Top Tips & FAQ
Everyone who works for Wild Packs, whether they are at university or in our lovely office, has been to camp at least once before. The following is a list of things they have all asked or been asked at some so we thought we would share them with you.
We kid you not, we have been asked every question that follows so let’s start with one of the best.....
“Where is America?”
Q. What are my chances of getting placed?
A. Providing you make a professional effort with your application and prove to us that you have the right attitude and approach, the odds are very much in your favour.
Q. What happens if I don’t get placed?
A. We will let you know in early May, giving you plenty of time to find something else for the summer should you fail to secure a spot.
Q. What can I do at camp?
A. You can do everything you like at camp, activity wise. Tell us everything about yourself on your app. Impress the pants off us!
Q. How important is the application form?
A. VERY IMPORTANT. If you don’t give your application 100%, we will not call you back. Do not expect to be hired simply because you have registered. (Dont put "i" when it should be "I")
Q. How do I get the visa forms?
A. Once you are placed, we will grant you access to the hired staff section of the website where you will find step by step instructions on how to get your visa sorted.
Q. I have a MasterCard, do I still need a visa?
A. Oh good lord! The “visa” is what you need in your passport to enter the US with. It has nothing to do with credit cards.
Q. How old are the children?
A. The kids range from seven to seventeen.
Meet Hannah, Hannah would like to share with the world how not to get to camp....
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Q. I don’t have much experience with children, can I still apply?
A. Yes as long as you show willing eager to learn.
Q. How long do the camps last for?
A. You will be on camp for an average of nine weeks after which you are free to travel America until your return to the UK.
Q. Can I take my own horse?
A. Only if you have a really big bag.
Q. What should I pack?
A. Camp will send you a recommended packing list but you can buy things when you get there so don’t pack three months of shampoo! Use common sense, but if you are female we accept you will ignore any advice and still pack half your life!
Q. Can I take my laptop?
A. Yes, but why do you need it? It’s a pain in the neck to carry around and the bunks don’t have WI FI.
Q. What is the “T.M.C.?”
A. The TMC is the fictitious bridge that the British staff drive over to the US on. The Trans Mediterranean Causeway, and oh yes, it floats (or at least that what you can tell the kids.)
Q. What is the food like?
A. Let’s just say its character building but remember you are visiting a new country so don’t be quick with the negative comments. They could offend your hosts more that you realise.
Q. Can I drink on camp?
A. Absolutely not and in fact staff caught drinking is one of the most common reason for folk being fired and sent home early. If you are not 21, you are not old enough and you are increasing the risk of wrecking your summer tenfold. It really is not worth it.
Q. Can I take my mobile phone?
A. Sure, but who are you calling? If you need to call home, buy a calling card from Wal Mart or you can pick up a cheap pay as you go hand set when you get there if you really must text you friends on days off.
Q. I hate kids, can I still apply?
A. Erm.....No!
Top Tip: Camp directors and the campers will check out your Facebook profiles. If you have pictures or content on there that is not suitable for a seven year old to see, get rid of it. Last season, 23 folk lost their positions even before the summer started because they forgot they had just become a role model for children and posted pictures of them falling out of their student union bar.
We think you get the idea but if there is something you would still like to know, please feel free to contact us in the office. We are always happy to share our summer stories.
The best advice we can give you is to go into this with an open mind and a general acceptance that you will smell of bug spray for the whole summer but that you are going to have one of the most positive experiences of your life!