Where To Next?

Drum roll please……. The Titanium Traveller’s next big adventure is about to be announced. So grab your popcorn and take a seat cause I’m going to tell you a story. There was once a little girl called Maddison. She was the youngest of 4 children she spent a fair chunk of her childhood watching movies with her family. One movie that was constantly on repeat was a family favourite… or maybe less a favourite and more so the only new VHS we had… Any who, that’s beside the point. This movie was The Parent Trap.

Yeah that Lohan film where the twins were sent to summer camp, found out they were twins and then lived happily ever after? I loved that movie and ever since my first screening I’ve wanted to go to a real summer camp. End Story. (Okay, not a very exciting story) But Maddy, that’s so American… Why would you want to do that? You’re Australian.. We don’t even have summer camps and you’re an adult. Yeah okay I’m hearing you… But listen up… Cause I’ve got a secret. A big one! This Titanium Traveller is going to summer camp!

Yeah, you read that right. I am packing my bags, shipping myself of to the Grand Ole USA to become a camp counsellor for the American summer. Who knew that was a thing? In my many hours of googling potential holiday destinations, collecting travel brochures and talking to anyone who would about travel, I learnt this was an actual job! Childhood dreams weren’t dead just yet. It took me 2 years from when I first heard about CCUSA, the company who sponsors your J1 Visa, to actually sign up for the program. I kept making excuses as to why I shouldn’t do it, or more frequently, booking other holidays. It just never seemed like the right time. My priorities were elsewhere. Fast forward to 2017 though and I decided it was now or never. I didn’t have any future travel plans and I was finally out of excuses. I contacted CCUSA, put my name on their lists, paid the fees and as they say, the rest is history! I was placed a few months later as a general counsellor at a camp in Pennsylvania. It wasn’t my expected New York, or California… but I was excited none the less!

The next few months involved filling out forms, sending through documents, waiting and most importantly, applying for the J1 Visa. Turns out America is very particular on who they allow into their country… After a police check, an extensive online questionnaire, and finally a 2 minute face to face meeting at the consulate in Sydney, I was granted my visa! I practically ran from that building into Martin Place. This girl is finally getting the opportunity to live out her childhood dream!

And there you have it… My next adventure. Camp Counsellor 2018! Only 20 days until the fun begins!

Stay tuned!