PACKING LIST FOR CROSSING BORDERS SUMMER TRIP

  • VERY IMPORTANT!!  Your personal identification document.  Either a Passport Book OR Passport Card.  (See Travel page online 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. We need to provide our own twin sheets and pillowcase, or you can bring a sleeping bag and pillowcase.  If you are flying in, we can rent sheet sets for you from the base camp.  If you are driving in and can bring your own set of twin-size sheets and pillowcase, or sleeping bag and pillowcase, that will help save some money we can direct toward mission outreach resources.  Just let us know in advance if you need sheet sets so we can reserve them from our camp hosts. 
  • Toiletries, towel, washcloth, blow dryer.
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat (we provide CB logo ball caps).
  • Work gloves (yes, we will likely do some hard work).
  • Clothing.  It’ll likely be 100+ degrees during the day and we’ll be doing some physical work—you will sweat.  Key in on the concept of modest.  Most of our group wear short pants much 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 or a drop in temperature, you may want a light windbreaker or sweatshirt.
  • You’ll be provided with three logo camp T-shirts when you arrive, so that will be three less shirts you need to pack.  We’ll wear these logo shirts for most of the days.  We’ll launder them during the week.  We’ll be able to wash some other clothes also, but on a limited basis.
  • Shoes.  Comfortable closed-heel, closed-toe shoes.  Clogs, mules, slides and other open-type shoes are NOT recommended at all for in Mexico.  Sandals and flip-flops are only for inside the buildings at base camp.
  • Personal medication.  ALL medications need to be declared on the Medical/Liability Release Form.
  • Cell phones and computer devices, batteries, chargers.  Note:  We are at camp to “get away” from our normal world (as much as possible), to immerse ourselves in the camp experience.  It is OK to use devices to check back home or to document your mission trip experience, but seek to minimize your phone/tablet/laptop/internet usage.  There is wi-fi available at the base camp. 
  • Spending money.  For between-meal snacks and souvenirs.  During our night-time bridge crossing, there are usually vendors walking between the vehicles selling an assortment of goods—quite a unique experience.
  • Smiles and a willing, flexible, humble, serving attitude.  A smile and a good attitude say “Jesus” more than any words.
  • Bible (print or digital), pens, journal notebook (good idea).
  • 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 or illegal drugs.
  • Tobacco products—prohibited for youth; discouraged for adults.  The base camp is “smoke-free” and there will be no place or time for smoking.
  • Immodest or otherwise improper clothing.  NO slinky running shorts, short-shorts, low-cut or spaghetti strap shirts or dresses, halter tops, skimpy bathing suits, low-fitting pants that expose underwear or midriff skin.  NO clothing with questionable pictures or words—be careful of even Christian T-shirt designs.  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 electronic devices for you to plug in to and miss out on what is going on around you.  You’re on this trip 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!