Wait for Camp America trip frustrates young counsellor

Riana O'Neill should be at her US summer camp. Photo / Facebook

Riana O'Neill has had her bags packed for three weeks.

The 18-year-old has been looking forward to fulfilling her dream as a Camp America counsellor since she signed up after leaving Christchurch Girls High School last year.

The Rhode Island camp began today.

The children have arrived, as have the other international counsellors.

But despite being booked to leave on June 17, Ms O'Neill is still in New Zealand, frustrated by the US computer system collapse which has delayed the issuing of her work visa.

"I've literally been waiting for three weeks for them to print something out," she said. "It's been very frustrating."

She has twice had to change flight plans, at a cost of $300.

"Camp America has been really good about it but I can't say the same about the US authorities. Communication has been awful."

She hopes to get a visa today.