HELLO LISTENERS!!! Sorry for the delay in posts, I was just in TRAINING CAMP over in Atlanta, Georgia! And wow wow WOW, I have so much to say!
ALSO! The picture is of me in the Training Center during one specific night, I’ll get to why that’s important in the third post!
I’m splitting my time at Training Camp into three posts: this one is about some things to pack, so upcoming Racers can know what to bring! The second post will be about my team, squad, and leaders at Camp! And the third, the many revelations and experiences I had during camp!
Without further ado, here’s Tip #1: ABANDON ALL EXPECTATIONS.
I went into camp with no research, other than things to pack. (I have a list of what I packed at the bottom of this post.) And I am so grateful that I did. By not having any expectations, there were none to be met. I will warn you however; I am a very intercultural and open gal. I will try about anything, whether that’s in food or (good) actions. Overall, camp was enjoyable for me because I enjoy a good challenge. But if you are picky with your food or complain often or like the comforts of home, prepare yourselves!
Tip #2: TREAT TRAINING CAMP LIKE IT’S THE WORLD RACE. I talked to tons of people, and everyone had brought much more items than they’d be able to use/are advised to bring on the World Race. In the packing list for Training Camp, it advises you to treat this like you’re actually on the World Race. Halve the amount of clothing you bring. Practice running with your backpack with 45 lbs or less for the 2.2 mile hike.
TIP #3: DOUBLE AND TRIPLE-CHECK EVERYTHING YOU BRING. I forgot to bring body wash, and laundry soap. This was one of the few downsides to Training Camp. My clothes were never “washed”, just rinsed. If you have a sensitive nose, bring perfume or some type of nice smell you like. Everyone stinks, but nobody says anything because we all know we do 😉
TIP #4: ENJOY YOURSELF. You’ll experience so many different things on this trip. Be open to it! You’re going to feel so many emotions, see so many miracles, and learn so many new things. I am so grateful that God had led me to the World Race, if only to go to Training Camp.
Now some tricks! Bring lots of money, or even just your debit or credit card. There’s always cool things at the merchandise shop, and it isn’t open every day. Food-wise, you’re never full. Never. So buy lots of snacks at the Snack Shop!
Trick #2: Bring Ziploc bags with the sliders. 
They are so useful. Whether it’s from holding your clothes as you stand in line for the bucket shower, just keeping small stuff in the same area, or holding all your snacks, they are phenomenal. A friend on my Squad also recommended using them over compression cubes. The way she used them was by stuffing clothing or whatever items in one, squeezing all the air out, and then stashing it inside of storage cubes. Cheaper than compression cubes, and easier to find too! Plus, the more you have, the more you can pass them out amongst your team and Squad!
Trick #3: Bring empty medicine bottles. I brought exactly (1) one. It was a lifesaver. I could stash it inside my backpack, so I always had a barrette on hand (I hate hair on my neck, I always pin it up), an extra hair tie, my morning and nighttime medication, and hearing aid if I needed to take it off. Perfect for corralling all the small things!
That’s all I’ve got up my sleeve today! Come back next week for my my gushing about people at Camp!
See ya on the flip side!
Sunny!
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
~Proverbs 6:6-8
