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Packing List

packing

Packing ImagesWhen most people hear ‘Ecuador,’ they think of the equator, which reminds them of the sun and heat. Though the sun is strong here, we are in the mountains. Therefore, evenings can get very chilly and typical days are similar to brisk fall days in the US. Please pack keeping in mind that generally it will be a cooler climate. This is not a beach vacation! The following is a basic list of clothing and supplies you will need for working/construction, time in the jungle, informal times of hangout/for the evenings, and something nice for church. For your viewing convenience, we’ve added a visual on the right that corresponds with the list below.

Carry-On Bag

  • Passport (and copy)
  • Clothing and basic toiletries for 2 days (in case your luggage does not arrive)
  • Prescription medication (for your whole time in Ecuador) in their original bottles
  • Camera (and batteries or charger)
  • Bible, journal, pen
  • Money (for spending in airports, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Books, cards, entertainment for travel
  • Items of value (They are safer in your carry-on than checked luggage.)
  • Emergency contact numbers

All Participants

  • Underwear: 11, or however many days your team will be on the ground– in most cases you will not have access to laundry facilities
  • Socks: 11
  • Sneakers/Tennis shoes: 1
  • Work/construction shoes (closed toed, may get ruined): 1
  • Clothes for travel and non-work days (shirt & pants): 3 – 4 days worth
  • Painting/Construction clothes (shirt & pants): 5 days worth  *Ideally not with large holes
  • Modest (knee-length) shorts: 1 *Not suggested for construction, see jungle note below
  • Long-sleeved shirts: 2
  • Sweatshirts (zip-up, hooded, or otherwise): 2
  • Light jacket (waterproof if possible): 1
  • Modest sleepwear: 1
  • Swimsuit (one piece and shorts for girls): 1
  • Chapstick or lip balm: 1
  • Nalgene or Reusable water bottle: 1
  • Hat: 1 – 2
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Work gloves/rubber gloves (for painting, cement work, etc.)
  • Flashlight and batteries (optional, see jungle note)
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent (DEET 35-80)

Girls

  • Church clothes (knee-length skirt, nice pants, modest shirt, no tank tops): 1
  • Church shoes (sandals or low-heel): 1
  • Hair Supplies: Blow dryers, curling irons, etc. should be shared between participants. Coordinate designated individuals to bring theirs to be shared.

*All shirts and pants must be modest: think about t-shirts you get at camp or soccer tournaments and not skin-tight pants, no sleeveless shirts or tank tops.

Guys

  • Church clothes (dress pants, khakis, nice jeans and a nice shirt, polo, button-up, etc.): 1
  • Dress shoes for church: 1

*Pants are recommended, although you may choose to wear shorts after work and on travel days. Please bring modest, knee-length shorts in this case. No sleeveless shirts.

Toiletries

*Put liquids in ziploc bags to prevent leaks/oozing during flight.

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen (essential #30+)
  • Shaving cream & razor
  • Tissues and Toilet Paper (Toilet paper is not always provided at ministry sites)
  • Prescription medications: enough for the duration of time out of US, in original container
  • Other meds (Advil, Pepto Bismol, Claritin) *Check with your team leader first

Jungle/Coast

If your team will be in the jungle (which most do), here are some additional recommendations:

  • Waterproof jacket or poncho
  • Anti-itch cream for bug bites
  • Anti-malaria pills (Not required, only if you so choose)
  • Flashlight or headlamp and batteries– though not 100% necessary, very helpful if most participants have one to use
  • Clothing: lightweight, quick dry materials are recommended. We still suggest pants due to insects and strong sun, but modest (knee-length, loose) shorts are permitted.
  • Bathing suit/boardshorts (see note above about modesty). Girls should be ready to wear a shirt and shorts over bathing suit if situations call for it.

Optional:

  • Towel: Not necessary, as El Refugio will provide one towel for each participant, though optional if a personal towel is preferred for showering or swimming opportunities
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Snacks: granola bars, etc. for in between meals
  • Hand mirror
  • Ear plugs
  • Bandana(s)
  • Watershoes/sandals

 

 

Click here to download a printable packing list

 

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