The best part of working as a camp counselor is relishing the freedom you have afterwards. After 12+ weeks of being told when I can eat and what, all the choices I suddenly had was overwhelming.

You have up to 30 days after camp finishes until your visa runs out. Don’t attempt to stay longer – I did this in my second year at camp and got chucked out of America. Not good.

Cool things to do after camp

Visit your campers. Some counselors make such good friends with their campers they go and stay at their various houses in the USA. In Secret Diary of a Camp Counselor you’ll see Emily does this, and Zoe. Both experiences worked out well and you can save a lot of money. It’s also a great way to experience America as Americans do and be looked after by some child-starved parents for a while.

Visit your American co-counselors. Another great way to save money and see the USA is to stay with your new American friends. It makes sense to hang out while you’re in the country and it’s pretty cool to stay with a real American family, isn’t it?

Explore the US with new friends. There are 50 states in America – chances are you probably saw one or two while you were at camp. Now is the time to explore the rest of them – New York, California, Hawaii, Texas, Washington – wow!

Explore America by yourself. After all that it’s perfectly valid to want some time to yourself. Hop on the Greyhound bus service and make the most of your 30 days – you could always meet up with friends later.

Persuade home friends to join you. I’d say this is a bit risky to be honest. You are guaranteed to make friends at camp and at least meet one other person you want to travel with. Don’t bind yourself into meeting home friends unless you are absolutely sure.

Escape the country. This is what I did! I went with my best friend from camp and had the best week of my life, I didn’t even notice the tonsillitis and ear infection it was that good. More about that another time!