Packing List
General:
Clothing:
Attire
Conservative and semi-formal attire is the traditional culture here in the Dominican Republic. We ask that all staff and volunteers attend school wearing pants, or long shorts (Bermuda shorts). Mini-skirts, short-shorts, sweats, running shorts, thin leggings and anything see-through is unacceptable. T-shirts marked with the DREAM logo will be provided to each counselor and teacher to wear each day during camp. During off hours you may dress as you like, though you might be uncomfortable in revealing or overly casual clothing. Please, keep in mind when you get dressed each day that you are always representing DREAM, on and off the clock.
Personal:
Other:
- Any prescription medicines that you require
- Medical insurance information (copies you carry with you)
- Copies of your important documents (passport, credit card(s), etc)—one copy left at home and one kept away from your originals in country
- Phone number of your bank(s)—branch numbers are recommended as 1800 numbers don’t always work from the DR
- Backpack or daypack
- Hat/visor (the sun is strong)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer/wet wipes
- Spanish-English Dictionary
- Insect Repellant
- Water Bottle (A MUST!)
- Wristwatch
- Rain Gear (weather is unpredictable—should always have on hand)
- Light walking shoes (like trail runners or Teva-like sandals)
- Camera (back up batteries and memory cards recommended)
- Umbrella
- Flashlight (very important, with extra batteries; phone flashlight also works)
- Calendar, small journal/notebook, pens and pencils, indelible marker
- Basic first aid kit: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, anti-diarrheal, bandages and antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, antifungal powder, motion sickness medicine, cold/allergy medicine
Clothing:
- Bathing suit(s) and beach cover-up
- Dressier clothes/shoes if planning on visiting Santo Domingo or Santiago (it is more formal there, especially at night)
- Summer clothes (climate is hot and humid so lightweight, light-colored clothing with sun protection is recommended) and casual clothes for weekends
- Beach sandals/flip flops
- Comfortable shoes/extra pair of sneakers and socks
- Beach towel/sarong
- Long pair of pants/jeans
- Sweatshirt/light jacket (summer in the DR is generally hot so you will not need to pack cold weather clothes, but always a good idea to have a light wrap)
- Undergarments
Attire
Conservative and semi-formal attire is the traditional culture here in the Dominican Republic. We ask that all staff and volunteers attend school wearing pants, or long shorts (Bermuda shorts). Mini-skirts, short-shorts, sweats, running shorts, thin leggings and anything see-through is unacceptable. T-shirts marked with the DREAM logo will be provided to each counselor and teacher to wear each day during camp. During off hours you may dress as you like, though you might be uncomfortable in revealing or overly casual clothing. Please, keep in mind when you get dressed each day that you are always representing DREAM, on and off the clock.
Personal:
- Personal hygiene products if needed- i.e. contact lens solution, tampons, prophylactics (these toiletry items are very difficult to come by in country, but other items such as lotion, shampoo, soap, etc. are easily purchased and widely available in Cabarete).
- Sports Equipment if interested (i.e., baseball glove, snorkel, etc.)
- Battery operated MP3 player, with speakers if desired
- Battery operated reading light/book light
- Battery operated clock
- Collapsible tote/beach bag (reusable grocery tote works well)
- Sheets and towels will not necessarily be provided at your residence. If you are particular about your pillow, you may want to bring yours or a travel-sized version, as the one you will be provided may not be what you are used to/the most comfortable)
Other:
- Any donations you would be willing to leave in country (clothes, shoes, books, equipment that you wouldn’t mind donating to needy families after you have used them). Check out our Supply Donation List.
- You may want a few basic cooking items (cutting knife, set of silverware, can/bottle opener, lighter, reusable coffee mug, etc.)
- Your residence will have wireless Internet, so a laptop or portable Internet device may be useful if you wish. Please read the handbook section on “valuables” if you choose to bring such equipment. Note that you CANNOT bring cell phones or MP3 players to camp. Bring usbs if you choose to get copies of others’ photos at the end of camp.
- Some US cell phones will work in the DR, but the charges to call or receive calls to/from the US, Europe, or Canada may be high. Check your provider’s plan (many also require that you call within the US to update your phone’s international capacities) before leaving the country. There are many locations in Cabarete to call home, and cell phones can be purchased here for approx. $20 and minutes added to them as you go.
- Keep in mind that electricity can be intermittent, so items requiring charging may be difficult to charge to full capacity (cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, etc). It is recommended to have battery backup available.
- Reading books/magazines
- Reference books/curriculum guides/guidebooks you may need for your stay. See the “recommended reading” section for more information.
- Spending money for incidentals (laundry, meals out, public transportation, snacks, etc). Money is easily changed at banks or Caribe Express in Cabarete, including traveler’s checks with a passport as ID. ATMs are also readily available in Cabarete, but may not always be in service and are to be used with caution.
- Any food items you may be particular about (granola bars, energy bars, snacks, etc.) For example, peanut butter is very expensive, so you may want to bring down a plastic jar to accommodate any particular dietary restrictions/specifics. Past volunteers have enjoyed having powdered drink mix, gum, boxed soups, etc. with them. Keep in mind that most common grocery items are easily purchased in country.