I got the same email today and I also signed up to go to the Birmingham orientation this saturday. I haven't been placed yet though so I still don't know whether to go or not. It seems like a waste if I don't end up getting placed.
I was so confident after the interview that I was going to get placed and they said, yer you won't have to wait long to hear, probably around 3 weeks. Now it's been much longer than that so I've worried myself into thinking I'm not going to get placed.
Maaan this aplication process isn't half stressful! Do you guys think I should go to this orientation anyway?

to be honest i dont think going to the orientation would do any harm, it may reasure you that ur not the only one and gives camp america an extra chance to see how good you r and may then push your application when places come up. i dont really know how the sending of applications actually works but cant do any harm can it???
plus it means u pick up info that u may not otherwise, and may give you some more info and find out your options a bit more

Ok, I don't think this is some big conspiracy.

CA know where you live, and if you've picked an orientation they know where. It's not hard to work out the distances between the two, and they've probably taken a look and figured that for some people it's a big distance. Assuming those people haven't been placed, it's just a way of letting them know that if it's going to be a stuggle for them to make it to the meeting it isn't the end of the world.

Being realistic, it is going to be harder to place people this year, due to the ecomony. CA have said that in that email, and at other times (closing apps early, not emailing camps etc). It's basically a bit of friendly advice on their part.

Personally, I'd say, if you can make the orientation, and it's probably worth going, even if your not placed.

lol theres another post about this somewhere else. like everyones said before me, if its not too much of a hassle u might aswell still go. im going to the leeds one tonight even tho im not placed. i know u can find out most of information out elsewhere i think im mostly goin to meet people and head the trek america talk and to get myself a bit more excited again!

hey im a returner but last year i did everything last minute and didnt go to the orientation but i got one when i went to america as I had to stay in the ramada inn hotel b4 my camp picked me up! i wouldnt worry about not attending one it some ways its useful but if its such a hassle or cost i would say your not losing out on too much! the fourm i think is best place to get info from neways!
x

I agree! on my first year i found out most of the stuff i needed from the website and forum!

In 2007 i went to the orientation at newcastle and thought it was really informative although a bit long with all the singing and stuff! The mini orientation at the ramada hotel was good, some good info without all the singing! But really i already knew 95% of the stuff through the forum! returners on here are awesome!

So i wouldnt worry about it - go to a one if you can make it/doesnt cost too much!