Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

A year ago today, June 4th, I was meeting my new squadmates and realizing how REAL my decision had been to go on the World Race. This last month on the Race has been a time of reflection— reflecting on what I have learned, mistakes I have made, and things I wish I had known.

So, dear future racers, this is what I wish I would have known about Training Camp.

Dear Future Racers:

Training Camp is intense…inTents…like camping…

But, really! Now finishing month 11 of the Race, I look back on Training Camp and feel like the experiences of 1 month on the Race was packed into each day! 11 months lived in 11 days! So, hang in there! I promise each day on the Race won’t be like Training Camp.

Daily Themes: Each day is themed on a continent/culture and you’ll get to try staple food items while also learning a little about the cultural norms of those areas— Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and India. You will also get to experience Girl’s/Guy’s Day, Adventure Day, Travel Day, and Coming Home Day.

Field Simulations: These were a blast! You’ll get to practice “losing” your luggage, having a LONG layover, sleeping in tight spaces with 10+ people, etc.

Physical Tests: The length of your hike may slightly vary depending on your route but you’ll be required to hike with your big packs on in under a certain amount of time. Our squad did 2.2 miles in 38 minutes or less. You’ll also have to pack, unpack, pack again, lift, carry, hike, climb, and walk around all of campus. This will be the time that you realize how little you really should pack! This hike is only with your big pack so remember that pain when you are actually packing for Launch!

Sessions: You’ll spend hours in the “Training Center” worshipping, processing information, taking notes, etc. Be prepared for some information overload. Some logistical topics you’ll go over include Storytelling, Packing 101, Medical Insurance, Donor Relations (Fundraising), Safety, Parent Ministry, and Cultural Competency.

Spiritual Preparation: This really falls under “sessions” but wanted to put it in a different category. Leaders and staff will share their hearts on various topics. Some of the ones I enjoyed the most included ‘Identity,’ ‘Forgiveness,’ ‘Communication Skills,’ and ‘Spiritual Warfare and Spiritual Gifts.’

 

Training Camp Packing

*Don’t expect to bring to Training Camp what you’ll actually bring on the Race. Part 2 of this “Dear Future Racers” series is a packing list. You’ll see.

ESSENTIALS:

  • Internal Frame Backpack (35L-60L)

  • Daypack (28L recommended)

  • Hammock to sleep in. Don’t buy a new tent! Or coordinate with your squad and double up and share tents! This may help for rainy days, too!

  • Sleeping Pad

  • Comfy Pillow

  • Rain Cover for rainy days (for tent or hammock)

  • Eagle Creek Packing Cubes

  • Sleeping Bag (for at least 35 degrees) It gets cold!!!

  • Ear Plugs (only essential if you’re sensitive to noise)

  • Sleep Mask (only essential if sensitive to light)

CLOTHING:

Check Gainesville weather! June days are HOT and HUMID but the nights are COLD. January days are COLD!

  • Bring one nice outfit to “go out” in

  • Light rain jacket

  • Chaco/Teva/Birk type plastic sandals

  • Running Shoes

  • Light hoodie/sweater

  • Sweatpants

  • Watch

  • Sunglasses

FOR GIRLS:

  • 1 pair of pants that cover ankles

  • 5 tops (dry-fit, tank tops that are NOT racer backs, and regular t-shirts)

  • 2 Colombia/Patagonia shorts or your preference shorts

  • Headbands

FOR GUYS:

  • 1 pair of pants

  • 4-5 shirts (dry-fit, T-shirts)

  • 2 pairs of shorts 

TOILETRIES: 

*All your toiletries for the week

  • Detangling hair brush.

  • Baby Wipes (These are gold!)

  • Travel Size containers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash

  • Deodorant

  • Loofah

  • Regular Towel or Turkish towel (can get on Amazon)

ELECTRONICS:

  • Headphones (1 pair)

  • 1 portable charger

  • Charging cords (2)

  • Charging and Headphone splitter

  • Portable Speaker

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Journal (I used Christian Planner and a cute journal to document the things.)

  • Pens you love

  • Hydro Flask or Nalgene (My teammate, Paige, says copper water bottle is the way to go!)

  • Bible (Travel Bible or the Bible you want to process in!)

  • Fork/knife spoon and bowl (won’t need for the Race)

  • Business Cards (Handy when you meet people in the airport to launch that want to learn more about your Race or donate!) Wish I would have brought mine on the Race, too.

MEDS:

  • Ibuprofen

  • Itch Cream

  • Bug Spray