Are You Ready for Training Camp?
Your bags are packed.
(Or you’ve at least thought about packing a bag. . . right?)
You’re super pumped.
(Or nervous or antsy . . .that’s okay. . . so is everyone else!)
You’re busy writing thank you notes to all your supporters.
(Ahem. You know your Aunt Lila is dying to hear from you.)
There is no doubt you’re headed out on the adventure of a lifetime! And we are so excited to meet you and spend time with you before we sent you out to the nations.
So let’s talk about this thing called training camp.
(Yikes! Maybe not that kind of training camp.)
Camp begins when you arrive at our headquarters in Georgia on the first day of your trip and lasts until you fly to your destination.
Training camp is a busy few days, filled with teachings, worship, time spent getting to know your team and leaders, and having a blast. The adventure truly begins at camp!!
The accommodations at training camp are somewhat primitive, so we want to make sure you are ready to tackle the challenge!
Lodging – You will be staying in large tents (that we will provide) on sleeping mats (that we will also provide). You will need to use your own sheets or sleeping bag – whichever you packed for your trip – and your own pillow. Guys and girls will tent in separate areas.
Bathrooms – You will not have access to traditional running water. We will have porta potties set up, and you will be showering with bucket showers. Your water bottle will be your best friend when it comes to brushing your teeth and washing your hands. We will provide large coolers of water for drinking and washing at all times.
Bucket showers go something like this:
1. Fill a bucket with water (it will be chilly!).
2. Scoop up some water to rinse yourself off.
3. Soap up!
4. Scoop more water to wash the soap off.
5. You’re clean (and maybe doing the cold water dance)!
Food – Food will be prepared by our awesome kitchen staff! You will need to keep your water bottle with you at all times to stay hydrated.
A note on food allergies and preferences:
While we understand that our bodies are built differently, the reality of the mission field is that you will rarely have much control over what is available for you to eat. You will be served a variety of dishes overseas, and unless you have a serious food allergy, declining to eat a dish can be seen as offensive.
If you have a food allergy or intolerance listed on your Medical tab, we will make accommodations for you at training camp. However, food is ordered weeks in advance, and if you do not inform us of these needs in advance, you will be expected to eat the food served, or make do.
Vegetarians will need to make do with the main dishes served. Food preferences will not be accommodated.
Weather – You will be outdoors in the hot Georgia summer heat and red clay. Plan for that and pop-up rain storms!
Bottom line:
Training camp puts the ADVENTURE in MISSIONS.
See you soon!!
Reminder: Travel information
Your training camp will be at the Adventures in Missions office. The address is:
6000 Wellspring Trail.
Gainesville, GA 30506
If you are planning to FLY in for Training Camp:
ARRIVE in Atlanta, GA (Hartsfield-Jackson Int. – ATL) no later than 2:00 PM on 7/1/2016.
When your flight arrives, grab your pack from baggage claim and then make your way to the ATLANTA CHOPHOUSE in the Atrium. An Adventures staff person will be there in the early afternoon to greet you.
An Adventures shuttle will transport you from the airport to Camp. Please pick up your bags and head to the atrium quickly once you land.
If you are planning to Drive to camp:
You need to arrive at the above location between 4PM – 5PM EST.
Departing Travel:
If you plan on flying, you may depart from Atlanta, GA (Hartsfield-Jackson Int. – ATL) between 8 am and 12 pm on the end date of your trip (The 15th, the 22nd, or the 29th). If you fly out later than these times, your leaders will still be getting you to the security checkpoint in this window.
If you are driving you may also be picked up between 8 am and 12 pm on the end date of your trip from the hotel (near the airport in ATL) you will be staying at the night of your debrief. This address will be provided soon.
