Here’s a little life hack: once a year, make yourself a One-Year Deal—strike up a conversation with someone you never expected to know, and promise to reconnect in the same place, same week, next year. Sound casual? It is. But let me tell you—it’s magical.

How It All Started at Camp

Last August at camp, while organizing the first-ever Fishing Derby, I met Chuck. He’s a business owner from Iowa who runs Chuckies—a fleet of food trucks serving only one thing: the legendary pork tenderloin sandwich. It’s a masterpiece. Hospitable, funny, and down-to-earth, Chuck and I hit it off immediately—despite being about 50 years apart.

Then, as if on cue, Chuck’s lifelong best friend turned up: Fergie Jenkins. Yes—the Fergie Jenkins. Baseball Hall of Famer. Cy Young winner. First Canadian elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. The recipient of the Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year four times, Lou Marsh Trophy winner, Walk of Fame inductee, and honored with the Order of Canada. And there I was, chatting with him like he was my buddy.

The Power of a Chat

It’s astonishing how life just brings people your way. One casual invite led to friendships that changed my whole camp dynamic. By the weekend’s end, Chuck and Fergie joined us for our family’s spaghetti supper—and before they left, we made the One-Year Deal: “Same place, same week, next year. The Worry Phase (Everyone Has It)

After making the deal, my brain did a little panic dance:

• “Will they actually show up?”
• “Did that weekend even count?”
• “Was any of it real?”

And then next summer rolls around—and they showed up, just like clockwork. We fished, we laughed, we hugged when it was time to say goodbye, picking up exactly where we left off. It was seamless, genuine, and full of joy.

Why You Should Make a One-Year Deal

So, here’s my cheeky advice… be bold, be friendly, and start the conversation. You never know who might walk unexpectedly into your life and become a highlight. For me, meeting Chuck led to Fergie, and friendships that enriched camp, my family, and next summer’s stories.

“Rules” for the One-Year Deal

1. Don’t Ghost. If you made the deal, follow through. No disappearing acts—unless you’re abducted by aliens, then we’ll reschedule.
2. Bring Snacks. Surprise your friend with something unexpected—bonus points for a homemade pork tenderloin sandwich or donut.
3. Conversation Is the Currency. No agenda. Just ask how their day is going. Vulnerability = connection.
4. You’re Stuck Now. Signing this deal means you’ve signed up for friendship—forever. No backing out.
5. Always Pick Up Where You Left Off. Even if it’s been 364 days since the last “hello,” act like no time has passed.
6. Funny Memories Are the Best Memories. Be goofy. Take selfies. Embarrass each other with inside jokes.
7. Actually Show Up. If you agreed on it, be there. That’s how trust turns into tradition.

And yes—Chuck, Fergie, my family, and I will be fishing together again next summer. Spoiler alert: the boat’s already spoken for.The One-Year Deal: A Friendship Agreement Worth Making