schools in the fall.

Emily Keizer completed eighth grade at South Junior High School this spring, then moved in June to Shawnee with her family while her mother prepares to remarry.

For now, starting at a new school is a hurry-up-and-wait situation.

“I’ve just kind of been unpacking,” Emily says. “I’ve found baby-sitting jobs because there’s a lot of little kids in my neighborhood. But I haven’t really met anyone.”

It can be an adventure getting to know a new place and a bummer leaving behind longtime friends. If you’re not looking forward to the move, or even if you are, read on. Here are some tips for making it a more positive, even fun, experience:

Write in a journal

You may have a lot of thoughts rolling around in your head about the move, and getting them down on paper can really help you sort through them. “The Moving Book, A Kids’ Survival Guide,” by Gabriel Davis ($20.95, First Books) gives suggestions to help get you writing, such as “Things I’m Worried About” and “Things I’m Excited About.” Once down on paper, you can expand on them and even research ways to solve problems, such as “I’m worried I won’t have any friends.” Write about your emotions and how you feel about moving.

Do some research

Concern and doubt may turn into excitement as you find out about your new town and neighborhood. If you’re allowed to use the Internet, find out what there is to see and do.

Most cities or their chambers of commerce have Web sites with links to activities, services and places to eat. Schools and park departments also often have Web sites, so you can check out what your new school and nearby recreation areas will look like.

KRT KIDS STORY SLUGGED: MOVING KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY HEATHER MCKINNON/SEATTLE TIMES (July 14) Is your summer shaping up to include moving to a new home, perhaps even a new state, in the midst of the usual swimming, sun and fun? You're not alone. More than 10 million American kids move each year, many of them during the summer so they can start classes at their new schools in the fall. (jt) 2005 (Diversity)

Get a pen pal

Start exchanging letters with someone from your new school or neighborhood. If you’re a member of a large organization such as Scouts or a religious denomination, ask an adult leader for the address of a local affiliate in your new town.

Write to them and tell them about yourself, including your name, grade and new address as well as your current one. They might be able to hook you up with a troop or youth group that can then find a pen pal for you. Or, as Davis suggests, write to the principal of your new school and ask if he or she could match you with a “buddy” who can help you get to know the school.

Tell your friends

But not too early, recommends author Ellen Carlisle in “Smooth Moves, The Relocation Guide for Families on the Move,” ($12.95, Teacup Press, 1999).

“Kids tend to pull back when they hear their friend is leaving,” she writes.

Closer to the time of the move, give your friends pre-stamped postcards or envelopes addressed to you so they can write. Or you can send them change-of-address cards when you get to your destination. Allied Van Lines’ Web site at www.alliedvan.com includes create-your-own change-of-address e-cards that you can customize with rock, jazz or classical music; “The Moving Book” includes eight punch-out “We’ve Moved” cards.

Create a scrapbook

Take pictures of your house, your neighborhood, your school, your town, your favorite places and your friends. Buy or make a scrapbook, and write next to the photos the things you want to remember.

If you can, take photos of the town and home where you are moving, and later on, photos of your family in the unpacking-and-moving-in mode and finally, the all-moved-in look. The book will bring you comfort when you’re missing your old friends and home, and you’ll see the before-and-after of your new home.

Say goodbye

Make a list of everyone you’d like to say goodbye to, then try to visit each person before you go. Make sure to get their addresses and phone numbers. Take an autograph book and have them sign it.

Emily said she made sure to say goodbye to all of her friends, whether it was on phone or in person.

“My friend had a combination end-of-the-school-year/going away party for me,” she says. “It was really fun.

“But I still talked to each person on the phone or face-to-face so I could tell them what they mean to me.”

Emily says online blogs, instant messenger and e-mail have helped her keep in touch with her Lawrence pals, too.

Once you’ve arrived

If you’ve done some of the suggestions listed above, you may feel right at home. But even with the best planning, everyone can get lonely after a move. Here are some tips for getting through the blues:

¢ Visit places you researched.

¢ Try to get involved in activities similar to the ones you were in before.

¢ Keep writing in your journal. What do you think of your new surroundings?

¢ Keep in touch with your old friends by phone and mail. Send them photographs of your new home and school, or narrate a video. Send them postcards of your new city.

Making new friends

Emily’s both excited and nervous about starting school next year at Mill Valley High School.

“I’ll be starting a new school without the friends I’ve known for a long time,” she says. “But I’m happy, too, because I’ll be at a four-year high school and have a chance to do new stuff.”

Emily has an optimistic outlook about what’s ahead.

“I’m excited now,” she says, “to meet people outside of Lawrence.”