Now that you’ve got Training Camp details, we want to give some information on what to pack and some guidelines to abide by when packing!
Below you’ll find both a packing list and a dress code.
Training Camp Packing List
No doubt that you are excited and nervous and anxious and ready to go and curious about teams and scared about teams and looking forward to seeing what God is going to do and maybe apprehensive about not knowing fully what to expect, wow.There’s a lot to think about so let us take some of the stress off your back by telling you what you need to bring with you to Training Camp.
The accommodations at training camp are somewhat primitive. Prepare for all weather – hot afternoons, cold nights, rain, sleet and snow – as well as cold, outdoor showers. Check the weather forecast for Gainesville, GA — this MIGHT help, although it’s pretty unpredictable.
You’ll find a packing list we have created for Training Camp below:
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Big pack (average of 60L-70L)
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Tent
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Sleep system
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Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping bag liner (if you use one)
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Clothes for the 11 days that follow Adventures dress code
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Think clothing that is for outdoor activities
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Jacket/sweater/fleece and rain jacket
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One pair of loose fitting ankle length pants & one shirt that covers your shoulders
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One semi-casual outfit (i.e. jeans and a nice shirt)
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An extra “workout” outfit
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Shoes
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Shower shoes, a rugged sandal (chacos, tevas, etc.), athletic shoes
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Reusable water bottle — a brand like Nalgene is great
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Mess kit items — think plastic bowl, plate & spork
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Towel, shower items & baby wipes
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Basic First Aid kit including insect repellant, medicine for stomach issues, headaches, allergies including seasonal, bug bites, or nature-caused, Band-Aids, anti-bacterial wipes and ointment, sunscreen, and aloe.
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Headlamp
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Bible, journal & pens
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Spending money — for possible meals out, fun time with your team or purchasing Adventures merch
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Medical Insurance card — just in case
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ID of some sort (think Driver’s License) — just in case
NOTE:
Rain happens. It can hit suddenly and hard. Be sure to keep your electronics stored in something waterproof at all times when you’re not using them!! Backpacks alone are NOT completely waterproof.
We will also ask that you turn off your cell phones for the majority of training camp. (We will go over the reasoning on the first night.)
We do ask that you try to bring your full sized hiking backpack to Training Camp. If you want to wait until after Training Camp to purchase a backpack, please borrow a backpack from someone else to use during camp.
Training Camp Dress Code
At this point, your head might be swimming with what to buy, what you need and especially what you’ll wear. You’ve probably noticed the dress code, and how much it has changed over the past couple of years. I’m sure you’ve seen instagram photos of racers not abiding by these rules. We know, hear us out.
Our goal is not to restrain your freedom, but to be selfless as we serve alongside our ministry hosts for the sake of Jesus. In the past, we’ve had participants offend ministry contacts by not presenting themselves clean/put together for ministry. Also, many pieces of clothing considered trendy in the states have been found offensive in other cultures as very non-modest. We’ve actually lost ministry relationships due to how racers’ present themselves.
We know it’s not about clothing. But we know the world needs Jesus and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to bring the gospel to the nations. The way we’re dressed can actually be a hurdle for the gospel, and we want to make sure that we are removing hurdles in the way of people meeting Jesus, not creating them.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church explains it well in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
So, what does this mean for training camp? Training camp is preparation for the field. In many ways it’s a test run, and it’s also a time for you to begin to live out the expectations of a racer and the culture of the World Race.
For your convenience, the parts of the dress code that apply to camp are below:
MEN:
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Regular swim trunks (no speedos or very short swim shorts)
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Keep chest covered (no large armholes or tanks cut very low.)
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You should wear a shirt at all times unless sleeping or swimming.
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Shorts must end no more than 5″ above the top of your kneecap (about a palm’s width.)
WOMEN:
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Skirts and dresses must be at least knee length.
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Shorts must end no more than 5” above the top of your kneecap — about a palm’s width. Shorts that hit the 5” mark should be loose fitting, as most cultures do not wear tight fitting clothing. Nike Running shorts are not appropriate to wear.
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Leggings may only be worn for warmth or under shorts/dresses that fit the dress code stated above for shorts.
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Yoga pants should only be worn in private quarters. You should never work out, run, etc. in public wearing yoga pants.
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Bathing suits must be full coverage (one piece or full length tankini.) In some countries you may be required to wear shirts and pants to swim.
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Bring modest clothing to sleep in.
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Sheer or see through clothing is not appropriate at any time.
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Be cautious of loose, flowy clothing that hangs off shoulders, shows bra straps or falls down when you bend over. Tank tops can be loose but should not show your bra, including sports bras. Undergarments should never be visible. Racerback tank tops are not allowed.
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It is appropriate to wear sleeveless shirts during training camp. A wide strap is appropriate. No spaghetti straps or racerback tank tops are ever appropriate.
*Notes – for TC purposes, shorts that meet the above specifications may be worn at any time during camp.
(This list has been slightly edited for camp so please refer to the full dress code under the preparation tab in your profile when preparing for the race.)
A quick note about bathing suits!
Gentlemen: Be mindful of the length of your shorts, you should be choosing longer short lengths and loose fitting trunks.
Ladies: Be mindful of your selections, you want to honor the dress code here. Avoid any high cut on the legs, low cuts in the chest area or in the back, or cuts on the stomach sides.
