Written by As you plan different trips throughout the year, it is imperative to share a packing list with students and families to help them prepare for the specific trip they will be going on. Each trip and location is unique and they will most likely provide you with site- and trip-specific items you need. Think winter gear for a winter retreat and work gloves and boots for a mission trip.
But what are some packing list items that transcend trip types and can be utilized across the board? I’m so glad you asked because that is the focus of this post. The items shared today are meant to be repurposed from trip to trip so you don’t have to rewrite the same list over and over, but instead can add trip-specific items as needed.
Sleeping bag or sheets.
No matter where you take students, the reality is they will most likely need bedding of some kind. Mattresses may be provided but typically there are no sheets nor blankets. So reminding students to bring a sleeping bag or twin-size sheet set is imperative to helping them have a great trip.
A pillow.
Yes, could have put this with the sleeping bag and sheets, but I have found that students miss this item if it is not listed separately. Students tend to forget a pillow more often than not and giving it its own item line is key to helping them see it and remember it.
Clothing.
Each trip will require trip-specific clothing (think work clothes or winter gear), but there’s always typical clothing that will be needed on each trip. Encourage your students to pack sleepwear, clothing for activities (think gym games or outdoor activities), casual clothing for just hanging out, swimsuits when applicable, and clothing for any competitions, theme nights, or group activities.
Shoes.
Similar to the pillow addendum, students are prone to forgetting their shoes. And not just for a specific activity but all shoes except for the ones on their feet. Which given the time of year, those shoes (like Crocs and slides), will not be appropriate for the various activities at the site you’re going to.
So, when it comes to shoes, highlight which ones they need to bring. Think about shoes for various activities like shower shoes, gym shoes, slides, casual shoes, snow boots, work shoes, shoes for outdoor activities, and whatever else is necessary for your trip.
Toiletries.
As much as I’d love to think toiletries are basically understood, I’ve worked in student ministry for too long to believe that. And I’m guessing you may have too.
Helping students remember things like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, medicine, and towels and washcloths makes a huge difference when you’re going on trips. It’s also a good idea to encourage your students to bring a shower caddy or gym bag if they need to utilize a bathhouse or shared bath area.
Bible, pen, and journal.
When you’re going on a retreat, to a camp, or on a mission trip, typically you will have someone sharing some sort of message or devotional. You will probably be encouraging your students to do devotionals or a quiet time as well. Reminding them to bring these supplies on the trip helps to ensure they are prepared to fully engage with the trip.
A water bottle.
This is absolutely necessary regardless of what trip you’re taking students on. Making sure they are staying hydrated is important no matter the temperature outside, and encouraging them to bring their own water bottle along is incredibly beneficial.
One of the best things you can do as a trip leader is to ensure you have some stock piles of these items that you can take on a trip with you. I’m not suggesting that you bring along an entire store and medicine cabinet with you, but to have some back-up supplies is never a bad thing.
We typically take a small tote on trips that are closer to home (within a few hours’ drive) and a couple of small bags for longer trips or when we are flying. Another thing to be aware of is how close the nearest Walmart or supermarket is in case you need to make a quick pickup.
Planning well means preparing for your students to forget some things, but also equipping them with all the resources you can to help them succeed. That means having a proper and trip-specific packing list for them. Preparing ahead of time will help alleviate future stress and issues as you lead your team in whatever trip you’re heading out on.
