Intent on doing something constructive for my final long summer holiday, I began researching USA summer camp agencies. The established names were BUNAC, CCUSA and Camp America, although I heard of other players. In the end I went with CCUSA after totalling all the hidden costs against the miserable wage and benefits each agency offered. I was also reassured by their 100% placement guarantee if you applied before a certain deadline.

Throughout the application process, I found CCUSA to be efficient, friendly and accommodating. I emailed the local rep with questions numerous times along the way and she always replied within a few hours, even if just to say, she was investigating the query and would get back to me. Brilliant! Here's a thorough breakdown on the application process and please refer to CCUSA's site for current fees and wage details.

1. Written application and references

I also needed to enclose photos with a description showing me involved in my hobbies, or working with kids.

I had my interview in January (within days of my application!), in time to be guaranteed a place if I was successful. The interview was fairly informal, with the interviewer making me a tea beforehand. She came armed with a huge folder full of CCUSA information and interview questions. We chatted about my experience with kids (I had spent a year volunteering in a primary school) then she asked my questions about the activities I had expressed interest in. These were very simple questions although I have to say unexpected, e.g. (Horse related) What would you give a horse as a treat? What is the difference between English and Western riding? She had a list to choose from so applicants don't necessarily get the same each time. I have to admit I struggled to answer a few simple questions, but I guess my enthusiasm and work experience made up for it, since she told me at the end of the interview that I was accepted. This made me realise how low the requirements must be!

I was accepted formally after a week and my application was circulated immediately. I had to pay my acceptance fee by a certain date. I think it took me a month to get placed - without interview! This happens more often than not. Other times, a camp director will phone you and grill you further. However, if you fail, your application will continue to be circulated so don't worry.

Meanwhile, I think my visa appointment had been booked before my placement was found (although this was confirmed by the time the appointment happened). But again, this is just a formality so there is no need to worry about being rejected!

Second - the chances are, you will be trained to coach the activity you are involved in and even if you learn something from scratch in the training week, you will probably be better than most of the campers! (and in fact, often, counselors don't teach one subject, but rotate round every activity with their kids, they are simply there as support staff). You can tick 'basic knowledge of' for many things because you would have done them at school.