I don't know about boys, but girls just go to class, see someone who doesn't have a friend, reach out, invite her to sit at lunch and that's pretty much it...

It might take a few weeks of feeling alone an lonely, but friends just seem to sort of "happen."

Clubs, sports, etc. might be a nice idea. Art classes, too. There's time to chat during art.

A sport. If he is into a certain sport, encourage him to join/try out at his high school. This is the best way to get your "core" group of friends, have something to go to on the weekends and afternoons, and get to know people that are usually college bound.

In the high school see if there is a Key Club Service group sponsored by your local Kiwanis Club. In our area over 400 students in area high schools belong. Also, if high school sports turn out to be too competitive, then look to see if there are any community sponsored sports as in our area I know there is soccer and baseball at all levels. I second the idea of a church youth group.

Also if one has a teen with a disability, I would look to see if Young Life sponsors a Capernaum program in your area for teens/young adults with disabilities as it is also super in our area of Virginia.

Another option is to see if he has any interests he might like to put into volunteering if his weekends seem to be very quiet.

Thanks for the support. Some good ideas here - I will encourage him.

My son is also quite shy and did not join any groups in middle school. But I did ask him to join at least one thing in high school. Deep down he knew he needed to do that and made the soccer team. It is not a good team, but he has made some friends and has some people to sit with at lunch. It sounds as if your son is moving in the right direction.

One good thing about youth church groups, scouts and club sports is that kids often attend different schools so they can be less clique-y than school clubs or teams.