Bye bye USA :(
Unfortunately, after several weeks of illness and financial worries I've had to cancel my trip to KAMP USA. I'm gutted!
Thought I'd write a brief bit about how I went about cancelling, in case it applies to anyone else with luck like mine 
Basically, I called BUNAC and as always, I was greeted with someone very friendly who offered to assist me. I explained my situation and she was very understanding and non-judgemental. Although she said she had written a note about my concerns she said they needed proof in "writing" in the form of an email or letter. I quickly typed up an email outlining the issues and extending my apology, as my official withdrawal from the program.
My friend's are still going which is going to prove difficult to deal with over the summer, but nevermind. Guess some things just aren't meant to be!
KAMP USA – I’m in!
I can't believe it! I've received an email and I've been placed. Camp Wah-nee in Conneticut, as canteen staff. The two girls I applied with have also been placed at the same camp! Woohoo!
Now they just need me to sign the contract and send a photograph of myself and I'm one step closer 
!
KAMP USA – The Phone Interview
Okay, to say I was nervous would be a massive understatement. I sat staring at my phone with an army of friends talking to me on Facebook Chat telling me to calm down.. the wait was on. It didn't help that my call was 10 minutes late, im surprised I didn't pass out
Anyway, down to business. The lady who interviewed me was really nice. She introduced herself and began with a few simple questions, asking about me, my hobbies, what I do at university, and so on. I had prepared answers for questions like "why do you want to go to KAMP this year?" and "what do you think makes you a suitable candidate?" but there were a few which certainly took me by surprise.
Be prepared for the unexpected in your interview - I was asked what my expectations are of American children, what experience I had in "outdoor living" - if I'd been to a camp before or I had done any outdoorsy activities in the past. Although I had, I struggled to think on the spot and worried I had ruined my interview.
The whole process only took about 15-20 minutes, and was generally pain-free. I just get very nervous, especially when it's something important to me at stake!
Something to bear in mind is that my friends and I had some similar questions but generally they were different - one of my friends interview was only 10 minutes! Just make sure you prepare, remember your experience and make sure you sell yourself as an outgoing and fun individual. I'm sure you'll be fine.
KAMP USA – The first steps!
Well, I'd heard of Camp America, but KAMP USA? Nope. Not until last week anyway, when a friend of mine from university came to me with an idea. KAMP USA is organised through BUNAC, basically they pay for your flights and your stay at a summer camp, who provide your food and shelter. The placement lasts for 9 weeks, but for the last month or so you get to travel around the USA as you please. As soon as she mentioned the travel my ears perked.
Anyway, KAMP USA is different to Camp America, in that you don't have to be responsible for 20 children 24/7 and be into sports... instead, you work behind the scenes, providing a vital service to the residents at the camp. You could work as a cleaner, kitchen staff, maintainance, a driver... or even work in the camp office. Basically, you still get to be a part of the experience, but without the massive responsibility. I enjoy working with children but I'm not sure I could handle that! Anyway, we have since been going through the application process and I thought I'd document it on here, in case anyone is interested.
So, after much excitable discussion we ended up registering on the site and looking through reviews of people's experiences. It looked fantastic! And so began the application process. First is a fairly big application form, much of which is multiple choice-type questions. BUNAC need to know where your skills lie, where you have experience and what you could and would like to do at camp. The key thing is, be honest. If you say you are a professional cook and get to America where you are expected to cook for 200 hungry campers, you're in trouble. Be honest, but express your interest in the places you wish to be. The staff are very understanding and will do their best to accommodate your needs.
Anyway, after fairly typical application form questions (why did you apply, work experience, etc), you tick the confirmation box and make the first payment (£40). This IS REFUNDABLE should you not get a place with KAMP USA. After this, upload a photograph. Something smiley but not alcohol related, and under 1mb of size. It must be a head/shoulder shot. Remember, this is the first time they will see you, so you want to give a good impression!
And then you wait.. check the next post for details on the telephone interview which follows!