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South Dakota Servant Trip Info Sheet

Packing

Each participant is limited to

  • One suitcase no bigger than27 inches. It will be in your best interest to bring a suitcase on wheels!
  • A book bag or one other small carry on

* Remember: You must be able to carry by yourself whatever you pack!! Also remember that we are going to a place with much poverty. There is no need for over packing.

What to bring:

Suggested by Tree of Life and the synod…

  • Two pairs of long pants (jeans or light weight cargo pants)
  • Work clothes that can get dirty
  • Hatoranotherkindofheadcovering
  • Sunscreen(atleast15SPF)
  • One outfit for church
  • Sneakers (or some other kind of sturdy shoe you can work in that covers your feet)
  • Swim suit (two pieces are allowed, however they should NOT BE skimpy)
  • Camera
  • Towel, washcloth and toiletries
  • Ear plugs (we may have some snoring going on)
  • Spending money
  • Offering money
  • Insect repellant
  • We will have downtime on our trip. Please bring with you a book to read, cards, or something to keep yourself entertained.
  • Pillow
  • Sleeping bag or Linens and inflatable pool mattress or blow-up mattress

* It is wise to pack anything you NEED in your carry on in case luggage is delayed or lost. Things you need include eyeglasses/contacts, medications, identification, some of your money, etc.

What NOT to bring:

Suggested by Tree of Life and the synod…

  • Valuables
  • Alcohol, tobacco products, illicit drugs

Dress Code

In order to help maintain our Intentional Christian Community and to represent ourselves and synod well, the planning team is instituting the following dress code for the trip.

  • Shorts should be no shorter than two inches above the knee cap. Most athletic/basket ball shorts fall in this category. Bermuda shorts and capris are always a safe option.
  • Tank tops are allowed, but the straps should be at least two fingers wide. No camis.
  • No form fitting pants (yoga pants, compression shorts, leggings, etc)
  • You should not be able to see your underwear because your pants/shorts are too low. Bring a belt or higher rise pants/shorts.
  • Do not wear clothing that has advertising for alcohol or offensive words or images.
  • No muscle shirts or shirts with cut out sleeves.
  • The same dress code applies to pajamas (no camis, short shorts, etc)

** Use your brain when packing! If you bring something that is deemed offensive or inappropriate, you will NOT be allowed to wear it during the trip.

Medical

  • It’s advised that your tetanus shot is current.
  • First Aid kits will be supplied by the synod.
  • Bring all prescription medications with you as it will be difficult to fill prescriptions on the trip. Participants will be responsible for the holding and administration of their own daily or regular medications.
  • For Rosebud workers: There is a clinic in Mission that we take participants to for minor things and a hospital about 15 minutes from Mission that the ambulance will take people to in case of an emergency.
  • For Milks Camp workers: There is a hospital about 20 minutes from Milks Camp in Gregory, SD.

Contact Information

  • Please know that cell phone service is unpredictable once we get to the reservations and so the ability to call home may be limited. Also, texting and calling home increases homesickness and so our participants are encouraged to disconnect from friends and family back home as much as possible.
  • In case of an emergency, please call one of the trip leaders’ cell phones: Molly 215.620.6111 (on Rosebud June 30-July 6) or Karin267.884.2086 (at Milks Camp June 30-July 6).
  • Contact information for Tree of Life Ministries: office number: 605.856.4266, fax is605-856-5835.
  • ThenightsofJune 27, 28, 29 and July 6 wewillbestayingat South Canyon LutheraninRapidCity.Theofficenumberthereis 605.343.4887.

Money

  • In order to equalize the cost of checked luggage, each participant is asked to contribute $35. Upon leaving the June 2 meeting you will receive enough cash to check one piece of luggage round trip on your airline. Fees may be paid in cash or by credit card.
  • Participantswillbepayingforthreemeals outoftheirownpockets whilesiteseeinginSouthDakota. Foodontransportationdaysarealsopersonalexpenses. Wesuggestbringing $50forfood.
  • You will have a chance to shop for souvenirs at many places. We suggest that you budget $100 for souvenirs. Many places will accept debit or credit cards, so it may be wise to bring less cash and one or two cards. Each participant will be responsible for their own money!
  • Tree of Life t-shirts will be on sale once we get to our work sites.

Prepare yourself!

The South Dakota Servant Trip will challenge you physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We suggest you do the following to prepare yourself…

  • Pray. Pray for yourself and the experience you will have, pray for strength, patience, understanding, health and open minds and hearts for you and others going on the trip, pray for Tree of Life Ministries and the people on the Rosebud Reservation and near Milks Camp.
  • Ask members of your congregation, family and community to pray for our trip.
  • Research American Indians, specifically the Lakota who are the tribe on the nearby reservations. There is a lot of information to be found online and in libraries.
  • Research American Indian reservations and the way of life that people on them have. Again, check out the web and your school or local library.
  • If you know others who are going on the trip, talk with them before we leave about what you are expecting to find in South Dakota and what you hope to experience on the trip.
  • Read your Bible and find out what it says about being a servant. Check out Micah 6:8, Matthew 20, Matthew 23, Romans 15: 7-9 and 2 Timothy 2: 23-26 for starters. How does the life of a servant parallel or differ from how you live your life? Prepare your heart and mind for the servant work you will be doing in South Dakota.