GENERAL INFORMATION

What a fantastic privilege to serve others! Ministry projects are WORK and there will be times of inconvenience and physical discomfort, but if each person does their share no matter what the assignment, your success it guaranteed. Fun and fellowship are mixed in to team activities and planned into the program. It is our desire for all to have an enjoyable and meaningful experience so when those character building opportunities happen bear it patiently and with a good attitude. There will be some “roughing it”. Finally, if we remember we are guests of the local church and we never want to do anything to embarrass our hosts, there will be no issues.

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

Be at DULLES airport at 4:00AM – we will leave without you. All flights American Airlines

March 24 - #2185 6:00AM to Miami - #1711 to Santo Domingo 12:10PM

April 4 - #778 3:50 PM to Miami - #690 to Dulles 11:15 PM

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

We will be looking for students to lead out in VBS, worship, church 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. Don’t be afraid to volunteer

BIBLES

A brick mason needs a trowel and a missionary needs their Bible. You do not need to bring an expensive one, weather/travel can ruin a good Bible. You may want to get a Bible cover.

CAMERAS and LAPTOPS

We suggest a carrying case for your camera to help protect it from damage. Carry your camera in your carry-on. Laptops can be brought but at your great risk. We will not be responsible for loss or damage of equipment. If you bring it, you are responsible for it.

MUSIC

Please DO NOT bring ipods, etc. 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. (Any contraband will be confiscated and may not make the return flight.) Laptops may only be used for mission trip business not entertainment.

WATER

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

CLIMATE

Daily highs range between 85 – 90 degrees and lows from 70 – 75 degrees. The humidity is high but 70 degrees at night can feel cool. You may want something long sleeve at night.

LODGING and MEALS

We will be at a new Christian retreat camp which at times we will be sharing with other groups. We may not be using all of the facilities so don’t assume we are, wait for instructions. Do not be in or linger near the sleeping areas for members of the opposite sex. We have arranged with local cooks to provide meals, but with our size group, much time and effort will go into meals. Everyone MUST clean up after themselves.

CLEANLINESS

All team members are required to assist with cleanup, trash removal and general KP as assigned. We will be in VERY close quarters and you will be expected to keep your bunk area clean. Keep your clothes (both clean and dirty) in suitcases or bags neatly arranged in your sleeping quarters. 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 bottles of pocket size hand sanitizer.

CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

As Christ’s representative be willing to give, to take and to maintain the spirit of unity and harmony of the group. Regardless of the provocation extend politeness and courtesy to those with whom we come in contact. Couples, no displays of affection. Even while traveling and away from our hosts, couples are not to embrace, kiss or engage in other affectionate contact. We expect to see lots of daylight between you. The local church culture is quite conservative and our goal is not to offend or embarrass.

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.

WORSHIPS and CHURCH

Our first and last appointment each day is team worship and on-time attendance is mandatory. Few things get the adult staff more upset with you than lateness. We attend church each Sabbath at the local church. You may be asked to participant in the service!

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. Your parents or guardians are responsible for doctor and hospital bills.

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 $40-80) for:

o Souvenirs

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

o Snacks & cold drinks from various shops

o Offering for Sabbath School and Church, please give an offering.

· 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 (if ALL else fails)

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. A return home due to illness, is covered by insurance.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DURING THE TRIP

Some staff members are assigned cell phones should they need to be contacted. This would be for emergencies and not for any other reason. Calling just to talk to “Ralphy” can be very disruptive to our busy schedule. 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. Also, roaming rates on US cell phones are very expensive, we strongly advise leaving them off while in the DR. We report in when we have arrived and a student team will try to post web updates. The website address will be provided before we leave.

MEDICAL

MEDICAL RELEASE AND HEALTH INFORMATION FORM

It is very important to list on the health form any medical or emotional problems. Problems not disclosed by the parents or team members might be cause to send a team member home. A minor item in the US may be major in a different environment. Diabetes, recent surgery, allergies to medicine or foods, any medical treatment and ALL special needs, must be noted on the form. This is a safety issue not to prevent anyone from going. If any of these items were left off the form, please send us details immediately. It must be signed by a parent or guardian and notarized for all team members under 18 no exceptions. (If you need special food, it is your responsibility to provide for that special diet.)

MEDICAL TREATMENT

Connie Anderson, our Medical Director, is an emergency room nurse with many years of experience. Doctors and hospitals are available everywhere we are traveling but, if you need any medication, come prepared with enough for the duration of the trip.

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.

AN EXTRA WORD ABOUT ALLERGIC REACTIONS

If you have allergies, you may want to see your doctor to get any needed prescriptions 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.

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 which we will be packing at our last meeting. Know its contents in case the TSA asks. You are responsible for all your items; if they get lost or stolen you can only blame yourself. Again pack carefully.

TSA RULES FOR LIQUIDS IN CARRY-ONS

For all liquids, gels or aerosols carried on:

1. Must be in containers labeled 3 ounces or less (More than 3 ozs 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 to exceed 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.

We are trying for few better enforced rules.

SPECIAL NOTE: Your mid-section (stomach) is to be covered at all times. Low cut pants and short shirts are embarrassing to our hosts.

WHY IS “MODESTY” SUCH A BIG DEAL?

Our hosts might not be shocked or offended by what you regularly wear, the Dominican is a tourist destination. But they are conservative and are known to be so to their non-church friends and neighbors. If we, representing their sister church, dress out-of-line with them we cause our hosts to be embarrassed and look like hypocrites.

TRAVELING ATTIRE WHILE FLYING

We will wear our mission trip shirts with nice jeans, pants or MODEST shorts.

CASUAL ATTIRE

Casual attire is needed for 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.

CHURCH ATTIRE (dress cool but formally and not revealing)

No sleeveless blouse or dresses and no sandals, flip-flops 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. Make sure any logos or words on your shirts are appropriate and that your shirts have sleeves. Close-toed shoes are required. For safety reasons long pants are recommended but not required.

ACCESSORIES

No jewelry or expensive watches; nothing to draw attention to yourself.

SWIM WEAR

Only MODEST bathing suits keep with our mission. These would be one piece suits for girls – no tankinis. If you have nothing else, you are to wear a DARK shirt that is NEVER removed.

TREATING ITEMS WITH PERMETHRIN

Permethrin is an insecticide used to treat clothing and bedding before you pack. It lasts two – three weeks and helps keep insects off of items you’ve treated. This is optional, you should follow all labeling instructions, do not treat your pillow. REI carries this but don’t wait until the last minute. Some people also by mosquito nets for their bunks.

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/or several bottles of pocket size hand sanitizer*

Passport and shot record (Will be collected on arrival & locked in conference safe.)

Casual outfits, MODEST shorts are permitted

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

Work gloves

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. When walking around we recommend your feet be covered especially if bugs like you. So if you choose to wear sandals use lots of repellant.

Flip flops or shower shoes are a good idea.

MODEST bathing suit – 1 piece for girls – not tankinis. If you have nothing else, you must wear a DARK shirt that is NEVER removed.

Sheets, blanket and/or summer sleeping bag/bedroll. Only a mattress is provided by the camp.

1 camping or small pillow, 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 (maybe 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 (optional)

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 bags work)

Laundry detergent, optional (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.)

(Leave your nail polish 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!)

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 or under clothes—purses are a BAD idea. Maybe a small, thin fanny pack.

Spending money approximately $40-80. We will exchange money when we arrive. Plan ahead how much you will need when you are there. Leftover local money makes a good souvenir. Exchange rate is currently 30 Dominican Pesos to 1 US dollar.

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

A positive “roughing-it” attitude!

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