DTS Pro Tips for Packing

​DTS is an exhilarating adventure. A lot can happen in the five months you’ll be here, including traveling internationally for the field assignment! Packing for such an adventure can be overwhelming; what do you need to bring? What should you leave at home? Is there something you’re forgetting?? Let me help you out:

​Some tips before you start packing:

A friendly reminder - everything you bring with you during your lecture phase must also go with you on your field assignment. Unfortunately, YWAM Ships Corpus Christi does not have enough storage available for trainees to leave things behind while on their 8-week field assignment. In some cases, like in the event of holding DTS graduation in the field, you may not even return to Corpus Christi after DTS to collect your belongings. 

The luggage you choose matters! As we mentioned before, everything you bring on the lecture phase goes with you on your field assignment, including luggage! You won’t want to carry a giant suitcase up and down mountains, onto tiny sailboats, or through remote villages that don’t have roads. A 50-70L hiking backpack is the best way to go! 

The size of your backpack matters as well. The bigger the backpack, the more stuff you can fit in. However, the more stuff you put in your backpack, the heavier it gets! Keep this in mind when you consider lugging that backpack on a 2 hour hike uphill into a village you may stay in while you conduct ministry. 

If you have trouble packing what you need for the lecture phase (for example, a pillow and sheets) you can always purchase them when you arrive and donate them before you head to your field assignment.

That said, let’s get started! 

​Here’s what you’ll need for lecture phase:

• A hiking backpack - 50-70L depending on how much you want to bring and carry around
• Packing cubes (optional) - they are SO helpful to keep that backpack organized and utilize space well
• Casual clothing - including 8-10 shirts and 5-6 shorts/pants. Pack clothes that mix and match well for more options, and remember to think about layering. The weather in Corpus Christi is usually hot, but can get down to 35 degree Fahrenheit on occasion in the winter. This will also be helpful depending on the location of the field assignment. DTS is all about cross-cultural relationships and what one culture deems appropriate may not be acceptable in another. We strive to honor everyone we interact with and minister to, including through the way we dress. 
• Special event outfit - You may choose a nicer shirt/dress for church, DTS gradation, and other special events. 
• Local ministry clothing (no tank tops or shorts)- you may help out at a church on Sunday, assist at an after-school event, etc. 
• Work clothes - consider what you would want to wear (or not wear) if you need to paint a wall, mow the lawn, build a house, or plant a tree. 
• Undergarments and pajamas - remember that males and females will most likely live in the same home so consider appropriate PJs. 
• Sturdy shoes / casual shoes / flip flops - Tennis shoes are great for work projects and flip flops work well for casual wear, depending on field assignment location. Also consider flip flops for showering. 
• Modest Swimsuit 
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen - The Corpus Christi sun gets intense!  
• Bedding (twin sized sheet set, pillow, lightweight blanket) - These can be purchased after arrival and donated before leaving for field assignment. 
• Compact laundry bag/hamper 
• Towel and washcloth - We recommend thin material (such as microfiber that dries quickly and rolls up tightly) that can double as a beach towel. 
• Toiletries - Consider waiting to purchase larger sizes until arrival. Your new roommate may be willing to split it with you!
• Medications (if used), vitamins, small first aid kit - Make sure you have enough medication for the 5 months that you will be away from home.
• Water bottle - we recommend no larger than 32oz, as a full water bottle adds weight during travel and hiking.
• Bible
• Notebook/journal
• Pens/pencils
• Laptop/tablet (optional) - While these are great for taking notes during the lecture phase, remember that whatever you bring for the lecture phase goes with you on the field assignment. If you don’t want it to go with you on the field assignment, leave it at home. Consider using pen and paper when taking notes instead.  If you do choose to bring one, we recommend also bringing a surge protector and a hard-shell case to protect it against debris/water damage/dust, etc. And don’t forget those chargers!
• Phone/Charger/Headphones - Consider bringing a surge protector along with a waterproof case for field assignment. You’ll have time to contact family, friends, and financial supporters throughout the DTS. 
• Small entertainment (optional) - A pack of cards is great to have on hand during travel days! Small art supplies, small instruments, or a camera lens for your phone are great to have as well. 
• Photos of family and friends 
• Passport - Include a laminated photo copy to have on hand just in case. 
• Health insurance - Include a laminated photo copy to have on hand just in case. 
• Personal size backpack/purse - This is helpful during local ministry days on field assignment, as a carry on during travel, and more! ​

Items specifically for your Field Assignment:
​

• Rain jacket - Look for lightweight, breathable jackets for tropical, humid locations
• Outreach clothing - (skirt or flowy pants for girls, pants for guys, all tops should have sleeves) Bring things you don’t mind getting dirty, and a few pairs of each item.
• Flashlight and extra batteries - (optional but handy)
• Portable Charger - you never know when you may not have electricity ​

​We’ll let you know during the lecture phase if you need to purchase additional items for your field assignment. These may include:

• A tight packing sleeping bag
• Blow up or compact sleeping mat 
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Mosquito net
• Bug repellent
• Sunscreen
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer 
• Ziploc bags (they help keep small items organized and protect phones from water damage)

What Not to Bring: 

• Alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, illicit drugs, firearms, fireworks, candles
• Valuables - This includes special jewelry, family mementos, etc. Some couples choose to wear silicone wedding rings during DTS.
• Electronics such as gaming systems 
• Laptops or cameras - IF you aren’t willing to bring it on the field assignment, as some laptops are very heavy and very expensive. Plus, wifi may be limited depending on field location anyway. If you do choose to bring these items, consider hard-shell cases to keep them protected. 
• Lots of heavy books/games 
• Lots of shoes 
• Flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers, large amounts of makeup - these items are not worth the space or weight during field assignments!

We are so excited to have you and are looking forward to seeing you soon for your Discipleship Training School at YWAM Ships Corpus Christi! 

Did we forget anything, or do you have any good pro-tips? Share with us in the comments below! 

About the Author ~

​Erin Baird did her DTS in Townsville, Australia in 2017. Since then her love for missions has grown, along with ending Bible poverty. She enjoys traveling, baking, studying the Bible, and teaching others how to study the Bible for themselves. She currently lives in Texas with her husband, Carl as they serve on staff at YWAM Ships Corpus Christi. ​