Partners in the Parks: Virgin Islands, VI

EQUIPMENT

Most airlines allow two pieces of checked luggage and a small carry-on bag, but check with your airline
as to their limitations. DON'T OVERPACK. Be prepared to PAY for checked luggage.

DOCUMENTS, ETC
* State issued I.D. such as a driver's license OR a passport (be sure it's not outdated)
* Color photocopy of your I.D. or passport (to be kept in a separate place in case your original is lost).
* Spending money (for tips, drinks, incidental expenses and souvenirs)

CLOTHES
* One or two swimsuits (you'll spend most of your time there in these)
* Scuba booties, aqua socks, or old pair of sneakers you can get wet (for wading in on rocky beaches)
* At least one long-sleeve shirt and one pair of long pants to protect from sunburn
* Short-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, underwear
* Sturdy shoes for hiking---usually a well-supported running shoe should work---hiking boots most likely won’t be necessary---flip-flops are okay for around the premises ONLY
* A poncho or other light rain gear
*Light windbreaker type jacket or a sweatshirt in case evenings are cool
* Hat or cap (very important)
* Sunglasses

SWIM EQUIPMENT
* Mask with snorkel (test it in the water before the trip to be sure it fits properly)
* Swim fins (full foot) or SCUBA booties and strap-back fins

* Beach towel and/or bath towel

MORE
* Good flashlight with new batteries (useful in camp and on night hikes)
* Snacks (if you can’t live without food between meals)
* A bottle of good-grade sunscreen lotion (SPF 30 or higher)
* Camera, (a waterproof camera for underwater photos is nice if you can borrow one)
* Good insect repellant (bring a couple of bottles; most people use repellent that is at least 95% deet, but
some people prefer repellent from natural sources for health reasons)
* Mosquito netting if you are super sensitive to bugs (optional; we didn't need this last year--2011)
* Small water bottle for carrying water during day trips.
* Small backpack for carrying things on day trips
* Binoculars (optional); try to borrow a pair if you don't have your own
* A deck of cards, dominos and/or small board games
* Personal medication and first aid items (including motion sickness medication if you're susceptible to
wave motion while in a boat)
* Prescription medication according to your physician’s advice.
* Hygienic needs and toiletry items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo—no blow dryers)
* Top and bottom twin bed sheets
* Zip-lock bags from storing phones, cameras, etc.
* A large plastic trash bag (for bringing home wet clothing)

STUDY
* A folder for handouts
* A black (or other color) composition notebook (you will take notes from the back forward and keep your journal in the front)
* A pencil and a fine-point permanent (waterproof) ink pen for journal work
**Optional: Field guides for identifying birds, marine algae, fish, invertebrates or other wildlife. Some field guides will be provided and the research center where we stay has a good library, but whatever you can bring that is relevant to the U.S. Virgin Islands would be great!

FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE
* A sense of humor (for when things don't work out exactly as planned)
* Please don’t bring radios, drugs, spear guns, or fishing equipment
* Please do not be tied to your electronics---I SUGGEST leaving them home so you can actually interact with the people you are WITH!!!