What’s in Your Backpack?
Dec 28th, 2009 by wwftravel
© WWF
What does Drew Crandall, Manager of WWF’s Girls’ Education Program, bring with him when he’s in the field?
“My trips to the field focus on people living in remote places, so I pack for treks and village meetings.”
From remote villages in the Himalayas to fishing communities on the coast of Africa, Drew’s work puts him in contact with people from a host of different cultures. We asked him what he brings along when he hits the road. Drew’s inventory:
• Pocket Swahili dictionary
• Country guides: for a crash-course in regional history, culture and proper etiquette
• Photos from home: the people I meet always want to see pictures from the U.S. I like to have photos from D.C. and Vermont (where I grew up) to show people. It gives them a different view than the New York City skyline most seem to know best.
• WWF souvenirs: small panda pins and other tokens are nice introductory gifts
• Notebook: to jot down notes while speaking to program recipients and other locals
• Laptop and a good camera
• Large plastic baggies: they keep my gear dry during rainy treks or ocean travel
• Basic first aid kit and hand sanitizer: many communities don’t have easily accessible running water for regular hand-washing
• Waterproof, breathable all-weather jacket: a must for smooth transitions between Kenya and Tanzania’s warm and Nepal’s cool climates.
