Document Actions
Packing Tips from Veteran Volunteers
Since not too many veterans came to the packing meeting, I emailed a bunch to ask them questions about any packing advice they might have for you. Here you go! I'll keep posting their tips as they come in.
Remember: Think analytically about our suggestions! Consider your
specific needs and your host country. If someone recommends something
that you really don't think you'll need, just don't bring it. ( But
don't say we didn't warn you! ;-] ) Also, feel free to ask any of us at
any time (email, facebook, whatever!) if you have a question!
Tessa's Packing Tips Michoacan '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
"A sleeping bag! I only brought a sheet that I sewed together, and I was rather chilly at night. Also, more little games to play with the kids (cards, puzzles, etc). also more than one pair of jeans."
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
"I opted for the organic, biodegradable shampoo, which turned out to not work at all, so I would just bring your regular shampoo instead."
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
"I bought linen khaki pants from Old Navy that were loose and flow-y but still provided protection from mosquitoes and leg covering. They were definitely my most prized piece of clothing! Also a deck of cards- I think I spent more of my summer playing cards than doing anything else. I was really glad I brought a pre-paid phone card, it was much easier to call home during midterm/in the airport. Also, mosquito repellant! The mosquitoes in Mexico especially are ruthless jerks!"
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
"For Mexico: skirts are wonderful, as are flipflops since it can get pretty warm. However, it does get pretty chilly at night, so definitely bring a sweatshirt. Also, a compact rain shell is perfect since it rains almost every night during the summer, and its easy to get caught in a storm. Mexico is pretty far along technologically, but I would still advise against ipods/phones. I brought an old 35 mm camera of mine (film) instead of my brand new digital camera, which I was really grateful for. The kids were obsessed with my partner’s digital camera, and ended up breaking it, whereas you could beat mine up as much as you wanted and it would still take pictures. So bring lots of film! (I took like 13 rolls haha)."
5. Clothing tips? What to wear/what not to wear?
"As always, leave the tank tops/spaghetti straps/short shorts at home, even though the locals may dress like that. It did feel a little weird to live in polos and skirts, but it looks much more professional. I brought Old Navy flip flops, which I wore almost every day and eventually broke, so definitely bring some sort of sandals, but make sure they’re sturdy enough to last the whole summer."
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
"Bring two nalgenes, and a pouch for water. I found this awesome camping water holding thing at REI that I could hang on my dresser and it would hold 1 gallon of water and chlorinate it. It had a little spout at the bottom, so I could just fill up my nalgenes from that. I used one nalgene for day time use and one to always have clean water in to brush my teeth with. I brought lots of little packets of Crystal Light and Gatorade and Propel since the chlorinated water tasted nasty, but it gave my daily water nalgene a bit of a weird taste. But it’s a good idea to bring them, since they have (tasty) electrolytes in case you get dehydrated. Its also a good idea to invest in a few Spanish kids books to share with your classes and to leave with the community when you go home. The kids in my town loooooved my books!"
Andrew's Packing Tips Costa Rica '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
"I wish I had brought an umbrella, because it rained everyday and I would have to walk everyday in the rain."
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
"All the supplies for classes, cause I found that if i searched around the community and was creative i didn't need 50 markers and big books that just take up space. Also summer reading, it just weighed a ton and I was to busy hanging out with people that i never read!"
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
"A rain jacket. Also big zip lock bags for clothing, and other personal stuff that you can stuff in there if your family doesn't have a sufficient garbage system."
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
"An umbrella, also cd's with your favorite/american music. Also i brought my yearbook which came really handy the first night as i didn't really know what to say but they wanted to know everything about me, so giving them a huge book with tons of pictures was good."
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
"Don't forget a Spanish/English dictionary."
Aida's Packing Tips Veraguas, Panama '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
"Chocolate, peanut butter, flats (casual/comfy for easy slipping on and off), 2 pairs of jeans more shirts (less formal/ no collar), conditioner, more hydrocortisone cream!!!, sketchbook, light wash and wear skirts/dresses, digital camera, more photos from home, towel, easy read books, plastic ziploc bags of various sizes, and a watch."
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
"Excessive amounts of hand sanitizer, fat sleeping bag, dense literature, enough vitamins to dose an elephant, and too many dress clothes."
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
"A bed sheet, sunblock and face sunblock, light skirt, toilet paper! (two rolls), journal, thick sandals, hair clips, money, photos, utility knife, flashlight w/ extra batteries, lots of film for the non digital camera, bandana, and sufficient water purificationators."
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
"For Panama-bound vols: it's humid, so expect to want to change your clothes multiple times during the day. That said, pack lightweight stuff in mass quantities (within reason)."
5. Clothing tips? What to wear/what not to wear?
"If you'd feel absolutely without a doubt ridiculous wearing something here, then you will most likely feel the same way in country. Just something to keep in mind."
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
"DON'T stress out at the last minute and start chucking stuff. It doesn't help. If you're stressing ask someone (fellow vol, trainer, parent) to assess the situation. They'll be more likely to have a calmer attitude. Don't get the mosquito repellent in the metal cans, they weigh a ton. Most importantly, pack a SMILE!"
Erin's Packing Tips Granada, Nicaragua '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
“I was kicking myself all summer for forgetting my peanut butter. Also, I wish I’d brought slightly more clothes. Specifically, I wish that I had brought clothes that I actually liked and had worn before, rather than bringing clothes I bought the week before I left and wasn’t used to. Plus, I wish I’d brought a regular towel instead of this fancy REI one that actually turned out to be almost anti-absorbent. And a pillow.”
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
“I brought WAY too many books. They were heavy and took up a lot of room in my backpack. Plus, they tempted me to sit inside and read a lot instead of going out in the community. Bad idea. Also, if you can, steer clear from white or really light colored clothes, particularly white shorts/skirts/pants.”
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
“Bobby pins and safety pins saved my life. Also zip lock bags and garbage bags! Toilet paper was SO nice to have since it can be used for a lot more things than you think. (I brought 3 rolls with the cardboard taken out so I could squish them into tight spots in my backpack.) Also, I brought 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (hey, it’s one less bottle you have to carry). I also really liked having a few pairs of soccer shorts. I mostly slept in them but I also played sports in them and stuff.”
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
“In Nicaragua, I did not need a sleeping bag at all. It was just too hot. Plain sheets were enough. My sleeping bag ended up being my pillow. Also, don’t forget a light-weight rain shell because it rains kind of a lot.”
5. Clothing tips? What to wear/what not to wear?
“Girls, it’ll be really tempting to wear short shorts and tank tops in the heat, but don’t. You’ll look a million times more professional if you stick to collared shirts and skirts/pants. It sucks, but it’s true. Plus, the more skin you show, the more old guys will cat-call at you. And nobody wants that. Also, make sure you bring shoes you don’t care too much about because they will get ridiculously dirty/dusty/muddy/torn/etc.”
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
“You might as well resign yourself to the fact that you will probably forget to pack something. If you do, chances are your supervisor can get it for you. (Be flexible.) Bring cards! And keep track of your Latin American adventures in a journal if you can, you’ll be glad you did. Sketchbooks are awesome to have, too. If you want to bring a guitar, be really careful with it! Children will want to touch it. A lot.”
Tessa's Packing Tips Michoacan '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
"A sleeping bag! I only brought a sheet that I sewed together, and I was rather chilly at night. Also, more little games to play with the kids (cards, puzzles, etc). also more than one pair of jeans."
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
"I opted for the organic, biodegradable shampoo, which turned out to not work at all, so I would just bring your regular shampoo instead."
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
"I bought linen khaki pants from Old Navy that were loose and flow-y but still provided protection from mosquitoes and leg covering. They were definitely my most prized piece of clothing! Also a deck of cards- I think I spent more of my summer playing cards than doing anything else. I was really glad I brought a pre-paid phone card, it was much easier to call home during midterm/in the airport. Also, mosquito repellant! The mosquitoes in Mexico especially are ruthless jerks!"
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
"For Mexico: skirts are wonderful, as are flipflops since it can get pretty warm. However, it does get pretty chilly at night, so definitely bring a sweatshirt. Also, a compact rain shell is perfect since it rains almost every night during the summer, and its easy to get caught in a storm. Mexico is pretty far along technologically, but I would still advise against ipods/phones. I brought an old 35 mm camera of mine (film) instead of my brand new digital camera, which I was really grateful for. The kids were obsessed with my partner’s digital camera, and ended up breaking it, whereas you could beat mine up as much as you wanted and it would still take pictures. So bring lots of film! (I took like 13 rolls haha)."
5. Clothing tips? What to wear/what not to wear?
"As always, leave the tank tops/spaghetti straps/short shorts at home, even though the locals may dress like that. It did feel a little weird to live in polos and skirts, but it looks much more professional. I brought Old Navy flip flops, which I wore almost every day and eventually broke, so definitely bring some sort of sandals, but make sure they’re sturdy enough to last the whole summer."
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
"Bring two nalgenes, and a pouch for water. I found this awesome camping water holding thing at REI that I could hang on my dresser and it would hold 1 gallon of water and chlorinate it. It had a little spout at the bottom, so I could just fill up my nalgenes from that. I used one nalgene for day time use and one to always have clean water in to brush my teeth with. I brought lots of little packets of Crystal Light and Gatorade and Propel since the chlorinated water tasted nasty, but it gave my daily water nalgene a bit of a weird taste. But it’s a good idea to bring them, since they have (tasty) electrolytes in case you get dehydrated. Its also a good idea to invest in a few Spanish kids books to share with your classes and to leave with the community when you go home. The kids in my town loooooved my books!"
Andrew's Packing Tips Costa Rica '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
"I wish I had brought an umbrella, because it rained everyday and I would have to walk everyday in the rain."
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
"All the supplies for classes, cause I found that if i searched around the community and was creative i didn't need 50 markers and big books that just take up space. Also summer reading, it just weighed a ton and I was to busy hanging out with people that i never read!"
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
"A rain jacket. Also big zip lock bags for clothing, and other personal stuff that you can stuff in there if your family doesn't have a sufficient garbage system."
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
"An umbrella, also cd's with your favorite/american music. Also i brought my yearbook which came really handy the first night as i didn't really know what to say but they wanted to know everything about me, so giving them a huge book with tons of pictures was good."
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
"Don't forget a Spanish/English dictionary."
Aida's Packing Tips Veraguas, Panama '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
"Chocolate, peanut butter, flats (casual/comfy for easy slipping on and off), 2 pairs of jeans more shirts (less formal/ no collar), conditioner, more hydrocortisone cream!!!, sketchbook, light wash and wear skirts/dresses, digital camera, more photos from home, towel, easy read books, plastic ziploc bags of various sizes, and a watch."
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
"Excessive amounts of hand sanitizer, fat sleeping bag, dense literature, enough vitamins to dose an elephant, and too many dress clothes."
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
"A bed sheet, sunblock and face sunblock, light skirt, toilet paper! (two rolls), journal, thick sandals, hair clips, money, photos, utility knife, flashlight w/ extra batteries, lots of film for the non digital camera, bandana, and sufficient water purificationators."
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
"For Panama-bound vols: it's humid, so expect to want to change your clothes multiple times during the day. That said, pack lightweight stuff in mass quantities (within reason)."
5. Clothing tips? What to wear/what not to wear?
"If you'd feel absolutely without a doubt ridiculous wearing something here, then you will most likely feel the same way in country. Just something to keep in mind."
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
"DON'T stress out at the last minute and start chucking stuff. It doesn't help. If you're stressing ask someone (fellow vol, trainer, parent) to assess the situation. They'll be more likely to have a calmer attitude. Don't get the mosquito repellent in the metal cans, they weigh a ton. Most importantly, pack a SMILE!"
Erin's Packing Tips Granada, Nicaragua '07
1. What's at least one thing you wish you had brought?
“I was kicking myself all summer for forgetting my peanut butter. Also, I wish I’d brought slightly more clothes. Specifically, I wish that I had brought clothes that I actually liked and had worn before, rather than bringing clothes I bought the week before I left and wasn’t used to. Plus, I wish I’d brought a regular towel instead of this fancy REI one that actually turned out to be almost anti-absorbent. And a pillow.”
2. What's at least one thing that you wish you hadn't brought?
“I brought WAY too many books. They were heavy and took up a lot of room in my backpack. Plus, they tempted me to sit inside and read a lot instead of going out in the community. Bad idea. Also, if you can, steer clear from white or really light colored clothes, particularly white shorts/skirts/pants.”
3. What's something you brought that you were really glad you had?
“Bobby pins and safety pins saved my life. Also zip lock bags and garbage bags! Toilet paper was SO nice to have since it can be used for a lot more things than you think. (I brought 3 rolls with the cardboard taken out so I could squish them into tight spots in my backpack.) Also, I brought 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (hey, it’s one less bottle you have to carry). I also really liked having a few pairs of soccer shorts. I mostly slept in them but I also played sports in them and stuff.”
4. Any country-specific packing tips?
“In Nicaragua, I did not need a sleeping bag at all. It was just too hot. Plain sheets were enough. My sleeping bag ended up being my pillow. Also, don’t forget a light-weight rain shell because it rains kind of a lot.”
5. Clothing tips? What to wear/what not to wear?
“Girls, it’ll be really tempting to wear short shorts and tank tops in the heat, but don’t. You’ll look a million times more professional if you stick to collared shirts and skirts/pants. It sucks, but it’s true. Plus, the more skin you show, the more old guys will cat-call at you. And nobody wants that. Also, make sure you bring shoes you don’t care too much about because they will get ridiculously dirty/dusty/muddy/torn/etc.”
6. Anything else?!? AT ALL??
“You might as well resign yourself to the fact that you will probably forget to pack something. If you do, chances are your supervisor can get it for you. (Be flexible.) Bring cards! And keep track of your Latin American adventures in a journal if you can, you’ll be glad you did. Sketchbooks are awesome to have, too. If you want to bring a guitar, be really careful with it! Children will want to touch it. A lot.”
Sac-Davis Website Has a New Look!
