10
Packing List
As you pack and prepare for your trip,
please reference the guidelines listed
in the clothing section of this list. The
way we dress can have a big impact
on how others view us. It’s important
to remember that we are entering
into a different culture with different
social norms. We ask that you dress
in a manner that is respectful of the
culture and that does not distract
from the purpose of your mission trip.
Keep in mind that laundry facilities
will not be available on your trip, and
also make sure that you’re packing
appropriately for the climate in which
you’ll be serving.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What about swimming?
• Ladies, please make sure you
bring a modest one-piece
bathing suit.
• Guys, please bring
swimming trunks.
What should I NOT bring?
• For clothing, please refrain from
bringing sleeveless shirts, low-cut
shirts, tank tops, tankinis, bikinis,
short shorts, yoga pants, leggings,
and jewelry. Please also do not
plan on using your cell phone or
other personal electronics during
your trip, but make sure you check
in with your group leader about
cell phone use during your trip.
What am I forgetting?
• Hat or baseball cap, socks,
undergarments, lightweight
sleepwear, sunglasses, and
rain gear.
PERSONAL ITEMS
• Medication
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Aloe vera
• Bath and/or beach towel
• Washcloth
• Laundry bag (pillowcases work
well for this)
• Wet wipes
• Comb/brush
• Contacts with solution & case
• Glasses & case
TOILETRIES
• Razor & shaving cream
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo & hair products
• Body soap
OTHER ITEMS
• Ministry supplies (if specified by
your trip leader)
• Items to donate (if specified by
your trip leader)
• Work gloves
• Earplugs
• Mosquito net*
FOR FLOOR-SLEEPING TRIPS
• Air mattress & pump
• Sheets
• Pillow
• Light-weight blanket
CLOTHES
Clothes for ministry:
• Knee-length shorts and t-shirts
that can get dirty and sweaty
Church clothes:
• For women, skirts that are at
least knee-length, a nice shirt (no
sleeveless), and nice sandals
• For men, long dress pants, a nice
shirt, and closed-toed shoes
Pajamas:
• Shorts of appropriate length and
an appropriate top
• Undergarments
Shoes:
• Closed-toed work/athletic shoes,
dress shoes (closed-toed for men),
waterproof sandals/flip-flops
• Socks
TRAVEL NEEDS
• Passport & copy*
• Travel information
• Medical information &
insurance card
• Personal snacks (that will not melt if
in a hot climate)
• Spending/travel meal money (for
souvenirs and additional snacks)
WHAT TO WEAR
A typical PPM trip may look like this:
Saturday: Arrive in location.
Wear appropriate travel clothing and
your PPM t-shirt.
Sunday: Church and relational ministry.
See above for guidelines about clothing
for the church service. You may also
have the opportunity to change into
other clothes for your afternoon activity,
for which you’d likely want knee-length
shorts, a t-shirt, and closed-toed shoes.
Monday-Wednesday: Core ministry days.
Knee-length shorts, a t-shirt that can
(and most likely will) get dirty depending
on the ministry in which you’ll be
participating, and closed-toed shoes.
There may be an evening church service
or two, so pack an additional church
outfit if you don’t want to re-wear what
you wore on Sunday.
Thursday: Recreation or cultural
activity day.
This may be when you’ll need
your bathing suit, or you can wear
comfortable clothes that are appropriate
according to our clothing guidelines.
Friday: Travel home.
Wear comfortable and appropriate travel
clothes.
Be sure to pack at least one extra outfit
so you have clean clothes to change into
if you shower in the evenings!
*For international locations