A TALENTED Ringwood teenager has just returned from Finland after winning the trip of a lifetime.

Shona Graham was chosen to be the UK representative at the Finland Youth Camp run by the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Programme, where she made friends with others from 17 different countries around the world. Shona said: “During my first week in which I stayed with Maarit, Juha and their dog Herta we visited loads of different places to give me a sense of Finnish culture, in particular the Finnish summer. “We visited Sibelius’ house and a museum concerning Finnish women in the Second World War. We also went to Helsinki for a day, as well as Porvoo and Mikkeli to get a sense of the difference between cities in Finland. “One of the most noteworthy parts of my trip was the friendships formed in both weeks. I cried hard when I said goodbye to my host family and am hopefully visiting them again in December. Everyone at the camp was wonderful, but certain friends I am sure I will see again in the next few years.

“It’s hard to describe how wonderful it was to really connect with people just like me from all over the globe and also to experience a culture I knew little about.”

Young people who will be aged 17-20 next year are being urged to make an application to the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Programme 2015. A fact sheet and application form can be downloaded at randflions.org.uk. The closing date is September 30.