PACKING
Shopping is best done at home, so please come prepared.
Be prepared for any clothing you wear on the work site to get ruined and dirty. Please pack light - think about what is needed vs wanted; space on base is tight, and environmental impact of items left behind after programs is a serious issue in rural communities Please see the following lists for required, recommended, and good to have items:
REQUIRED
Work Boots: These should be sturdy work boots or hiking boots, they must be closed-toe. Puncture-proof soles and steel toe boots are recommended (no Converse or running shoes/trainers allowed on site).
Photo ID/Passport
REcommended
Work clothes: We provide short-sleeved work shirts but you should bring pants/shorts to work in, as well as long sleeve shirts in case you are working on a site that requires them.
Waterproof rain jacket or raincoat. It may occasionally rain on work days.
Sleeping bag - Mattresses and pillows are provided for volunteers, but we advise bringing your own pillowcases, bed sheets, and blankets/sleeping bags.
UV/Sun protective safety glasses: our worksite is on bright white sand/ground, and you’ll need safety glasses with UV protection to filter out the intense light
Water bottle
Personal cash and ATM/credit card
Personal first aid kit, including any medication e.g. paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, antidiarrheals, etc. (We are unable to provide any medication). And, a personal thermometer.
Personal items, toiletries (please consider bringing biodegradable soaps to protect the local environment), and towel.
Good to have
Vitamins, electrolytes, food supplements.
Insect repellent - the mosquitos and sand flies have been quite bad at the start of program… this is highly recommended!
Any “comfort” snacks or essentials you may not be able to get near base
Cell phone, Battery pack.
Books, games, or other forms of entertainment
Sharpie (for marking your belongings)
Personal Protective Equipment (such as: N-95 respirators for when mixing cement, ear protection, and gloves.) We will provide this equipment, but we encourage volunteers to bring their own when possible
Lots of socks (these tend to disappear in a communal living environment)
Normal clothes (for after work and days off)
Lightweight jacket or sweater
Shower shoes/flip flops, swimwear
Earplugs and a sleep mask
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun hat
Where to Shop?
The town of San Nicolas Buenos Aires, where base is located, and the neighboring town of San Salvador el Seco have shops where most things can be purchased.
Want to see what other volunteers bring with them to gain some packing inspiration? Check out this video!