When packing for the trip keep in mind that weather in Scotland is mild for summers. The climate is cool and breezy and it often drizzles during the day. Our hosts said be prepared for highs in the 70's and lots of thin layers as it gets chilly at night. If you don't have a breathable light rain jacket you may want to invest in one.
Scotland is a western county. We will serving in a urban setting the whole time and people dress very similar to an east coast city in the States, like Boston. Due to the weather, people often wear jeans/trousers and t-shirts throughout the summer.
We will be walking most places and may have the opportunity to do mild hiking, even when it rains, so bring proper shoes. Often we will be carrying a packed lunch and a bottle of water and our rain jackets so you will need to bring the lightest backpack ("rucksack" in the UK) or messenger bag you have. A tied string pull backpack would probably suffice or a big purse for the ladies.
We will be expected to be clean. Thankfully we will have access to a washer and dryer, so keep in mind less is more. Don't be surprised to see people ware the same outfit a couple days in a row. Bring things you like to ware again and again.
ELECTRONICS:
We will have access to computers on our two contacts days, so don't bring laptops. Feel free to bring your MP3player and charging cord.
Remember AIM is a no cell phone zone and ask you leave your cell at home. Your parents are instructed to contact AIM to reach you both while you at training and abroad.
Blow-dryers, straighteners, curling irons, etc. in the States run on a different power frequency. These types of appliances won't work in the UK EVEN IF YOU GET A PLUG ADAPTER!
CLOTHES:
- two pairs of athletic shoes/walking shoes/sneakers
- a pair of sandals/flip flops
- a pair of outdoor/indoor work clothes
- a Church outfit: dress or skirt and top for the ladies and collared shirt, tie, and slacks for the men
- a few blouses/t-shirts
- a couple pairs of jeans/trousers
- a couple pairs of shorts
- a sweatshirt/hoodie
- a rain jacket
- bathing suit
- pajamas
- don't forget underwear (I recently forget socks on a trip to Florida so I am preaching to the choir on that one)
ITEMS:
- one thin beach towel (for AIM's training and for swimming), bath towels will be provided in Scotland
- old linens or sleeping bag (for AIM training), linens will be provided in Scotland
- MP3players
- Bible and good pen
- travel toiletries and amenities (in ziplock bags in both checked & carryons)
- water bottle (nalgene)
- light backpack or messenger-bag
- camera
- medications (left in their bottles of origin)
- three plastic trash bags
- flashlight
- minimal jewelry NOTHING VALUABLE or that LOOKS EXPENSIVE
- PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION – INCLUDING: passport photocopies and any/all documentation you've been asked to bring via the phone/email/and blogs
Hey guys! Bring a flashlight! Because at training camp we dont have electricity in our cabins and we get back in them when its pitch dark outside… ha. So they are really helpful.
YES, YES, FLASHLIGHT IS VERY HELPFUL!!!!!
ALSO:
one can of bug spray !!! is helpful
books you would like to read
games
cards
GIRLS– If you want to wear NICE dress slacks and a blouse to church instead of a dress/skirt, you may do that as well.
you may bring snacks but please don’t bring a lot. most American candies are sold in Scotland, minus peppermint patties, reeses, tootsie rolls, etc. Gum is kind of pricey there.
Any other questions about what to bring? Blog them.