Packing List for Volunteers
Check with your airline to see the maximum baggage you are permitted to carry. Delta, at the time of this writing, allows 2 bags 50 lbs each and 1 carry-on of 35 lbs. We request that you dedicate at least one of your large bags to carry supplies/donations to Africa. If you are teaching, you will be responsible for making sure your own class supplies are there. Volunteers are asked to each other gather and carry supplies. Below are ideas of what personal items to bring in your personal bag. These are only suggestions and are based on experience and feedback from prior volunteers.
Clothing:
shorts (not too short) and or light weight pants
tops - sleeveless is OK, light sweater or long sleeve shirt
something nice for church
sturdy sandals or sneakers that are easy to clean.
slippers or extra flip flops
sunglasses and hat
hat and bandanna
rain jacket/poncho
swimsuit
(you might want to spray clothing with permethrin– a 2 week spray for clothes if the mosquitoes worry you)
Toiletries and First Aid:
Bug Spray (20-30% DEET)
Sun Screen (min 30 spf )
Band-Aids
Antibacterial Ointment
After-Bite
Chapstick
Shampoo and conditioner
Body/All purpose Wash (Dr. Bronners)
Toothpaste/Toothbrush/dental floss
Razor and shaving cream
Deodorant
Antibacterial Wipes
Body and Face Wipes
Pads/Tampons (as needed; bring enough!)
Mini Toilet Paper Roll
tweezers
Vaseline
Medications:
Prescriptions
Anti-Malarial Meds
Pain Relievers
Anti-Diarrhea Pills
Benadryl or Claritin for allergic
Tums or Other Antacid
eye drops (it can be dusty!)
Imodium and cipro for diarrhea
antibiotic Z pack (as your doctor recommends)
Vitamins, EmergenC, probiotics (so you keep your system strong against parasites.)
rescue remedy, etc.
Cinchona Officinalis (for stomach and also anti-malaria)
Lycopodium Clavatum
Other:
Day Pack
Pen / notebook /journal
Books for Reading
Camera., film/memory card
video camera
Recording Device/Mic
Blank CDs or flash drive
Batteries
Gifts for Hosts/New Friends
Polaroid camera and lots of film if you want to give kids pictures.
Disposable camera if you want to give them to kids to take home and then bring them back to develop. In that case, be sure to send them a copy of the pictures you later develop
Miscellaneous:
Money Belt
(waist type)
Towels
Sleep Sack
Pillow
Flashlight
Book light
Brush
lots of pens and pencils
Sewing Kit
Baggies
Electrical adaptors for European and UK outlets (2 and 3 prong)
transformer to 220 v if your equipment requires it
Energy bars, trail mix, etc.
GSM cell phone unlocked (you can buy a phone and sim cards there)
Laptop – for keeping notes of your trip, organizing photos, watching
movies in your room at night, accessing the internet when connection is
available.
Light blanket (if staying in hotels you may find over-air-conditioned rooms)
Documents:
Passport
Visa (double check for accuracy)
Yellow Card
Airline Tickets
Itinerary
Extra Passport Photos
Copies of all docs
Credit card you used to purchase ticket
Customer Service Numbers for Credit Cards
Important Notes on Currency:
- You will get a better exchange rate for big bills (we recommend new issue $100).
- Avoid using Credit Cards - Visa ATMs can be found in larger cities (Accra, Ho, Cape Coast).
- ONLY VISA is accepted in most Traveler’s Cheques may only be cashed in big cities.
- Always carry valuables in your money belt around your waist and under your cloths).
Gift Ideas
wind up flashlights, cosmetic items (not shampoo), shirts, hats, shoes. Dried fruit and nuts, chocolate, Vitamin C packets (EmergenC), mosquito repellent, music (especially Christian/Gospel), inexpensive jewelry.
If you are sponsoring a child and want to bring them gifts – consider a gift to their class like books, dvds, money for things they specifically need which you can purchase while you are there. Items like school supplies or clothing are best to buy in Ghana.
Laundry - You
can ask someone to wash for you or you can wash in your room. Bring twine
or something to rig up as cloths line in your room.
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