Mission Trip Packing List (2013)

Careful planning goes into  missions trip preparations as some items may not be available overseas. The first mission trip packing list is the Official Teen Missions list for its summer missions trips. A free download PDF version of the list is available here so you can print it for use while you are packing. (NOTE: Be sure to read all of your literature for any changes in packing instructions for your specific team.)

Download and print the Official Teen Missions Packing List:  Mission Trip Packing List (2013)  

Download and print the  Official Teen Missions Peanut Kids Camp Packing List

Packing List Explanation: In most cases you will need everything we suggest, but don’t forget there is a weight limit (35 pounds—flying teams, 45 pounds—non flying teams; includes sleeping bag). Dress requirements will be strictly enforced. Unless the weather is expected to be cool/cold, bring lightweight clothing to help keep your luggage weight down. Check the weather section of your Specific Team Fact Sheet, (mailed in the spring), for details on the climate to which you are going. Lightweight clothing dries better at Boot Camp. White or light-colored clothing is difficult to keep clean. Label everything with your name and team number.

All your belongings need to be brought in a sturdy cardboard box or plastic tote that is labeled with your name and team number. A duffel bag will be issued to you. Each person is limited to one duffel bag—total weight limit is 35 pounds (45 pound for non-flying teams) including bedding (sleeping bag or blankets, sheets and air mattress).  A waist pack is recommended for camera and personal items.  Teen Missions will also issue a carryon and NO other hand luggage is permitted. Personal backpacks are helpful at Boot Camp, but must be emptied out and placed in your duffel for travel or left behind. Bible, boots, jacket, and the travel clothes you will be wearing are not included in your weight limit.

Clothing Exchange: You are required to bring to Boot Camp everything you are taking on the team. No one will be permitted to exchange clothing at Boot Camp, airports, homes, etc. What you bring is what you take. If visitors bring you additional clothing, you will not be permitted to receive it. Any clothing that you bring with you to Boot Camp that does not fit into your weight limit or that you don’t want can be donated to the Missionary Barrel or left to be picked up at Debrief.

2012 Teen Missions Trip Packing List

___Bible—with both Old and New Testaments), which can be written in for Bible marking and study. You may want a Bible cover to protect your Bible.	___Dishes/Cutlery—You will need to bring a lightweight bowl and tray/plate (for the project time) and silverware
___Boots—Teen—One pair 6” to 8” (8” preferred) all-leather lace up construction boots.) Preteen One pair all-leather lace up boots that cover the ankle. NO OTHER FOOTWEAR IS PERMITTED (except water shoes	___Dish bag—a hand-made bag of light-weight cotton fabric with a drawstring. A pillow case cut in half with a small hem to hold a drawstring can work. (No mesh please)
___Teen Travel Jeans—1 pair new dark blue jeans (no frayed hems) Preteen Travel Jeans—2 pair new dark blue jeans (no frayed hems)	___Glasses safety strap—required for those who wear prescription glasses
___Boot polish and/or mink oil or other water repellant items ___Socks—6-10 pair socks	___Stuff bags or Zip Lock bags (one or two gallon size) to organize and pack items in (optional)
___One jacket (lightweight or heavy depending on climate at team site)	___Phone Card (optional)—One phone call is permitted before leaving the US and upon arrival back in the US before Debrief. Teen Missions does not allow team members to have or store cell phones for travel to and from Boot Camp and Debrief.
___Sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket ___Air mattress (good quality) or waterproof sleeping pad (no air pump available)
___Swimsuit— Swimsuits are for swimming or bathing only. (See Notes Below)	The following items should be carried in a waist pack or other pouch attached to the body if flying to Boot Camp. They need to be easily available upon arrival at Boot Camp for Registration, collection by the team leader, or immediate use:
___Sleepwear ___Towels and wash cloths—one or two, lightweight	___Passport—unless already mailed in with visa application. DO NOT MAIL IN PASSPORT UNLESS NOTIFIED TO DO SO.
___Bucket—plastic, 2-5 gallon (for laundry and bathing) except when specified otherwise in your Specific Team Fact Sheet— some teams will be issued buckets at Boot Camp.	___Balance of your support with donor coupons filled out ___Shot Record—record of immunizations – childhood and/or international immunizations as applicable
___Scrub brush, clothespins, 20-25 ft. clothesline and laundry detergent or bar—enough for Boot Camp. You will be able to purchase more in the field.	___Shot Record—record of immunizations – childhood and/or international immunizations as applicable
___Toothpaste, soap and other personal items such as baby wipes, hand sanitizer and medicated powder—extra large sizes will add to the weight limit	___Shot Record—record of immunizations – childhood and/or international immunizations as applicable
___Bandaids—One large box	___Deposits/Departure taxes—Tent and literature deposits and departure taxes (see Specific Team Fact Sheet)
___Mosquito repellent—for Boot Camp and field as necessary ___Flashlight—lightweight but sturdy; extra batteries and bulbs	___Visa money—Only those teams notified ___Personal spending money ___Copy of list of contributors with addresses ___Airplane ticket home or explanation of how team member is getting home and Transportation Home Card if not already mailed ___Unaccompanied minor fee ___Travel home baggage fee
___Camera with memory card(s) and batteries—bring a case for protection, but no large cases or extra lenses	The following items need to be easily available upon arrival at Boot Camp for Registration or immediate use: ____ Tool or Gift Card—listed in Specific Team Fact Sheet. If the tool is large, it may be packed separately. A gift card from a home improvement/hardware store may substitute bringing a tool to Boot Camp. ____ Dish bag—with silverware in it. The bowl and plate can be packed in your box. ____ Construction DVD—or $15 non-refundable fee
___Toilet paper—one or more rolls	____ Water Shoes—for swimming and bathing only—one-piece molded rubber and stretch fabric shoes that completely enclose the foot—no flip-flops, canvas/lace-up shoes or croc type.
WORK TEAMS — BOYS 3 work outfits —lightweight work pants or jeans and T-shirts 1 dress outfit—slacks (no denim) and collared, button-down dress shirt for church. No suits, banded-collar or polo shirts. 1 pair new dark blue jeans for travel—2 pair for Preteens Belt—all guys must bring a belt	WORK TEAMS — GIRLS 3 work outfits—lightweight work pants or jeans and T-shirts 1 dress outfit—dress, blouse and skirt or jumper (no T-shirts or denim material) for church and a knee-length slip 1 pair new dark blue jeans for travel—2 for Preteen
EVANGELISTIC (EV) TEAMS — Boys 3 casual outfits—cotton pants/jeans and shirts (not worn for work) 2 work outfits—for Boot Camp (lightweight pants/jeans and T-shirts) 1 dress outfit—slacks (no denim) and collared, button-down dress shirt for church. No suits, banded-collar or polo shirts. 1 pair new dark blue jeans for travel—2 for Preteens	EVANGELISTIC (EV) TEAMS —Girls 3 casual outfits—cotton pants/jeans/skirt and shirt (not worn for work) 2 work outfits—for Boot Camp (lightweight pants or jeans and T-shirts 1 dress outfit—dress, blouse and skirt or jumper (no T-shirts or denim material) for church and a knee-length slip 1 pair new dark blue jeans for travel—2 for Preteens

DEFINITIONS AND SUGGESTIONS:

Dress outfits—guys: For church or evangelism—dress slacks (no denim),

collared button-down shirt. Dress jeans and T-shirts may not be worn to church. Ties optional unless otherwise stated in Specific Team Fact Sheet. No suits or banded-collar shirts. (No polo shirts for church)

Dress outfits—girls: For church or evangelism—dresses or skirts (no denim) must be below the knee. A knee-length slip must be worn with thin skirts/dresses. No sleeveless tops or blouses permitted. (No T-shirts for church)

Work outfits—Lightweight work pants (weigh less than jeans and are cooler and easier to wash). Consider the climate of the country where you are going when deciding on weight of clothing. T-shirts are good to work in.

Casual outfits—Khakis, cargo pants, cotton slacks, jeans and clean shirt—not ever worn for work.

Boot Camp clothing—You may want to bring clothing to be worn only at Boot Camp, then donate it to the Missionary Barrel before leaving for your project. This will enable you to keep clothing for the field clean and packed away. It can also help you to accurately determine the weight of your belongings prior to Boot Camp. This is optional. You may also leave clothes behind and pick them up at Debrief.

Clothing Must Be Modest and Neat

Neither males nor females may tie up the bottom of their shirts to expose the midriff, nor can they roll up their sleeves to create a sleeveless shirt. DO NOT BRING TIGHT CLOTHES that give the poured-in look—you will NOT be allowed to wear them.  The following clothing guidelines apply the moment you enter Boot Camp, arrive at the airport or bus station and apply until you reach home.  Please come prepared and do not bring any of the following items, as you will not be permitted to wear them in order that we may uphold our witness both as a ministry and as Christians.

Guys

• You are to wear shirts at all times (with the exception of swimming).
• Trousers must be at the waist with no undergarments showing.
• No skimpy swim trunks
• No skinny jeans

Girls

• Girls must wear bras. The midriff should not show when bending over or raising your arms. When either standing or bending, you must be modest on top.
• ALL trousers/pants need to touch your ankle
• Do not bring two-piece swimsuits (no French-cut high cut legs, thong, or tankinis)—swim shorts may be worn and you will be asked to wear a T-shirt if the top is not modest (swim shorts and a T-shirt are NOT considered a cover-up).
•  No split skirts that look like shorts or capris
•  No sleeveless shirts, blouses, dresses or tops— All shirts/tops, dresses must have sleeves  (no cap sleeves)
•  No sheer or see-through skirts or dresses unless worn with a knee-length slip
•  No dresses or skirts above the knee—slits cannot go above the knee
•   No sun dresses
•  No low-cut (front or back) dresses, blouses/T-shirts including V-necks, scoop necks and any deep front cut in which any cleavage shows
• No skinny jeans
• No tight tops or pants

Clothing NOT to Bring

• Any footwear other than boots and water shoes
• Tank tops
• Shorts (unless used as sleep wear or over ladies’ bathing suits)
• Jogging-type pants or sweat pants
• Military-like clothing
• Oversized or baggy jeans or pants—unless elasticized or worn with a belt
• Clothing or other items that may be offensive to our Christian testimony are not permitted.  This includes screen-printed/decaled items like Hard Rock Café, cigarette and beer advertisements, secular rock groups, rude or suggestive phrases, or anything that would be a poor Christian testimony. This also includes those resembling cigarettes, beer or rock groups even if they may be Christian.
• Skinny jeans
• Tight clothing (shirts or pants)
• Pajama pants unless they are dark, striped, plaid or plain. Pajama pants can only be worn at Boot Camp and Debrief—they CANNOT be worn on the field!

Items NOT to Bring

• Extreme trendy-type reflective sunglasses
• Valuables, jewelry, expensive clothes, excessive makeup
•  Electric, butane gas, or battery-operated curling irons, hair dryers, or shavers
•  Christian or secular books and magazines (this includes any books that you may have been assigned by a school to read over the summer)

 

There is nothing wrong with owning these things; however, they are not permitted while serving with Teen Missions as they tend to distract teens from the purpose of the team.

The following items will be confiscated upon your arrival at Boot Camp, as you will not be allowed to have them at Boot Camp, on the field or at Debrief.  You will be required to sign a statement in the presence of a witness stating you do not posses these items:

• Hunting Knives
• Switchblades
• Guns
• Weapons of any kind
• Lighters
• Matches
• Fireworks
• CD players
• MP3 players
• Radios
• Tape Recorders
• Video Cameras
• Palm Pilots
• Cell Phones
• DVD Players
• Laptop Computers
• Tablets
• Electronic Games