Hi all~
It was fun to get to talk with some of you on the conference call. We’ve had some things clarified lately as far as what to bring and what not to bring, and some dress code clarifications. I just wanted to share all of that with you…please let us know if you have any questions!
– Please be sure to bring a jar of peanut butter and a box of ziploc bags.
– Be thinking about and noticing things you can bring as a host gift…we hope that everyone will bring at least one item.
– We need people to volunteer to bring soccer balls, volleyballs, and basketballs. Please let us know if you can bring any of these.
– There’s a possibility of construction, so make sure to pack a pair of work gloves.
– MInistry supplies for VBS are markers, crayons, construction paper, stickers, glue, scissors, face paint, balloon animals, bubbles, and Spanish Bibles (New & Old Testaments). Please don’t buy this, but see what you may have at home or if you can get anything donated.
– Please do not bring gifts to give to local children, or electronics for yourself (leave the cell phones and I-Pods at home!).
– Everyone must have shoulders covered…that means t-shirts, no tank tops or muscle shirts except for sleeping.
– Girls must have full one piece bathing suits. You may not wear a tank top over your bikini; if you have a tankini you will have to wear a t-shirt over it.
– If you are wearing shorts (or capris) they must touch at least the top of your knee. If you’re going to wear something baggy like basketball shorts, please make sure you have other shorts on underneath them. Skirts must come below your knee or longer. Girls, it’s probably a good idea to bring some shorts that you can wear under your skirts if the need arises.
– For drime outfits, you only need to bring one, even though the handbook says two. So girls need one black t-shirt and black pants/capris, and guys need one black shirt and pants, as well as one white shirt and khaki/white bottoms.
– You can download The Journey on your documents page and start going through that. For our trip it’s there for you to go through the first three weeks as we prepare, so prior to training camp. While on the trip we will have something else that we’re all going through together.
– Make sure to bring a sleeping bag/pillow/sheets that fit in your suitcase.
I know that’s a lot of info, but hopefully it helps. As always, let us know if you have any questions!
~Amy, Jeff, Kylie
Might I ask what the jar of peanut butter is for?
The peanut butter is for sandwiches for lunch!
what exactly are the “drime outfits”? like, are they fancy or like athletic clothes… im just confused on it… never heard of drime before
A drime is a cross between a drama and a mime, and AIM uses these often in their ministry. There’s a possibility of us having opportunities to do these. So, really whatever black clothes that you have that fit our dress code (so at the knees and shoulders covered, and stomach doesn’t show when you lift your arms) will be great!
I was going to ask the same question as Mallory..
Is this what a Drime? – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P39Bcb7QlQ8
Hey Colin, yea that’s a drime for sure! Here’s another example of one (a little bit shorter) and it’s one of the songs and pretty similar to a drime AIM taught us last year. Gives you an idea on the dress Amy was talking about too (minus maybe long sleeves…).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmOZGJ53UJ4
What size ziplocs do we need? And above, it says we can’t bring iPods, but our handbook says we can. Should we leave them at home? Can girls bring like Soffee shorts to sleep in?
Hey guys. As far as ziplocs, I’m pretty sure any size works. We will probably bring the big ones because I think it’s better to have more space than less space! They don’t have a specific purpose, but are good to have for “just in case.” As far as iPods and laptops go, I would leave them at home. We’ve been asked not to bring any electronics. There most likely won’t be internet where we are staying, so you won’t need your laptop…any e-mailing/updating will be done at cafes. You can bring shorter shorts and thick tank tops to sleep in, but just to sleep in. And even in packing for sleeping just think about the people that will be around you! Good questions…keep them coming if you have them!
dude! we did the Redeemer drama on the last mission trip i went on! The same one Colin posted. it’s SO powerful 🙂
I know were sleeping in a hotel now and we should bring sheets and everything. But should we bring a sleeping bag for training camp?
Great question Kelly. I’m not bringing a sleeping bag at all anymore because it takes up so much more space. You should be ok with sheets at training camp, but bring your sleeping bag if you feel more comfortable!
ok thanks!
oh yah! and also do we need beach towels and like shower towels?
I would bring a towel just in case the hotel doesn’t provide them!
kay so I had a few questions…
For the soap to wash our clothes in the sinks or wherever should we bring a laundry soap ro detergent?
Do we need a mosquito net? I saw that in the downloads but not on the blog…
Since we’re staying in a hotel do we still need host gifts?
Do they accept debit cards in Costa Rica or do they not work? Or can they be used like an ATM card? (they can here at least…)
Also at training camp are there mattresses or are we just on the ground?
Haha sorry I realize this is actually kind of a lot of questions…
If you plan on washing something in the sink, you can bring detergent if you want to. I’m not sure that we’ll have any kind of laundry facilities, and none of us brought anything to wash our clothes, if that makes you feel better about being a little dirty. Wouldn’t worry about a mosquito net, but if you feel more comfortable with one then that is totally fine…your call. We do still need host gifts for the pastor that we will be working with. As far as money, I would recommend cash, and a credit card because those can usually be used to get money out of an ATM. We probably won’t use cards often so that they don’t get misused, but you can bring one to pull money out. Make sure you call your bank to tell them you’re traveling. If there are mattresses at training camp, they are not very thick. Jeff and Amy only brought sheets and blankets, and Kylie brought a sleeping bag and a sheet. Hope that helps. Welp, see you all soon!
Please remember to pack insect repellant with at 28.5% Deet. I’ve attached some important travel information with links below:
Costa Rica Travel- Must Know Information
http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Must_Know_Info
Beware of Dengue:
http://www.who.int/topics/dengue/en/
“Wear your mosquito repellent (with ~ 28.5% DEET), because there’s no vaccine for Dengue…… or treatment for that matter. When Dengue strikes an area, it STRIKES an area and it’s possible to find out if an area you’re interested in visiting has a Dengue outbreak. In the recent past Puntarenas, Liberia, and especially Limon have been hardest hit with Dengue. Dengue is spread by a mosquito that ONLY bites in the daytime.” Source: http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Must_Know_Info
We were advised by a travel clinic to travel with mosquito repellant with Deet on, when in the Carribbean. I found a link that may be of help to you:
http://www.safariquip.co.uk/i_insect_repellent_information
Have a blessed, safe and healthy trip!
Hey Jeff and amy! I just wanted to let you guys know I bought a soccer ball and a Kickball to bring to Costa Rica. I was wondering if I can deflate them so they will be easier to pack or is there not a pump available? See you all tomorrow! JT
I have the same question as JT cuz i brought a volleyball 🙂
Do they have a small pump i can use there?
JT and Kelli, that is great! We have a pump so deflate away and we’ll see you tomorrow.