Your bags are packed.
(Or you’ve at least thought about packing a bag. . . right?)
You’re super pumped.
(Or nervous or antsy . . . that’s okay. . . so is everyone else!)
You’re busy writing thank you notes to all your supporters.
(Ahem. You know your Aunt Lina is dying to hear from you.)
There is no doubt you’re headed out on the adventure of a lifetime!
So let’s talk about this thing called training camp.
(Yikes! Maybe not that kind of training camp.)
Camp begins when you arrive at our main office in Gainesville, Georgia on the first day of your trip and lasts until you fly to your destination. You will first start out in Atlanta at Sonesta Atlanta Airport North on the 27th. Then we will bring you to our campus once our time at the hotel is done.
Training camp is a busy few days, filled with teachings, worship, time spent getting to know your team and leaders, and having a blast.
Lodging
You will be staying in our training buildings on sleeping mats. You will need to use your own sheets or sleeping bag – whichever you packed for your trip – and your own pillow. Guys and girls will be in separate areas. Note: Even if you don’t need bedding for the trip itself, you will need sheets/sleeping bag/pillow for training camp!
Bathrooms
We will have porta potties set up and first class shower stalls ready for you. Your water bottle will be your best friend when it comes to brushing your teeth and washing your hands.
Food
Food will be prepared by our awesome kitchen staff! We will provide large coolers of water for drinking/refilling your water bottle.
A note on food allergies and preferences: While we understand that our bodies are built differently, the reality of the mission field is that you will rarely have much control over what is available for you to eat. You will be served a variety of dishes overseas, and unless you have a serious food allergy, declining to eat a dish can be seen as offensive.
If you have a food allergy or intolerance listed on your Medical tab, we will make accommodations for you at training camp. However, food is ordered weeks in advance, and if you do not inform us of these needs in advance, you will be expected to eat the food served, or make do.
Vegetarians will need to make do with the main dishes served. Food preferences will not be accommodated (consider bringing some snacks if you’d like).
Weather
You will be outdoors in the hot Georgia summer heat and red clay. Plan for that and pop-up rain storms! Don’t forget your rain jacket!
Bottom line:
Training camp puts the ADVENTURE in MISSIONS.
See you soon!!
