Kindness Adventures Tijuana and Del Mar Packing List
Personal
We are staying at a good hotel with internet. Security for your electronics should be no problem but it is up to each individual to decide whether to bring computer etc.
- Passport (it is recommended you leave a photocopy at home and bring an additional photocopy with you)
- Medication (in original prescription bottles)
- Toiletries
- SUN SCREEN
- Towel
- Ear plugs (some people snore)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Reusable Water bottle
Clothing
Winter builds can be warm or cool. Mornings are often cooler so bring layers. Rain is definitely possible, so bring an old raincoat. Sleeves and pants are a must especially on the insulation days. Please wear sturdy shoes.
Weather in Tijuana has an average high of 69 and an average low of 54. The mornings and evenings can get cold with variable weather during the daytime. As a result, clothing that is worn in layers is typically preferred. In addition, it may rain and conditions can get muddy.
- Hat (for sun and rain)
- Rain gear / poncho
- Boots or shoes with sturdy sole
- Old jeans/pants
- Sweatshirts
- PJS
- Work gloves - provided
- Jeans and a casual outfit as we do go to some restaurants.
Contact Information While In Mexico:
Most U.S. cell phones will work from Mexico, but check your service provider for rates.
Trip leaders’ phone numbers/contact information: Craig Torres-Ness (260) 615-5756
Daily Itinerary
We’ll rendezvous in the late morning at San Diego Airport and cross the border together. We’ll get a little building in the first day. Below is a typical itinerary for the build. Truth be told, that wake-up time gets later and later each day…but we leave it on here to stay ambitious.
- 7:00 AM — Rise and shine. Continental breakfast will be provided at hotel.
- 7:30 AM — Vans depart for worksite: 10-minute ride. During the trip, we’ll be constructing two homes, which are very close to one another.
- 12 PM — Lunch on site provided by a local family who has volunteered to cook us delicious local fare. Typically rice, beans and a separate meat dish are provided, along with a dessert. If you have any special dietary needs, make certain to let us know so we can ensure you’re well fed!
- 5:30 PM — Clean up work-site and depart back to hotel.
- 6:00 PM — Dinner Evening After dinner, we’ll have a little time to wind down, enjoy one another’s company and discuss the successful day. We’ll provide snacks, board games and movies. In addition, we’ll ask for volunteers to assist in our donor appreciation process, which consists of emailing our supporters with updates from the day’s work.
Team Building
During our builds, volunteers will be broken into teams and given specific tasks. Teams will be broken up based on personal choice and skill. Regardless of experience, this project relies on the participation of all volunteers and even the faint of heart will become hammering experts. The tasks will include wall fabrication, truss fabrication, furniture factory, insulation, electrical wiring, painting, etc.
Donor Appreciation
One Small House prides itself on the fact that each person who donates through Kindness Adventures will be personally thanked and shown the impact of their generosity. As a result, while we’re in Mexico, we’ll be taking hundreds of photos and writing hundreds of emails to each person who makes the work we do possible. This will also include photos of you hard at work so your families and friends can be proud. The process, while tedious, is imperative to our model. As a result, you may be asked to pose for a few photos and say a few words for camera. Don’t be shy!
Safety
Safety on the worksite is an important issue. We’ll spend time each morning briefing the teams of what to expect for the day and remind them of proper safety precautions. In addition, each house will be assigned a Safety Coordinator that is in charge of eradicating any precarious items or potential hazards.
Insurance
We obtain supplemental medical insurance for volunteers during the time we are in Mexico. We suggest you also check with your primary medical insurance carrier, if any, and familiarize yourself with their travel rules and be sure to carry your insurance card.