Should I talk to this 11-year-old?

I am a 22-year-old female. I do a lot of work in childcare, be it babysitting, summer camps, substitute teaching, etc.

There is an 11-year-old girl who is absolutely wonderful. I’ve known her for many years as a camper and student. She was excited to have gotten an email address last summer, and I gave her my email address. She uses it to send funny forwards, mostly.

Anyway, she just gmail chatted me. I’m trying to assess if it’s appropriate for me to respond. On one hand, I want to be an older role model/mentor for her, and if she wants my advice about starting middle school or something I want to be a good source for her.

On the other hand, I don’t want to cross any boundaries. I worry that giving her my personal email was already pushing it.

I am only an “authority” for her seasonally, when I’m home from school on breaks. Since she is leaving the school, I will not be a teacher/counselor of hers again.

It is a completely innocent relationship, and I don’t want to snuff her online, but I don’t want any trouble.

Sorry for the long explanation, and thanks for any advice you can give.