Packing List for a Short Term Mission

Whether you're planning a similar trip with your family or simply looking for ideas for a family vacation, this list is intended to ensure a memorable and meaningful experience for everybody involved.

Husband/Man:

When packing for a short-term gospel mission trip, consider the length of your stay, we stayed for four days and nights, the weather and the nature of your activities. This was the packing list I made for my spouse, and here's a suggested packing list for men: 

Clothing:

1. Shirts:

   • 3-4 short-sleeved shirts

   • 2-5 T-Shirts (for cooler evenings or outdoor activities)

2. Pants:

   • 2-3 pairs of lightweight, quick-drying pants

   • 1-2 comfortable pants for outdoor work

3. Shorts:

   • 3-4 pairs of lightweight (I always pack extra)

4. Footwear:

   • 1-2 pairs of, comfortable hiking boots or shoes

   • 1-2 pairs of sandals or flip-flops

5. Socks and Undergarments:

   • Pack enough socks and boxers for the duration of your trip. 

6. Hat and Caps , Sunglasses:

   • A hats and caps (I love it when my husband's cap or hat matches his clothing, so I pack a lot of them lol). 

Toiletries:

1. Toothbrush, Toothpaste.

2. Deodorant and Anti-Perspirant

3. Shaving Kit (if applicable)

4. Hairbrush or Comb

5. Contact Lenses (if applicable)

Electronics:

1. Smartphone and Portable Charger

2. Laptop and Portable Charger (if necessary)

3. Camera and Charger (if you plan on taking photos)

Wife/Woman

I packed in the following way, and this is a packing list that is recommended for women going on a short term gospel mission trip:

Clothing:

1. Modest Tops:

   • 3-4 lightweight, breathable tops (t-shirts)

2. Bottoms:

   • 2-3 pairs of lightweight trousers

   • 1-2 skirts or dresses (longer for modesty)

   • 1-2 pairs of shorts (you can put it on when toy are back at the hotel)

3. Dresses:

   • 1-4 modest dresses can be used for outerwear (I wore a long sunflower dresses)

4. Underwear and Socks:

   • Pack enough for the duration of your trip.

5. Sleepwear:

   • 1-2 comfortable, modest nightdresses or pajamas

6. Footwear:

   • 1 pair of sturdy or Cros, comfortable walking shoes

   • 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops

   • 1 pair of dress shoes ( for church services)

Toiletries:

1. Personal Hygiene Items:

   • Toothbrush, toothpaste

   • Deodorant and Perfume

   • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

2. Cosmetics:

   • Keep makeup simple; 

   • Lip balm or lipstick with SPF

   • Insect repellent

   • Sunscreen

Electronics:

1. Phone and Accessories:

   • Smartphone

   • Charger

2. Camera:

   • For capturing memories

Bible and Devotional Materials:

• For personal study

Remember, if you are with a mission organization, Check with your mission trip organizers for any specific packing recommendations or restrictions. Safe travels! 

Boys and Girls:

 Packing with kids can be tough because they always want to pack whatever they want. Can’t it? It's so difficult for each child to remember every last item. It can even make you wonder, "Is this trip worth all the difficulties?" I've been there. Like you, I needed an ultimate packing list for teens! But now that my kids are older, I have them pack their things using a packing list I created. 

Packing List for Boys

Clothing:

1. 5-7 T-shirts

2. 2-3 pairs of shorts

3. 2-3 pairs of long trousers 

4. Comfortable shoes (sneakers or sandals)

5. Flip-flops (casual wear)

6. 1-2 sets of pajamas 

7. Underwear and socks for the duration of the trip

Toiletries:

8. Toothbrush and toothpaste

9. Body wash or soap

10. Deodorant

11. Personal hygiene items

12. Hairbrush or comb

Other Essentials:

13. Reusable water bottle

14. Insect repellent

15. Small backpack for day trips

16. Notebook and pens (taking notes in church or for personal studies)

17. Bible

18. Light snacks

Packing List for Girls

Clothing:

19. 5-7 T-shirts

20. 2-3 pairs of skirts

21. 2-3 pairs of long trousers and jeans

22. Comfortable shoes (sneakers or sandals)

23. Flip-flops (for showering and casual wear)

24. 1-2 sets of sleepwear

25. Underwear and socks

Toiletries:

26. Toothbrush and toothpaste

27. Shampoo

28. Body wash or soap

29. Deodorant

30. Personal hygiene items (feminine wash)

31. Hairbrush or comb, hair ties, and accessories

Other Essentials:

1. • Reusable water bottle

   • Insect repellent

   • Small backpack 

   • Notebook and pens

   • Bible

   • Light snacks

Gospel Mission Specific: 

1. Bibles to share with locals (We took two boxes of Bibles)

2. Gospel Tracts 

Ministry Materials (sermon notes, Bible study notes, We took free T-shirts for teen girls) 

With this packing list, your family will be prepared for a meaningful and effective mission trip, allowing you to focus on serving and connecting with others. Enjoy your travels!