Sydney Martínez and Dianne Estévez participated in two international youth camps in 2025 as members of the American Red Cross National Youth Council.
by Rachel Beaird, Communications Volunteer
Every year, the Global Red Cross Movement holds international youth camps focused on helping the next generation of Red Cross leaders grow, learn, and connect with one another. This year, Sydney Martínez of Orlando, a Junior Advisor to the American Red Cross National Youth Council, had the opportunity to attend two such camps.
Sydney has built an impressive record of leadership and impact within the Red Cross. After helping re-establish the Red Cross presence at the University of Central Florida, she successfully re-registered the club, grew it to over 200 students, and was elected Vice President. She went on to serve as the National Collegiate Assembly Lead, guiding 12 National Collegiate Officers and driving division-wide initiatives.
In the past year, her dedication to the Red Cross mission led her across borders. Sydney and fellow American Red Cross volunteer, Dianne Estévez, first made their way to Costa Rica in January for the COATÍ Youth Camp, hosted by the Costa Rican Red Cross. Here, they were met by other volunteers from Italy, Mexico, Panama, the United Kingdom, the United States, Suriname, and Venezuela.
In August, they travelled to the Mexican Red Cross Youth Camp in Tepoztlán, Morelos. Over 1,500 young adult volunteers from across the country were in attendance, including representation from all 32 Mexican states. Many others joined from across the globe.
The group began their time there with the Fiaccolata, a traditional candlelight walk across town symbolizing the values of humanitarianism. Sydney and Dianne carried the American and Puerto Rican flags, paying homage to their culture and heritage.
Much of the day was spent participating in a variety of workshops, including sessions on first aid and humanitarian photography. The group also took part in team-building activities, and a canine rescue team stopped by to show off their training. Their nights were alive with excitement as they danced for hours, surrounded by strobe lights and music from a DJ.
Sydney said that this trip helped her feel more connected to not only her own culture – but other cultures across the globe as well. This opportunity allowed her, along with many others, to learn from one another and build connections that last long after the camp ends.
“We’re all united under the same purpose for humanitarianism. Even though our pasts and our volunteer titles could be vastly different, we are still in the youth space together,” she said.
Red Cross youth camps show that young people across the globe are united by a shared commitment to their communities and to serving humanity.
While these particular experiences are typically limited to those in national leadership roles within the Red Cross, there are plenty of other ways for young people in the organization to connect and get involved.
For example, Sydney is also a part of the Latino Engagement Team, a group dedicated to ensuring that everyone in need – regardless of language or culture – has access to the resources offered by the Red Cross. This opportunity, along with many others offered by the National Youth Council, allows volunteers to join virtual calls and take these resources back to their communities.
Youth and young adult volunteers can stay up to date by visiting redcross.org/youth. Here, these volunteers can:
Young volunteers bring fresh energy and long-term commitment to the Red Cross, and whether abroad or from home, every act of service strengthens communities, supports essential programs, and builds the next generation of Red Cross leaders.
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