Party Camp, with a Purpose

by Noah Tran

Work Camp, more like party camp. That’s what I thought last year when I attended Work Camp for the first time. In 2024, I showed up wide-eyed and responsibility-free, just a “deer in headlights” whose primary tasks were painting… painting… body rolls… and more painting. While undeniably fun, the experience felt surprisingly comfortable for something designed to challenge our willpower and deepen our commitment to shaping the futures of young Vietnamese children.

This year, I knew I wanted more. I came into Work Camp 2025 determined to step outside of that comfort zone, to embrace discomfort and growth, and to emulate the leader-like individuals who’ve inspired me, especially Nanhi TRAN (not Hodge) and my incredible mother, Elena. Thanks to my role as a SEEDS officer, I was granted that opportunity. To my surprise (and slight panic), I was also entrusted with leading my team and serving as a bus lead.

"Who thought it was a good idea to put a 5’3 teenager, who could probably pass for a fifth grader, in charge of a bus full of people?" I asked myself. But over these past few days, something clicked. Leadership, it turned out, didn’t require a loud voice or a commanding presence; It came naturally. Not because I’m inherently equipped, but because the people around me were so open-hearted and welcoming. These once-strangers are now friends, friends who embraced me as I am (even when I probably didn’t smell great… sorry, everyone).

I’m incredibly grateful for the growth this year brought me. Taking on more responsibility, whether through leading a team, managing social media, or just showing up for other allowed me to develop as both a leader and a person. I found joy not just in the fun moments, but also in the challenging ones. I found strength in the unity of the 2025 Work Camp crew. Most importantly, I found pride in leading with compassion, connection, and conviction, just as Nanhi and my mother have modeled for me time and time again.

They’ve shown me that true leadership doesn’t come from authority or control, it comes from the heart… something I happen to have a lot of for the 2025 work camp crew. I thank everyone for the lifelong memories I crafted through the late night chè runs, crashing parties, and overall bonds I was able to attain with everyone.

So yes—Work Camp is a fitting name. But if you ask me, “Party Camp” still has a nice ring to it.