Packing Guide
Everything you need for 9 days of creative adventure in Costa Rica
Packing Checklist
February/March Weather: Dry season with warm coastal temperatures (75-90°F) in San José and Jacó, cooler mountain weather (60-75°F) in Santiago de Puriscal. Minimal rain expected but pack layers for elevation changes.
Equipment Note: Complete professional kit included with retreat. Bring your own camera to save $300 on tuition.
Documents & Essentials
- •Passport valid 6+ months from February 20, 2026
- •ID/driver's license, insurance card
- •Printed/phone copy of registration + payment confirmation
- •Emergency contacts + medical notes
- •Credit/debit card; small amount of cash
Faith & Community
- •Compact Bible/notebook & pen for devotion and reflection
- •Comfortable attire for worship/ministry nights
- •Small items for testimony/thank-you notes
Clothing (hot/humid + rain)
- •Breathable shirts, shorts/pants, light jacket/rain layer
- •Swimwear; quick-dry towel
- •Closed-toe walking shoes + sandals
- •Hat, sunglasses
Health & Hygiene
- •Personal medications (labeled), basic first aid
- •Sunscreen, insect repellent
- •Toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
- •Electrolyte packets / reusable water bottle
Camera & Tech
- •Bring your own camera setup to receive a $300 tuition discount
- •Laptop and charger are Required (does not need to handle editing, but must support media offload/storage)
- •Phone + charger; power bank
- •Plug adapters if needed for Costa Rica outlets
- •Cable kit (USB-C/Lightning, etc.)
Day Bag & Travel
- •Daypack for shoots; packing cubes
- •Rain cover/dry bag; zip pouches for media
- •Snacks for transfer days (3, 5, 7)
Do Not Pack (site policy)
- •Weapons, illegal substances, or drones if not pre-approved by staff
- •Excessive gear you cannot carry yourself
San José (Days 1–3)
Urban scouting, foundations, interviews. Transfer to Jacó end of Day 3 (dinner).
Jacó (Days 4–5)
Coastal vérité, directing & coverage. Transfer to Santiago de Puriscal end of Day 5.
Santiago de Puriscal (Days 6–8)
Free day on 6, collaboration & edits, return to San José end of Day 8. Day 9 send-off.
Complete Equipment Kit Provided
Over $2,800 worth of professional gear you take home
- •Panasonic GH4
- •Powerextra 2-Pack DMW-BLF19 batteries
- •Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14–42mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. lens
- •TTArtisan 25mm f/2 lens for Micro Four Thirds
- •Transcend RDC8 USB 3.1 Gen 1 card reader
- •KF09.136A tripod
- •Godox Movlink wireless system
- •Amaran 100d light
- •SmallRig RA-D55 Parabolic Softbox (21.6" x 14.6")
- •2x Neewer LED light panel kit
- •Flashpoint Nano 8.5' light stand
- •Lexar 128GB SD cards (2-pack)
- •1TB external hard drive
- •Pelican Vault V525 rolling case with padded dividers
- •K&F Concept 37mm ND2–ND400 filter
- •K&F Concept 43mm ND2–ND400 filter