The National Geographic Society and Allen Family Philanthropies Launch National Geographic Photo Camp Series for Youth Across Washington State

The collaboration supports 160 young people across eight communities in developing their storytelling skills and showcasing their perspectives on their communities, cultures, and the environment.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allen Family Philanthropies and the National Geographic Society today announced a new effort to bring a series of eight National Geographic Photo Camps to youth throughout Washington state. From the Olympic Peninsula to Spokane, the series will engage youth ages 16 to 22, teaching them to use photography, writing, and visual storytelling as tools for self-expression, connection, and change. Three camps have already been completed, and the other five will continue throughout 2026.

This Photo Camp series builds on a collaboration between the Society and Allen Family Philanthropies that began in 2022 with the global Slingshot Challenge.

National Geographic Photo Camp introduces the power of photography to young people across the world. The program works with National Geographic Explorers, photographers, educators, and local organizations serving teens and young adults. Under the mentorship of Explorers and team leads, students create stories from their own authentic perspectives, and deepen their connections with their own communities.

For many alumni, Photo Camp sparks a lifelong journey in storytelling—leading some to pursue further education in photojournalism and publish in top media outlets. Others return to Photo Camp as team leaders and even become National Geographic Explorers themselves.

“Storytelling is a powerful force for connection and understanding, and National Geographic Photo Camp places that power directly in the hands of the young people,” said Anh Nguyen, director of the arts, youth, and communities program at Allen Family Philanthropies. “We are excited to build upon our relationship with the National Geographic Society by supporting a program that is creating the next generation of storytellers. By investing in their voices, we’re investing in a future where more stories are seen, heard, and valued across Washington state.”

The Washington Photo Camps are led by National Geographic Explorer Dominic Bracco II—a photographer, writer, and award-winning storyteller whose work focuses on local communities, human connection, and the natural world. For several camps, Bracco is joined by fellow Explorers who provide mentorship, including Explorer in Residence Kirsten Elstner who is the founder and director of Photo Camp.

“Photo Camp is about more than learning how to use a camera—it’s about helping young people see the importance of their own stories,” said Elstner. “As students document their communities and share their perspectives, they build technical skills as well as a deeper sense of connection, and confidence in the power of their own voice.”

Each five-day camp begins with an introduction to photography fundamentals, including composition, lighting, and visual storytelling. Students then spend several days in the field, creating thousands of photos of portraits, landscapes, still-life, and more. As the week progresses, students refine their work for a final presentation where they share their work with peers, mentors, and invited guests. Photo Camp also works to facilitate student connections long after their five days at camp, through exhibitions, alumni meetups, and opportunities to share their stories online.

The Washington state camps are conducted in collaboration with several state-wide organizations including the Asians for Collective Liberation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, the Coast Salish Youth Coalition, Triumph Teen Life Center, the University of Washington's GEAR UP Achievers Program and Youth in Focus.

The remaining camps will take place from June through November. After the last camp is complete, the series will culminate in a statewide exhibition in Seattle in 2027, showcasing the photographs, stories and perspectives of participating youth.

Visuals of the first three Washington state Photo Camps are available HERE. Spokespeople available upon request.

About Allen Family Philanthropies

Founded in 1988 by Jody Allen and the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, Allen Family Philanthropies (formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation) invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond to strengthen arts and culture, empower the next generation of changemakers, and support a global network of partners working to advance biodiversity and human well-being. Learn more at www.allenphilanthropies.org.

About National Geographic Photo Camp

National Geographic Photo Camp provides a meaningful introduction to photography for young people from communities around the world. Each Photo Camp is an immersive experience where students receive instruction and guidance from world-class National Geographic Explorers and photographers, build skills and confidence, explore the world around them, and develop deep connections with each other. The goal of the program is to inspire the next generation of storytellers, and support them in sharing their experiences and perspectives.​​​ Learn more at natgeo.org/photocamp.

About The National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.

To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.