WHAT TO BRING:
1. Your PASSPORT: Along with your real passport... it is a good idea to make a color copy of your passport and to pack it in both your carry-on bag and your checked bag so that if for some reason your passport is separated from you... the process of getting home is made easier.
2. MONEY: You will need to have money to buy a meal and or snacks at the airport on both the trip to and from Costa Rica. You will also need money for souvenirs. You will need around $50 for our sight-seeing day activities at the volcano, the farm, and the coffee plantation. It's not a bad idea to have a fanny pack to carry your money and other essentials in. If your parents are issuing you a credit card... it is good to let the credit card company know of your intended travel so that it is not declined.
3. BAGGAGE : You will be allowed one checked bag. This will contain all that you will need for the week. It will not be accessible during flight and it cannot weigh more than 50lbs. You will also be allowed one carry-on bag. This bag should be no larger than a normal backpack. Please don't bring anything larger than 9X14X22". I REALLY suggest a small backpack. This bag will be on the aircraft with you and will contain things you need for travel and things you absolutely cannot afford to lose. Below I break down how I would pack.
CHECKED BAG: In this bag, I would have the following: Clothing, hygiene and hair care products, extra shoes, a poncho or a light rain jacket (its rainy season), sun block, bug repellent (smallest you cans buy), and trash bag for soiled clothes.
Do not pack this bag to the gills! Leave room for souvenirs and such.
CARRY-ON BAG: In this bag I would carry what I need to make travel comfortable. This is where i would put the things I absolutely had to have on my person and would cry my eyes out if I lost. This is the bag for things that are extremely hard to replace. Things like: Bible, eyeglasses, spare contacts, prescription medicine, phone, phone charger, snacks for flight, etc. I usually bring a light paperback book or something small to entertain myself while flying as well. If you can fit it... put a change of clothing in this bag just in case your luggage gets lost.
It's smart to keep this bag light. You will be lugging it around everywhere and a heavy backpack filled to the brim is ill-advised.
4. CLOTHING : Pack clothing for each day and bring a few extra sets of clothing, just in case you get caught in the rain or get wet in game. It's better to have a little too much clothing than to not have enough. Casual clothing is fine for our daily activities. The way we dress when we help for VBS here is what you want to wear.
The temperature is usually in the mid to high 70's, so pack accordingly. Again, you will want a light water-proof jacket. Make sure that everything you pack to wear is within our dress code. We require non-formfitting clothing that covers you from the neck down to your knees. Please make sure your shirts have sleeves. Also, do not wear anything that would cause offence, promote confrontation, or cause airport security to take you to the side.
We will be a part of one church service. Bring service attire for this. (Nice pants and a tuck-in polo for the guys, a nice modest top and a skirt to at least the knee for the ladies.)
5. BIBLE : I would bring a small, light Bible if you have one.
6. SNACKS: I would bring some snacks if your bags allow for it. We will have a good mix of American style and Costa Rican food through the entire week. But some favorites are always nice.
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
You will NOT NEED to bring bedding. This is provided by the camp. Towels are also provided. So do not pack these things.
This sounds ridiculous, but it must be said. DO NOT BRING ANY WEAPONS OF ANY SORT! Do not bring pocket-knives of any size. Do not bring fireworks and other explosive devices. Do not bring prank paraphernalia. Do not bring any tobacco or vaping products. Do not bring non-prescription drugs. Don't bring anything outside of what is ordinary and needful!
