Registration Information
What to Bring List
Youth With A Mission has prepared a list of what you might want to bring for your Homes of Hope event. Some of these items may not apply to your group.
We suggest your packing be restricted to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag.
General Packing list:
Sports bottle or water container
Personal toiletries (Shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
Camera and film
Moist towelettes
Sunblock or hat
Flashlight and batteries
Towel and wash cloth (for groups staying in our YWAM centers)
Bedding included (sheets, pillow, pillow case, blanket, and comforter for groups staying in our YWAM centers)
Suggested Clothing:
Please note that these are only suggestions for your group. Be prepared to get your clothes very dirty at the work site!
Work pants
Work shirts
Work shoes (closed-toe)
Casual/comfortable shoes
Casual clothing for dinners or other non-building times
Light jacket or sweater
Q & A
Here are some common questions and answers we would like to share with you as you prepare for your Homes of Hope event.
Q: Are the food and water safe in Mexico?
A: Yes and no. As long as you DO NOT drink the water. Bottled water is provided for your use both at the work site and the hotel. The food is also well prepared by your hotel and the YWAM staff who follow health regulations. (This pertains to those staying at the motel or hotel)
Q: Is it sanitary?
A: The hotel you will be staying at is very modern with all of the necessary facilities. At the work site there will be hand-sanitizing lotion as well as clean porta-potties for the use of the group only.
Q: What’s the weather like?
A: It is always difficult to predict the weather. Usually the days are warm while the evenings are cool. The temperature is rarely less than 45 degrees F or higher than 90 degrees F. There are some slight chances of rain.
Q: Do we need immunizations?
A: YWAM does not require immunizations while groups travel in Mexico. We suggest each group member have an updated Tetanus shot. Otherwise, please check with the health department for any suggested immunizations or health warnings.
Safety Guidelines
We have some safety guidelines for your group to note before you come to build houses with Homes of Hope.
Safety Commandments
· Operate only power tools you have been specifically assigned to or trained for
· Use safe lifting/carrying techniques
Lift with your knees, not your back
When carrying long or awkward objects, have a helper assist you and carry the object by the ends to avoid accidents
Power tool safety:
· Never wear gloves, loose jewelry, clothing, or long, loose hair while operating power tools – they may get caught in the power tools and pull you into danger
· Always wear safety glasses
· Know what is on the other side of what you are cutting or drilling – if you can’t see, check and assign someone to monitor the other side
*Use only the “Sawsall” reciprocating cutter to cut out the windows of upright walls—the circular saw poses too much danger when used to cut out windows
· Stop using any power tool that is missing guards, is dull, or has frayed electrical parts
Chop Saw Safety:
· TRAINED ADULTS ONLY
· Never cross your hands in front of a moving blade
· Wait until the blade comes to a stop before moving your hands or the work piece
· Support both ends of the work piece in case it unexpectedly shifts after cutting it
· Wear safety glasses
· Do not wear gloves, loose jewelry, loose hair, or loose clothing
“Skill Saw” (Circular Saw) and “Sawsall” (Reciprocating Saw) safety:
· TRAINED ADULTS ONLY
· Never cut objects laying on the ground – saw may snag on the ground and “run away” from you
· Use only sharp blades
· Never cut something you cannot have monitored on the opposite side
· Wear safety glasses
· Do not wear gloves, loose jewelry, loose hair, or loose clothing
Safety Roles for Each Participant
Adults:
Your safety; your children’s safety
One parent is required to teach the Safety Guidelines to all your children and work alongside any child under 14
Set an example for all – it is expected and “ok” for you to intercede tactfully when you see others of any age working in an unsafe manner
Youth 18 (+) years old:
Know all safety rules
Only operate power tools when parents give approval, when you have been specifically assigned to and trained on, and ONLY when you are under adult supervision
Youth 12-15 years old:
Know all safety rules
DO NOT OPERATE ANY POWER CUTTING TOOLS (Drill ok)
Work alongside at least one parent or assigned adult at all times
Youth under 12 years old:
Know all safety rules
DO NOT OPERATE ANY POWER TOOLS
DO NOT GET ON ROOF
Work alongside one of your parents at all times
