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Our Story

Building tomorrow's
leaders today

We believe every young person deserves access to transformative global experiences β€” regardless of where they come from or how much money they have.

Join the Movement β†’

We started with one camp, 30 students, and a belief that youth connection changes the world.

🌟
Omar Al-Rashid
Co-Founder & Executive Director
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Founded 2019From 1 camp to 48 programs
Our Mission

We exist to
unlock human
potential.

NextGen Youth Camp was founded in 2019 with a single purpose: to give ambitious young people the global experiences they deserve β€” not just the ones who can afford it.

We connect university students and young professionals aged 18–30 to transformative camps and events worldwide, spanning leadership, innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainability.

"Every great leader started somewhere. We want that 'somewhere' to be a NextGen camp β€” where barriers dissolve, perspectives shift, and friendships form across borders."

Today, 5,000+ alumni in 75+ countries carry the NextGen spirit. Our camps don't just build CVs β€” they build character, community, and the conviction that young people can change the world.

Explore Our Programs β†’
What We Stand For

Our Core Values

🌍
Global Accessibility

We believe geography and finances should never limit ambition. Through fully funded programs and partnerships, we make international experiences available to all.

⚑
Bold Action

We don't wait for permission to create change. We act with courage, take on ambitious challenges, and inspire our participants to do the same in their communities.

🀝
Radical Inclusion

Diverse perspectives create better outcomes. We actively seek out participants from underrepresented regions, backgrounds, and disciplines to build truly global cohorts.

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Learning by Doing

Our programs are immersive, experiential, and action-oriented. Participants don't just sit in lectures β€” they build, create, debate, and lead real projects with real impact.

🌱
Sustainable Impact

Every program is designed for long-term transformation β€” not just a one-week experience. Our alumni network ensures that the journey continues long after the camp ends.

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Trust & Transparency

We are accountable to our participants, partners, and communities. Clear communication, fair selection, and honest impact reporting are non-negotiable commitments.

By the Numbers

Our global impact
in numbers

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Alumni worldwide
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Countries represented
0
Partner organisations
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Programs delivered
The People Behind It

Meet the Team

A passionate group of educators, entrepreneurs, and global citizens united by the belief in youth-led change.

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Omar Al-Rashid
Co-Founder & Executive Director

Former UNDP Youth Advisor. 10+ years in international development. Oxford MPA graduate. Passionate about bridging global opportunity gaps.

πŸ‘©πŸ»β€πŸŽ“
Layla Siddiqui
Co-Founder & Head of Programs

Education technologist and curriculum designer. Previously at UNESCO & Teach For All. Master's in International Education, Columbia University.

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Lucas Ferreira
Head of Partnerships

Former Google for Startups lead. Built partnerships across 30+ countries. Speaks 4 languages. Based in SΓ£o Paulo, originally from Brazil.

πŸ‘©πŸΎβ€πŸŽ¨
Amara Diallo
Head of Community & Alumni

Youth community builder from Senegal. Founded two youth NGOs. Alumna of Global Youth Leadership Summit 2021. Now pays it forward full-time.

Our Journey

How we got here

2019 β€” The Beginning
First camp launched in Istanbul

30 participants from 12 countries. A 7-day leadership camp with zero budget and maximum heart. The idea that became NextGen.

2020 β€” Pivot to Virtual
Online camps during the pandemic

Adapted to virtual-first programming, reaching 500+ participants across 40 countries. Proved that global connection transcends physical borders.

2021 β€” Partnership Growth
First UN agency partnership

Partnered with UNDP and UNESCO to deliver fully funded programs. Launched the Alumni Network with 800+ members in Year 1.

2022–2024 β€” Global Scale
48 camps, 75 countries, 5,000+ alumni

Expanded to 6 continents. Launched self-funded programs for young professionals. Became the go-to platform for international youth experiences.

2025 β€” What's Next
New website, bigger ambitions

Launching our new platform in 6 languages. Expanding to 100+ programs. Building toward a world where every ambitious young person has a NextGen story.

Where in the world
have we been?

From Istanbul to Berlin, Dubai to Nairobi, Geneva to Singapore β€” NextGen programs have landed on 6 continents and counting.

Our camps bring together participants from backgrounds as diverse as the locations themselves β€” because we believe the best solutions emerge when different minds meet.

In 2025, we're launching programs in new regions: Central Asia, West Africa, and Latin America. The map keeps growing.

πŸ—ΊοΈ

6 Continents Β· 75+ Countries Β· Growing

52
Active camp listings
6
Languages on site

Become part of
the NextGen story.

Applications are open for 2025 programs. Fully funded and self-funded options available for ages 18–30.

Apply Now β†’ Get in Touch