THINGS TO BRING TO CAMP

VERY IMPORTANT!! Your personal identification document. Either a Passport OR Passport Card. (See Travel page for more details)

Pack lightly due to space limitations in the dorm rooms. No more than one suitcase, one hanging bag and one carry-on size bag per person—less, if possible.

Beds, mattresses, pillows and quilts are provided in air-conditioned rooms. You’ll need to bring either a sleeping bag OR a set of sheets for twin bed.

Toiletries, towel, washcloth and blow dryer (or other hair tools).

Bathing suit (not required, but we generally include some swimming during the week). Think modest. Be sensitive and respectful to the Hispanic culture.

Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent.

Work gloves.

Alarm clock.

Work gloves.

Flashlight.

Alarm clock

Camera

Clothing. It’ll be 100 degrees during the day and we’ll be doing some physical work—you will sweat a lot. The Mexican culture is offended by immodest clothing, so key in on the concept of modest. Most of our group wears short pants most of the time, but you’re welcome to wear jeans if you prefer. Bring at least one pair of jeans/pants to use for a grubby work project. Short pants need to be of adequate length—no short-shorts. Shirts should have short or long sleeves (no tank tops) and cover all torso skin areas. In case of rain, you may want a light windbreaker or sweatshirt.

You’ll be provided with three logo camp shirts when you arrive, so that will be three less shirts you need to pack. We’ll wear these logo shirts for five of the days. We’ll launder them mid-week. We’ll only be able to wash the logo shirts—not any other clothing.

Comfortable closed-heel, closed-toe shoes. Clogs, mules, slides and other open-type shoes are NOT recommended at all. Sandals and flip-flops only for inside the buildings at base camp.

Personal medication. ALL medications need to be declared on the Medical/Liability Release Form.

Cell phones or calling cards for your personal calls home. There is a phone onsite, but we need to use it as little as possible so the camp facility can conduct their other regular business. We are at camp to “get away” from our normal world (as much as possible), to immerse ourselves in the camp experience—so minimize your phone usage.

Spending money. For between meal snacks and souvenirs. We usually plan a shopping trip to a Mexican market.

Smiles and a willing, flexible, humble, serving attitude. A smile and a good attitude says “Jesus” more than any words.

Bible, pens, journal book.

Last but not at all least: Prayers. Pray for camp preparation in advance and bring lots of prayers with you. Prayers don’t take up any room to pack, you can never have too many, and it’s probably the most important thing you can bring!

THINGS NOT TO PACK

Alcohol

Illegal drugs

Tobacco products (prohibited for teens; discouraged for adults)

Immodest or otherwise improper clothing. NO slinky running shorts, low-cut or spaghetti strap shirts or dresses, halter tops, skimpy bathing suits, low-fitting pants that expose underwear. NO clothing with questionable pictures or words—be careful of even Christian T-shirts. Remember that many of the nationals don’t speak or read English, so they don’t know why you have a picture of Satan on the front of your shirt, even if you have Jesus on the back.

Body piercing jewelry. If you have body piercings (earrings are OK for girls only), please leave your body jewelry at home. Respect the culture you’ll be in. For instance, earrings on guys are considered a sign of rebellion, especially in village areas.

No radios, CD players, MP3’s, iPods, laptops, game systems, etc. You’re at camp to separate yourself from your normal influences for training and ministry work.

Fireworks, firearms or any other type of weapon.

Bad attitudes, complaining, whining.

“Ugly American” viewpoint. Respect the Hispanic/Mexican culture, their thinking and ways of doing things. Just because it may be “different” from where you come from doesn’t make it “bad.” Revel in the new culture and speak of it with respect.

Anything that might be potentially offensive to others or cause damage to the reputation of our ministry work. You are representing Jesus Christ on this trip and it’s our Savior’s reputation you are carrying!