Packing for summer camp in a new location can be stressful, but it needn’t be. If you’ve signed up for a summer school program at World Scholars Academy, have a look at this packing checklist to make sure you’re not leaving anything behind as you embark on this adventure of a lifetime.
1. Casual School Clothes
You want to make sure you’re comfortable during your time at the World Scholars Academy, so you can take full advantage of the academic, extracurricular, and social activities we offer. The summer school dress code is casual, so for classes you can bring whatever you would normally wear to relax and feel comfortable in warm weather. You can expect temperatures on summer days to rise to around 86°F (30°C) and to drop to 70°F (21°C) at night – however it can feel much colder in the wind!
2. Formal wear
Many students will also choose to dress up for our graduation ceremony, so be sure to come ready to get up on stage to receive your diploma and boogie with the gang afterwards!
3. Swimwear
We will also be spending lots of time in and around the ocean and maybe a tropical waterfall or two, and don’t forget the famed World Scholars Academy pool party, so if you want to get wet be sure to bring a swimsuit. You may also want to bring a rash guard to protect your upper body from the sun while you are in the water. Summer ocean temperatures in Hawaii average a comfortable 80°F (27°C), but our freshwater mountain streams can be quite refreshing!
4. Sun protection
Hawaii is located right on the tropic of cancer, so the summertime sun is directly overhead and very powerful. Be sure to come prepared with a way to cover up on our daily excursions such as sunglasses, a long-sleeved anorak, and a wide-brimmed hat. We also recommend sunscreen for times when we go out in the middle of the day. We advise the use of non-toxic sunscreens for both your health and the environment.
5. Outdoor shoes
You’ll be hiking in the rainforest and walking around historic towns on O’ahu during your lunch breaks and afternoons, so it’s really important to pack appropriate footwear. Here at World Scholars Academy we also offer opportunities to play other sports throughout the summer school including basketball and soccer, so you may want to bring suitable shoes for that too. Check out the activities you could be doing in Hawaii here!
6. Passport and travel documents
U.S. laws have tightened up over the past few years, so you’ll need to make sure all of your travel documents are in order before you set off for Hawaii. This includes making sure your passport has at least six months left before it expires, and getting a suitable visa if you need one. You may also need proof of any medical requirements. You can always contact World Scholars Academy to check what you will need. Ensure you pack your travel documents somewhere safe, and we recommend bringing photocopies of all of your documents just in case too.
7. Money
You’ll need some U.S. dollars for a few daily lunches when we go sightseeing in local towns and for any souvenir shopping you wish to do. Although Hawaii is very safe, walking around with lots of cash can be stressful, so we’d recommend also bringing a bank debit card so you can withdraw money from local ATMs in smaller amounts.
8. Laptop / tablet + charger (and U.S. adapter if needed)
On a World Scholars Academy summer course, you’ll be taught by some of the world’s best educators. Whether you’re honing your debating skills or getting to grips with powerful economic theories, you’ll want to be be able to search the internet, prepare homework assignments, and possibly take notes on a computer. So don’t forget your laptop or tablet, as well as your charger, and if needed a U.S. electrical adapter. Typically computers do not need a converter (only a plug adapter) to deal with differences in voltage and frequency.
9. Pen and paper
Although it can be great to do work on a laptop, you’ll probably also find yourself wanting to take notes or draw diagrams on paper too, so we would recommend packing a notepad and some pens – preferably several different colors.
10. Mobile phone + charger
We know that your cellphone is your lifeline to home, but bringing a cellphone is also essential for us so that we can keep in touch with you. You can also replace a non-U.S. SIM card with a U.S. one so you don’t have to incur roaming charges. If you don’t bring a U.S. SIM card with you, it’s easy to purchase a cheap one upon arrival. Again, don’t forget to bring a U.S. electrical adapter for your phone too!.
Once you’ve got your packing checklist in order, you’re all set for your Hawaiian adventure at World Scholars Academy. So sit back, relax, and get ready to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime!