National Geographic Photo Camp Inspired Me to Care for Nature

Story and photos by Shirley Romero-Diaz.

This past summer I attended a week-long photography camp hosted by National Geographic, along with other students from Friendship Collegiate Academy and Tech Prep Academy. At photo camp, we learned how to hold and use a camera. We also got to explore nature and take pictures of cities, buildings, animals, and people. On top of learning photography skills, we  formed lasting memories and friendships with the other participants. This summer, I recommend that you join a summer program or camp to be able to experience new things.

I chose to photograph flowers because the flowers show the beauty that the world provides us. Despite having beauty in the world, like these flowers, humans end up ruining the world’s beauty because of how we treat our planet. As humans, we should learn from the beauty of these flowers that nature is something we must protect. Humans are not the only living beings on earth, and we should show greater care to the plants and animals that live in different parts of the world.

I would like to extend special thanks to Ms. Schiavone and the NatGeo Photo Camp staff for introducing me to this program last summer. If you want to attend a Photo Camp, talk to your Friendship News Network advisor. There won’t be a Friendship Photo Camp this summer, but you can ask them if there are any available spots for Photo Camp in summer 2026.

Shirley Romero-Diaz is a junior at Friendship Tech Prep Academy.