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Packing List!

You’ve been waiting for it, and here it is! Your packing list! Make sure you check out the link to the generic packing list, read through the guidelines, and then see your country-specific needs below! 

 

General Packing Guidelines

Here is a link to the Ambassador Packing List for all locations:  Packing List

  • Please plan to pack ONE 50 lb. bag plus 1 carry-on bag, and a personal item (such as a purse or small bag).

  • Luggage may be a hiking pack or a suitcase, as long as you are able to carry your own luggage.

  • Check the average weather for the location to which you are traveling.  You’ll know best what temperatures you are comfortable in for clothing and bedding.

  • Plan to pack light, pounds and gear add up quickly and you may have to carry your luggage.  

  • Water bottles are a MUST, and a Nalgene can be purchased at training camp!

  • Do not bring laptops.

  • Closed toe shoes are a must.  You may bring “light” closed toe shoes such as Keds, but you will need at least one pair of sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes for work projects, hiking, or outdoor activities.

  • Flip-flops are great for showers and off time.

  • Please leave all expensive jewelry and electronic devices at home.

  • You can bring a smart-phone for taking pictures and the times your team might have access to wifi on off days. On a day-to-day basis, a few people will be permitted to take cell phones or cameras to ministry, with the expectation that they will share pictures with the rest of the group. The team leader will collect and keep safe the rest of the phones. We will go over this cell phone policy and appropriate times to take pictures at training camp!

  • If you question whether you should bring something, your best bet is to leave it home.  You will likely already stand out, so please don’t wear or bring anything that will attract additional attention.

  • Leggings may only be worn under shorts or skirts, not as pants, even around your lodging site.

  • Leave your running shorts at home, since they cannot be worn in country we ask that you don’t wear them at training.

  • A modest, one-piece bathing suit does not include those with large cut-outs or mesh.

  • Make sure any cash you bring to exchange is in crisp, new bills.  The smallest bills most countries will exchange are $20 bills.

  • If you have a musical instrument (ex. guitar) and you are willing and capable of carrying it, you may do so. You are responsible for transportation and the care of the instrument. Adventures in Missions is not responsible for any loss or damages.

  • If there is anything additional, we will let you know!

Guidelines for Sleeping Gear

  • Many of our hosts have let us know that teams may bring sheets for their lodging or that they will provide sheets.  However, past experience has taught us that, if possible, it is best for participants to pack a sleeping bag.  Sleeping bags can be used on any surface – on top of a bed or sleeping mat or on the floor.  

  • Regardless of your location, nights are often cooler, especially if you are headed to the southern hemisphere where it is winter right now.  Sleeping bags are great for this, and if you are hot, you can sleep on top of the bag!  If your bag does not compact easily a great way to pack it is to fold it in the bottom of your bag, as opposed to rolling it.

  • If you are required to bring a sleeping pad (see below), we highly recommend testing this out by sleeping on it prior to your trip.  You want to make sure it is comfortable and works for you.  Expensive pads are not necessarily the best, as different types of mats appeal to different people.

  • We recommend that you pack a small travel pillow.

Country Specifics and Exceptions

Puerto Rico

You will be sleeping in dorm-style beds, but you will need to bring sheets (or sleeping bag), pillow, and a towel.  You will need to bring clothes that can get dirty or ruined for some work projects.  

Philippines

You will be sleeping on beds, but will need sheets (or a sleeping bag), pillow and a towel.  

Swaziland

You will be sleeping in bunk beds and will need sheets (or a sleeping bag).  A mosquito net is optional as it will be winter.  You will have the ability to have bucket showers.  The team will be cooking together for meals.   

Girls will need skirts to the knee or ankle for all ministry days, please no slits in skirts and make sure they are not tight.  Shirts should be long enough that if you raise your hands your stomach does not show.  Everyone will need a pair of close-toed shoes.

Guys will need khaki’s for most ministry days, but jeans for children’s ministry is fine.  No shorts for ministry days.  Please wear shirts with a collar for church.  

Pictures of family are great to bring and show during home visits.

Tip from your host!  To get the best exchange rate use your debit card to withdraw money at the airport when you fly into Africa.  

Jamaica

You will be staying in bunk-style beds, and you will need sheets (or a sleeping bag) , pillow and a towel.  It would be a good idea to bring a mosquito net.  There is no heat or A.C. available, so bring a battery operated portable fan if you know you get hot easily.

Remember, we are collecting gently-used roller blades and roller skates for this ministry host!

South Africa

You will be staying in dorm-style bedding, and you will need to bring sheets, a sleeping bag (for warmth – it’s winter!), a pillow, and a towel.

You will be helping with a sports camp, so if you have extra room and want to throw in a couple soccer ball (deflated) and a pump, or gently used sports equipment, that would be great!

Guatemala

You will need to bring sheets, pillow and towel.  You will move locations two or three times during your stay so make sure you are comfortable toting your luggage and this is a simple process.  Laundry can often be purchased in town near lodging sights for a very minimal amount- this will be your own expense as laundry needs will vary based on person.  Feel free to still pack travel laundry detergent if you need to hand wash a few items.   You will also be doing some travel on the lake, so if you get motion-sick easily, you might want to bring something for that!

On one of your off days, you will have the opportunity to do the zipline at Panajachel (an option, not required). If you are going to participate, you will need to bring $30 to cover this expense.

You will be able to exchange $20 bills in Antigua, but outside of that city, you will need crisp $50 or $100 bills to exchange.

Peru

You will be sleeping in bunk beds in a big barn room, so we suggest packing sheets (no sleeping bag needed, as it will be hot), a pillow, a towel, and a mosquito net. The host also recommends that you bring a power converter for charging your phones/devices. Suitcases are fine, but hiking packs are preferred.  You will need a daypack,  deet mosquito repellent, and mosquito nets.  Laundry can be done on the river, staff will assist with this.  

Dominican Republic

Your first week of ministry will involve getting the camp ready to go and work projects, so you need to pack one work outfit (work t-shirt, work jeans, close-toed shoes, work gloves). You will also need to bring sheets, a pillow, and a towel. This ministry host can provide a guitar, so need need to bring your own unless you prefer to do so!

For your off days, your team will have the opportunity to choose activities set up by the host OR determine your own off days (though you must leave the camp). The host’s planned off day activities are great and will show you beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic. However, each participant will need to bring about $85 to cover this cost.