I recently had a question from a Group Leader in regards to any special items I would recommend students and adults bring on the trip. After taking time to answer, I realized that the information might be valuable to all groups coming to the project.

The Group Leader’s Manual is quite comprehensive in regards to what World Changer’s recommends each student brings, so any "to bring" list needs to start with what is recommended in the Manual. Having done this a while there are a few things I always add on in addition to what World Changers material states. A few things I can think of off the top of my head:

• Tools – Every student and adult needs a set of personal tools - see the Group Leader’s Manual for tools each student should bring.
• Bible, notebook, writing utensils.
• A small fan – Although we do have air conditioning in the school, a fan provides a fail safe in event of any air problems.
• Extension cords & power strips – For fans, cell phone charging, power tool charging, etc.
• Wooden dowel drying racks – Good to put towels and wet items on to dry out.
• Plastic bags – Putting dirty clothes that will not be worn again in a bag helps keep the room from smelling like a locker room after the third day, also good for the van/bus/car seats.
• Reusable water bottles – Plastic cups are provided on the work site, but a reusable sport bottle is great to have around – especially bottles that can be clipped to a belt.
• Wet wipes – Another great thing to have around on the work site for a multitude of purposes.
• Sun protection – Waterproof sunscreen is a must, sunglasses, hats – especially wide brim or visors.
• Shower caddy/bag – Something to caddy toiletries from room to shower, even better if you have a plastic one that can be taken into the shower with you, like this Walmart Shower Caddy.
• Backpack/bag – For transporting towels & clothes back and forth to shower.
• Foldable camping chairs/tables – Allows you to sit on something other than an air mattress on the floor.
• Elevated air mattresses – Certainly not a requirement to be elevated, but I personally find it to be a better sleeping experience.
• Ear plugs – My favorite trip survival item… there’s almost no way, in a room full of folks, that you’ll avoid having someone with jet airplane level snoring talent. Do yourself a favor, put in ear plugs and sleep soundly. I’m a big fan of the foam ear plugs that expand to fill the ear canal, but do not hurt – like these from Wallgreens.
• Stickers/Colored Markers Etc – For Encouragram envelopes: allows easy identification of group or crew members at a glance. This is an item primarily for Group Leaders, Crew Encouragers, and Crew Chiefs.

While I doubt the list is completely comprehensive, it’s a pretty good cross section of what I’ve learned via trial and error through the years. If you are a World Changer's veteran and can add to this list, feel free to comment on this post.