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Resources
You can be open about missions in Zimbabwe and post pictures about your work.
Do not make any comments online about Zimbabwean politics or take pictures or videos of police or government buildings.
Deposit: $250 – already done!
July 16: $800
August 13: $1000 + flight price
Packing List for Your Trip
Can’t Leave Home Without
- Passport
you cannot enter the country without it! - A copy of the personal identification page of your passport
it is legal to make copies. Store in a place separate from your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen the copy can help us work through the paperwork to obtain a new passport. Also, leave a second copy with your family. - Visa
$30 US cash to pay for a visa at the airport in Harare. Must be exact change. - Spending Money
Zimbabwe goes back and forth between using the US dollar and their own currencies (it’s complicated!), but you can almost always pay in dollars. Take cash that is in fairly good condition, but it doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s easier to bargain with smaller bills. In fact, if you can offer exact change you sometimes get a better deal. Take plenty of ones and fives. Take enough money for your entire trip because ATM’s are hard to find.
- Bible
- Notebook/Journal
- Pens/Pencils
- Camera, Memory Cards, Battery Charger (if you use something beyond your smartphone)
- Backpack or Small Tote Bag
- Smartphone and Charger (optional)
- Headphones/Earbuds
- Watch/Alarm clock (or use your phone)
- Flashlight (or use your phone)
- Extra Batteries for anything battery operated
- Refillable Water Bottle
some like camelbacks; some swear by Nalgene. Whatever you choose, DRINK WATER! Drink even more a week before you leave. Airplanes are dry and you are headed to a climate where hydration is critical. - Power Converter
for anything not dual-voltage. Most smartphones and computers are dual-voltage.
- Plug Adapter
outlets are types D and G.
bring enough for the entire trip, but small containers help make life easier.
Let’s Get Personal
- Deodorant (absolutely essential!)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Floss
- Soap/Body Wash
- Shampoo
- Hairbrush/Comb
- Hair Dryer, Curling Iron, Flat Iron . . . whatever you normally use in the morning make sure it’s a dual-voltage variety
- Hairspray, Gel, Mousse or whatever else you put in your hair
- Small Mirror
- Tissues
- Several Small Rolls of Travel Toilet Paper (available at Wal-Mart or Target)
- Towel
most people like ultralight, quick-dry ones. You can find them at REI and similar stores or Amazon. - Washcloth
get the thin, inexpensive, dollar store variety. They dry quick and you can throw them away if they get too dirty.
Just in Case You get Sick
- Advil/Tylenol/Aspirin whichever pain reliever works best for you
- Cold Medicine
- Cough Drops
- Vitamins, Etc. whatever you normally take when you get a cold
- If you take Prescription Medications bring a sufficient supply for the entire trip plus an extra week to ten days (in case of emergency). Bring it in the original container. If possible, bring a copy of the prescription as well. Medications can prompt extra questions and official paperwork from a doctor usually resolves all problems.
- Band-Aids
- Charcoal Pills often effective to resolve upset stomach from waterborne illness
- Knee/joint brace or ACE bandage if you need one frequently
- Earplugs and/or Benadryl if you are a light sleeper
- Sunscreen
- Chap Stick
- Bug Spray
- Keep in mind that countries have different laws about what medicinal products are acceptable. For instance, CBD oil/cream is legal in most of the US, but can land you in jail in some countries. If you use anything on a regular bases (prescription or over-the-counter) that you think might cause a problem, do your own research and contact us for help. Global Encounters is not responsible if you attempt to enter a country with a controlled substance.
See the dress guidelines for a more complete outline of what to bring, but here are a couple of considerations:
Fashion Must Haves
- Bring one outfit that is suitable for church.
- Camp has an awesome mud pit and the kids love mud pit games day. If you want to participate, take something you don’t mind getting dirty. The mud does wash out pretty easily.
- Swimwear
see dress guidelines for details. Definitely, don’t forget your swimsuit! If you burn easily, bring a t-shirt. - Shoes
since the temperature can change drastically within a day, we suggest taking tennis shoes and flip-flops. Whatever you bring, make sure they are comfortable and broken-in because you will do a lot of walking. - Jacket or hoodie
It is usually cool in the morning and evening. - Modest Sleepwear
- Hat (optional)
helpful if you are likely to get sunburned - Sunglasses
- Breathable Dirty Clothes Bag (i.e. a pillowcase)
Additional Items
Very Handy But Not Needed
- Luggage Locks
It is a good idea to lock your luggage when you leave the hotel. Make sure they are TSA compatible if you have them on your luggage in the airport.
- Ziploc/Plastic bags
great for keeping things organized and dealing with wet gear. - Snacks (no fresh fruit or vegetables)
- Knife (must go in your checked luggage!)
- Musical Instrument
- Children’s ministry supplies
— Scissors: for your own use.
— Skit Props: if you have them, a few wigs, funny glasses, hats, and various props can be fun to use.
— Craft and game supplies will all be provided
— Gifts for the Kids: if you would like to take along stickers, candy, or other small items to give the kids, you are more than welcome to do so. Please talk with the leaders before handing them out to make sure it won’t cause problems.
Insider Info
- Pack light! The less gear you have to tote around from one place to the next the easier life will be.
- Mark your clothes with your name.
- Laundry facilities will be available at times, but bring at least a week’s worth of clothes..
- If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s a good idea to take an extra pair or repair supplies.
- Do not bring items in your carry-on that could cause delays at airport security or customs. These items include metal nail files, pocket knives, scissors, and bottles of liquids over 3 oz.
- You are welcome to bring your smart phone. It can be especially helpful if it functions as your camera, flashlight, alarm clock, notebook, Bible, language dictionary etc. Wifi will be available from time to time. However, keep in mind that you are going to interact with people. Don’t let social media, games, etc. become a distraction.
- If you are bringing expensive photography equipment, a computer, or a musical instrument we highly recommend having it insured. You can often add this to your (or your parents’) homeowner’s or renter’s policy. For the most part this just applies to professional photographers and musicians.
There’s no obligation to bring gifts at all! You’re giving them yourself and your time, which is a huge gift in itself. Don’t burden yourself with the extra expense of bringing gifts if you’re already tight on getting yourself there. These are just suggestions for if you enjoy gift giving.
Going the Extra Mile
You will probably work with anywhere from 1-5 translators and 3 or more camp support staff. If you would like to take a small gift for them, here are some ideas:
- Thank you card
- Good Christian books in English
- Candles
- Bath & Body Works products
- Hair clips
- Inexpensive jewelry
- American candy (just be careful about things that will melt)
- Picture of you or your family with your email address on the back
- Notebook
- Fun pens