IMPORTANT GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW THAT WILL MAKE YOUR TRIP A SUCCESS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Participation in this trip is a fantastic privilege! It should be understood that ministry projects are WORK. Each person, student and staff, is expected to do their share no matter what the assignment. Fun and fellowship are mixed in with team activities and planned in to the program. Due to the fact that we are guests in a comparatively poor country and due to the roughing it nature of a mission trip there will be times of inconvenience and physical discomfort. Those will be opportunities for character growth and you will be expected to bear it patiently and with a good attitude. It is our desire for all to have an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

BIBLES

You do not need to bring a new or expensive Bible. Exposure to all kinds of weather and travel could ruin a good Bible. You may want to get a Bible cover before you come if you don’t already have one. Some choose to bring their Bible inside a baggy.

CAMERAS, FILM and LAPTOPS

We suggest a carrying case for your camera to help protect it from damage. You may choose to bring 2-3 disposable cameras, plus a waterproof one when snorkeling. Carry your camera & any film in your carry-on; film in checked bags is damaged by TSA equipment. Laptops can be brought but at your great risk. Mission trip staff is not responsible for loss or damage of equipment. If you bring it, you carry it and you are responsible.

WATER

Only drink bottled water you opened, other canned/bottled beverages or water we provide that has been filtered. Also ice in beverages is best to avoid.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DURING THE TRIP

During the trip there will be a liaison person here at home, as well as the church office, who can be contacted if there is need to get in touch with the mission trip staff, who will be carrying cell phones. This would be for emergencies and not for any other reason. Calling just to talk to “Billy” can be very disruptive to our busy schedule. All contact is to go through the staff member, thank you. Also, roaming rates on US cell phones are very expensive. We report in when we have arrived and a student team will try to post web updates. The site address (URL) will be provided before we leave.

CLIMATE

Daily highs range between 85 – 95 degrees and lows from 70 – 80 degrees. The humidity is high but 70 degrees at night can feel cool. You may want something long sleeve at night.

LODGING

We will be staying at a Christian retreat camp which we maybe sharing with other groups. Noise levels, loud talking and laughter maybe a problem to other groups worship and would be more so later in the evening. We are free to use basketball & volleyball area with permission but we will not be using the zip line. You are not to be on the roof area without an adult. Also, you are not to be in or linger near the sleeping areas designated for members of the opposite sex.

KITCHEN DUTY

We have arranged with local cooks to provide meals at the camp, but with our size group, much time and effort will go into meals. Everyone’s help is essential especially cleaning up after one’s self. All team members are required to assist with cleanup, trash removal and general KP as assigned.

CLEANLINESS

We will be in VERY close quarters this trip and you will be expected to keep yourself and your general area clean. Keep your clothes (both clean and dirty) in suitcases or bags neatly arranged in your sleeping quarters. Sometimes we are able to arrange for laundry to be done for a small fee, but we do not plan on it this time. You can “sink wash” some clothes but you will need your own detergent. Also, be sure to wash your hands before eating meals/snacks. It could save you some discomfort later. We strongly recommend that you take some bottles of pocket size hand sanitizer, and/or anti-bacterial wipes.

MUSIC

Please DO NOT bring ipods, CD orMP3 players on the trip. This is a time to clear your mind and open it to new sights and sounds. If you bring them we will assume you mean them as gifts for local people and we will gladly deliver them as we see fit. i.e. any contraband will be confiscated and may not make the return flight. Laptops may only be used for mission trip business not entertainment.

RULES OF CONDUCT

Conduct is to be that of a Christian person: willing to give, to take and to maintain the spirit of unity and harmony of the group, and to extend politeness and courtesy to those with whom we come in contact, both nationals and team members. There will be no displays of affection. The local church culture is quite conservative and our goal is not to offend. Even while traveling and away from our hosts, couples are not to embrace, kiss or engage is other affectionate contact. You may see some locals behaving more openly, that doesn’t give you the OK to do the same. We expect to see lots of daylight between you.

SAFETY – RULE OF 3’s

At all times you are to be in a group of at least 3 people. While in the Dominican, 1 of the 3 MUST be an adult, 24/7. More restrictions will be announced once we arrive.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

We will be looking for our many trip student “alumni” to lead out in our VBS and other personal ministry under the guidance of our adult team members. This is a unique chance to step out and share your faith without any hometown pressure.

WORSHIP SERVICES

Each weekend we will attend worship services with the local people. Team members are required to attend services and you may be asked to participant in the services. Daily worships are built into the schedule and on-time attendance is mandatory. Few things get the adult staff more upset with you than lateness.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEES?

There are some extra expenses not included in the team project costs. They are:

· Personal items you take with you

· Spending money (approximately $60-80)

· Souvenirs

· Meals while traveling, 2-3 meals are eaten in airports

· Snacks & cold drinks from various shops

· Offering for Sabbath School and Church, please be prepared to give an offering, but large offerings may be seen as insulting.

· Pre-Trip Immunizations (as per your parents choice - none are required.)

· A passport/Visa (Visas are not required of US Citizens. If you are a not a US citizen, be sure to check with the consulate of your country as the Dominican government may require you to have a visa.)

· Early return home due to disciplinary action.

EARLY RETURN HOME

In the event a team member has to return home due to disciplinary action, it will be at the parent’s or individual’s extra expense. This expense includes the cost of a staff member’s round trip ticket to accompany them. If a team member must return home due to illness, it will be covered by insurance.

FLIGHT INFORMATION (Subject to change until 30 days before flight)

Be at airport at 4:45AM – we will leave without you. All flights Delta Airlines

March 25 - #1877 6:50AM to Atlanta - #599 to Santo Domingo 1:59PM

April 5 - #598 2:45PM to Atlanta - #1894 to BWI 11:08PM .

MEDICAL

MEDICAL RELEASE AND HEALTH INFORMATION FORM

It is very important to list on the health form any medical or emotional problem that we need to know about such as: diabetes, recent surgery or x-rays, allergies to medicine or particular foods, and any treatment for a medical problem. ALL special needs, you must noted on the medical form. In the past, this has never hindered anyone from being on the team. If any of these items were left off the form, please send us details immediately. A minor item in the US maybe major in a different environment. Problems not disclosed by the parents or team members might be cause to send a team member home. It must be signed by a parent or guardian and notarized for all team members under age 18.

INSURANCE

We provide travel insurance as part of the Mission Team fees. It covers you if your regular health insurance does not and in the event of an emergency medical evacuation back to the USA, during travel and work on projects. Your parents or guardians are responsible for doctor and hospital bills.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

Doctors and hospitals are available nearby everywhere we are traveling in the Dominican. But, if you need insulin and allergy shots, come prepared with all the medication needed for the duration of the trip. Joel Stoia, our medical director, is an emergency room Physicians Assistant with many years of experience. He will be assisted by Bill Young, a medical tech certified by the State of Maryland to dispense medication.

IMPORTANT: MEDICAL INFORMATION – ALLERGIC REACTIONS

If you have a history of allergies, you may want to see your doctor to get any needed prescription in case you come in contact with something you are allergic to. The same is true for any other allergies or conditions that may require medication, such as asthma. Even if you don’t think you will need it, it’s best to have it handy. What is minor in the US can be major when traveling internationally. The most frequent medical problem is reactions to things. Please make sure you note any “sensitivities” on your medical form. (If you need special food, it is your responsibility to provide for that special diet.)

PRESCRIPTION MEDS

Bring them to our last meeting if possible. They must be given to the medical staff for dispensing, safekeeping and to avoid any questions of the students.

WHAT TO BRING

LUGGAGE

Pack light – bring everything you need & need everything you bring. Your packing is limited to one piece of luggage (50 lb max.) to check and one to carry on. A 51+ lb bag will cost you $90. You will also be carrying a team supplies suitcase. We will be packing the team supply bags at our last meeting. You will be informed of its’ contents as you may need to inform TSA personnel. Suggested luggage is one duffel bag or soft side suitcase for checked bag and a medium backpack for carry-on. You are responsible for all your items; if they get lost or stolen you can only blame yourself.

TSA RULES FOR LIQUIDS IN CARRY-ONS

All of liquids, gels or aerosols are carried on:

1. Must be in containers label 3 ounces or less (More than 3 ounces permitted in checked baggage.)

2. Place those containers in a 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

3. Remove zip-top from your carry-on and put it in the security bin for screening.

4. Only 1 bag per person. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Prescription medications are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. The medical director will collect and declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

CLOTHING

Before packing, make sure you’re not bringing something you won’t be allowed to wear. Lightweight clothes dry faster after laundering; but light colored clothing will be hard to keep clean. It will be hot but you may want your skin covered due to sun/bugs.

SPECIAL NOTE: Your mid-section stomach is to be covered at all times. Low cut pants and short shirts would be considered offensive to our hosts.

TRAVELING ATTIRE

For the flight over and back we will wear our mission trip shirts with nice jeans or pants.

CASUAL ATTIRE

Casual attire is needed for evening meetings, Vacation Bible School, village visits, excursions, etc. Your clothes should be neat, modest, and durable. Since we represent the King of Kings we are to look like His children! Casual clothes would include slacks, modest shorts, attractive shirts and tops (not sleeveless), and durable shoes. T-shirts should have no “statements” and nothing anyone would consider questionable on them. You may want to pack older clothes you give-away when we leave.

DRESS ATTIRE (dress cool but formally and not revealing)

Your dress outfit will be worn for church service on the Sabbaths we are on the trip. No sleeveless shirts or dresses and no sandals or tennis shoes for church.

For the guys:

Nice slacks (not shorts), button up dress shirt (short sleeves recommended) and a tie. No suit or sport coat necessary.

For the girls:

Nice dress or skirt and blouse, (not pants). Flat shoes are recommended.

CONSTRUCTION ATTIRE

Please bring clothes you won’t mind getting dirty and possibly ruined. This includes: jeans or used slacks and t-shirts (make sure any logos or words on them are appropriate) or work shirts and close-toed shoes. For safety reasons long pants may be required on many types of jobs and are always recommended.

ACCESSORIES

No jewelry or expensive watches; nothing to draw attention to yourself. The local church culture is conservative and they have much less than you, do not risk offending them.

TREATING ITEMS WITH PERMETHRIN

Permethrin is an insecticide that is used to treat clothing and bedding before you pack. It lasts two – three weeks and helps keeps insects off of items you’ve treated. This is optional, you should follow all labeling instructions and you should not treat your pillow. REI carries this but don’t wait until the last minute.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST:

NOTE: If clothing does not meet the standards, you will not be allowed to wear it. Please read the rules on the preceding pages.

‘ Medications

‘ Plenty of at least SPF15 sunscreen* and Chapstick

‘ Mosquito repellent (30% Deet or 20% controlled release)

‘ Anti-bacterial wipes and several bottles of pocket size hand sanitizer*

‘ Passport and shot record (Will be collected by staff on arrival.)

‘ Visitation outfits – No t-shirts (other than the mission Ts) when we visit schools, villages or do programs.

‘ Casual outfits, modest shorts permitted on leisure activities.

‘ Work outfits, including close-toed shoes & long pants as needed (see note above)

‘ Lightweight pants – jeans may be too hot. Zip-off leg pants are great but not required. (Nylon seems to be the coolest.)

‘ 2 dress outfits for church or 1 worn twice

‘ Underclothing, Socks & Belt

‘ Shoes – 1 pr for working plus shoes for general walking & church. Water or beach shoes are a good idea too. Insect bites on the feet are a problem. When walking around we recommend your feet be covered. So if you choose to wear sandals without socks, definitely use lots of repellant.

‘ Modest bathing suit – 1 piece for girls – not tankinis. If you have nothing else, you must wear a non-white T-shirt that is NEVER removed.

* Please read the new TSA rules for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-ons.

‘ Sheets, blanket and/or bedroll (example at meeting). Only a mattress is provided by camp.

‘ 1 camping or small pillows, full size ones are a pain to pack and carry around

‘ 1 light jacket and/or a sweatshirt, rain gear at least a $1 poncho is recommended

‘ A Bible (bring along a Zip Loc bag or case to keep it in)

‘ Hat, cap and/or bandana (the sun is very intense) better if it covers back of neck

‘ Camera (disposables maybe), film, extra batteries

‘ Suitcase, soft bag, or duffel bag (Less than 50lbs, not larger than 60 linear inches)

‘ Wash Cloth & 1-2 bath towel (quick dry camping towel is helpful)

‘ Sleepwear

‘ Laundry bag (heavy duty trash bag work)

‘ Optional laundry detergent (if you want to wash out something)*

‘ Flashlight & extra batteries and bulb (AA Maglite is perfect size)

‘ Spiral or other notebook and pens (for journaling etc.)

‘ Personal Items – partial list (liquids in Ziplocs to avoid leaking on your clothes)

‘toothbrush and paste*

‘soap, shampoo and lotion*

‘razor and shave items

‘deodorant*

‘ nail clippers and files (do not pack in your carry-on bag)

‘ comb, brush

‘(Leave your hair dryer and curling iron at home.)

‘ Kleenex and/or Toilet paper (Carry some with you at all times.)

‘ Small alarm clock (optional – we WILL wake you up, yes we will!)

‘ Quart size bottle for drinking water*

‘ An extra change of clothing, and toiletries in your carry-on luggage*

‘ Money belt that can be attached to the front of your body (Target, travel section) or under clothes—purses are a BAD idea. Maybe a small, thin fanny pack.

‘ Spending money approximately $60-80. We will exchange money when we arrive. Plan ahead how much you will need when you are there. Leftover cash makes a good souvenir. Exchange rate is currently 30 Dominican pesos to 1 US dollar.

‘ Glasses - If you wear contacts, your backup glass might come in handy.

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* Please read the new TSA rules for liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-ons.