Hi, I’m Natalia and I’m fundraising to take part in Camp America 2026 an opportunity that could genuinely change my life.

I’m 17 from Newcastle upon tyne, and I’ve been given the opportunity to interview at the Camp America Job Fair 2026, where I hope to secure a role as a lifeguard and youth counsellor at a US summer camp.

This chance means a lot to me.

As a young carer I spent a big part of my childhood supporting others and growing up faster than most people my age. This shaped who I am today, i see myself as responsible, emotionally intelligent, and passionate about helping young people feel safe, confident and included.

Even though being a young carer limited the number of opportunities I could take part in growing up, it also made me incredibly driven. I promised myself that when I got older I would take every opportunity possible and also help young people who may feel like they don’t have many chances either.

Over the last few years I’ve worked extremely hard to build skills, confidence, and leadership experience.

Some of my achievements-

Out of my christmas money I paid to get qualified as an NPLQ Lifeguard now working for North Tyneside Council & Nuffield Health.

I joined Northumbria Police Cadet for three years where I found a home and purpose. I was selected from 200+ cadets to represent Northumbria Police at the Lord Mayor’s Show 2024 and was invited to go to the Pride in Policing Awards as a Nominee for commitment and leadership

i was also a finalist for NE Youth Awards Young Volunteer of the Year, Featured on the National Volunteer Police Cadets Instagram for a national safeguarding film project that i directed and inspired, i have also mentored younger cadets and supported a visually impaired cadet.

as a volunteer I volunteered at major public events including the Great North Run & Kielder Marathon.

These experiences gave me the confidence I never had growing up and helped me realise I want to support young people the way others have supported me.

Why Camp America means so much to me

Camp America will allow me to:

Develop advanced safeguarding & leadership skills

Help less fortunate children have the most incredible summer

Gain international experience and push myself out my comfort zone.

Build independence and confidence

Work closely with children and young people

Grow skills for my future career in policing or youth protection

Represent the North East on an international stage

It genuinely feels like the next step in becoming the person I want to be.

Why I’m fundraising?

Although Camp America is an incredible opportunity, there are several unavoidable upfront costs like-

• Programme fees

• Enhanced DBS check

• US Visa

• Travel to London for the embassy appointment

• Insurance

• Medical forms

• Flights

I am working and saving but I cannot cover all of these expenses alone.

Any support even £5 would mean the world to me and bring me one step closer to achieving something I never thought would be possible.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, or supporting.

Your kindness will help me access a life-changing opportunity and bring new skills back to my community.

❤️ Thank you

– Natalia