Summer camp "STEM-Environment-Green Lifestyle 2022” at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi

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In May 2022, I became a member of the planning team for a summer camp called “FuriEarth STEM–Environment–Green Lifestyle 2022,” organized and fully funded by the American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. The goal of the camp was to give secondary school students a meaningful and fun summer experience while promoting awareness about environmental protection.

Take Me

Take a look at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi's facebook post announcing the Project!

The camp was divided into four themed sessions focused on different aspects of green living: Green Living, Eat Green, Green Fashion, and Green Beauty.

At the time, I was only 13 years old, making me the youngest person on the organizing committee. After going through an interview in May, I was officially selected and joined both the STEM and Logistics departments, where I had the chance to make two meaningful contributions to the project.

In the Logistics Department, I was given real responsibilities. I helped manage the participant registration form, sent confirmation emails, and called students to remind them of the event dates. I also created the attendance sheet, designed the feedback forms, and helped prepare items like the handheld hashtag for photo-taking. I was even involved in buying supplies for the workshops.

The preparation lasted over a month, and since I was partially responsible for the camp’s success, I took every task seriously. I remember feeling a lot of pressure at the time—it was one of my first real team projects—but I also learned to manage stress and work more independently through the experience.

The camp was divided into four themed sessions focused on different aspects of green living: Green Living, Eat Green, Green Fashion, and Green Beauty.

At the time, I was only 13 years old, making me the youngest person on the organizing committee. After going through an interview in May, I was officially selected and joined both the STEM and Logistics departments, where I had the chance to make two meaningful contributions to the project.

In the Logistics Department, I was given real responsibilities. I helped manage the participant registration form, sent confirmation emails, and called students to remind them of the event dates. I also created the attendance sheet, designed the feedback forms, and helped prepare items like the handheld hashtag for photo-taking. I was even involved in buying supplies for the workshops.

The preparation lasted over a month, and since I was partially responsible for the camp’s success, I took every task seriously. I remember feeling a lot of pressure at the time—it was one of my first real team projects—but I also learned to manage stress and work more independently through the experience.

When the camp officially began in July 2022, I was assigned to arrive early at the Embassy each day to help with setup. I had to make sure students were arriving on time, checking in properly, and following all security and participation rules set by the Embassy. I was stationed at a check-in table near the entrance and helped group students for the day’s activities. It might seem like a simple job, but it taught me a lot about responsibility, communication, and attention to detail.

As a member of the STEM Department, I also had the chance to assist directly during the camp sessions. I worked with older students from Hanoi National University of Education to help support participants during activities. Because many of the students were around my age, I found it easier to connect with them and suggest ideas that would be fun and appropriate for the group. My tasks ranged from small technical support, like helping set up tools or materials, to hands-on guidance during sessions like preparing organic ingredients.

When the camp officially began in July 2022, I was assigned to arrive early at the Embassy each day to help with setup. I had to make sure students were arriving on time, checking in properly, and following all security and participation rules set by the Embassy. I was stationed at a check-in table near the entrance and helped group students for the day’s activities. It might seem like a simple job, but it taught me a lot about responsibility, communication, and attention to detail.

As a member of the STEM Department, I also had the chance to assist directly during the camp sessions. I worked with older students from Hanoi National University of Education to help support participants during activities. Because many of the students were around my age, I found it easier to connect with them and suggest ideas that would be fun and appropriate for the group. My tasks ranged from small technical support, like helping set up tools or materials, to hands-on guidance during sessions like preparing organic ingredients.

The program ran across four separate days, and I was present and actively involved in all of them. Through this experience, I learned to work more professionally and became much more organized. I also realized how fulfilling it was to be part of a project that had a real impact.

Being chosen to help organize this summer camp at such a young age was both an honor and a turning point for me. It sparked my interest in STEM, environmental topics, and leadership. Looking back, this project wasn’t just a summer activity—it was the first step in a journey I’m still following today.