Ambassador Programme
Following our Residential Summer Camps, young people are invited to continue their journey as Youth Ambassadors.
Each year we welcome around 50 young people to our transformational Ambassador Programme, a one-year initiative that empowers young people to take practical action, develop their communication skills, influence their peers and lead change in their communities.
By the end of the Ambassador Programme, young people have the tools, support and confidence to progress to further leadership opportunities, including advisory positions at nature organisations, environmental volunteering, study and work, our own Intergenerational Nature Restoration Projects and other opportunities through our Alumni network.
Interested in the Ambassador Programme?
Apply for our Residential Summer Camps, where the adventure begins.
a year-long journey
The Ambassador Programme is made up of:
Expert guidance around study, work and volunteering aspirations
Regular in-person Action Days and online events that build skills, confidence and social networks
Youth voice and speaking opportunities at conferences, high-profile events and consultations
Bespoke 1:1 support for individual and group projects and campaigns
meet some of our ambassadors
J.J. , London
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JJ joined an AFC Summer Camp in 2023 at the South Downs National Park, he was 16 at the time and lived in London.
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“On Camp it was wonderful when I was bird ringing and releasing birds, because holding them felt like a magical experience I've never felt before.
I'm excited to become an Ambassador, to be able to teach more people about nature and how they should respect it and care for their general environment.
Looking forward I feel hopeful about the future for knowing that like minded young people of today have a passion for nature conservation and have a passion for caring about the people in the local environment and beyond.”
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J.J. has participated in numerous events in the South East from volunteering to restore nature at Knepp Estate to helping with citizen science bird surveys at London Wildlife Trust’s Woodbury Wetlands.
He also participated in Communications Training with the AFC team and is keen to develop his public speaking and digital marketing skills.
In the future JJ would like to gain more experience in leadership and decision-making positions.
Eshaal, Manchester
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In 2024, at 14 years-old, Eshaal joined an AFC Summer Camp in the Peak District National Park. After Camp Eshaal became interested in how she could help nature in her home town of Manchester.
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“Since becoming an Ambassador, I feel like I’m more aware of my surroundings and I now know what I can do to help my community.
I’ve carried out independent actions like planting trees and flowers in my garden. I now check where my clothes are sourced from and try and encourage my family to buy clothes that aren’t a product of fast fashion”
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After Camp Eshaal joined the Ambassador Programme, taking part in events across Manchester and North West region, from collaborating with students from the University of Bradford to create a nature inspired animation, to getting hands-on conservation experience restoring nature at Medlock Valley. She also joined an inspiring trip to see puffins at the Yorkshire Puffin Festival, helping her to further improve her bird and wildlife identification skills!
Callum, hereford
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In 2021, at 12 years-old, Callum joined an AFC Summer Camp in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Keen to become more involved in nature restoration and applying his interest in fashion and textiles to conservation, Callum went on to join the Ambassador Programme and Penpont Project Youth Leadership Group.
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“My journey with AFC has been long but very rewarding: from hosting webinars on fast fashion and facilitating craftism workshops at Leeds University and Penpont, as well as leading hands-on upcycling projects and weaving sustainable textiles from locally sourced wool.
I've seen firsthand how young people can drive meaningful change in their communities. These initiatives not only raise awareness about environmental issues but also empower youth to take practical steps, like mending clothes, choosing ethical brands, and embracing natural fibres, to reduce their impact on the planet.”
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After Camp Callum joined the Ambassador Programme, taking part in events across Bristol and South West region. Callum helps lead the Hereford City Youth Council, ensuring there is a focus on nature embedded into their work.
Callum has pursued his interest in fashion and textiles in a number of ways, delivering up-cycling and fast fashion webinars. His most recent piece of work was inspired by the Penpont Project, the land and people who live and work on site.
After meeting Sally Davies, a farmer, he decides to create an art piece up-cycling wool from her sheep. The piece is a woven map of the river Usk that flows through Penpont, providing a perfect habitat for lots of wildlife.
Read Callum’s experience of creating it in his blog here.
94% are more knowledgeable about ways to protect and improve nature
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100% would recommend the programme to other young people
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74% are more motivated to take action for the environment
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85% are more connected to nature
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94% are more knowledgeable about ways to protect and improve nature - 100% would recommend the programme to other young people - 74% are more motivated to take action for the environment - 85% are more connected to nature -
impact
“Our Youth Ambassadors’ passion, creativity, and drive to protect nature gives me hope for the future. It's a privilege to support them as they grow into confident leaders and changemakers.”
Aurianna Najah - North West Programme Coordinator
what do parents think?
“Thank you so much for all the opportunities with AFC, they have a bigger impact on my children than you know.”
— Parent, bristol
“My eldest child has participated in AFC programmes from the age of 13 upwards (to beyond 20). It brought so much of value to their life.”
— Parent, bristol
“Each of these events has been an extraordinary experience for my children”