Michigan Tech

2012 AFRICA FIELD CAMPS

Antenna: 2012 Field Camp, v. 2 build 001

Financial Aid

 

PERSONNEL

 

 Instructors

 

 J. Wood - MTU

 

 John Compton - UCT

 

 Assistants

 

 A. Guth

 

 A. Miller

 

 C. Polk

 

 Adjuncts

 

 Amy Spaziani -  BP

 

 

 Staff

 

 Billy Wanzala - KE

 

 Dennis Gitonga - KE

 

 James Wood - USA 

Note on Packing

 
ROOM IN THE VEHICLES IS LIMITED. There will be enough space if you bring what is needed but NOT if you seriously over-pack. So in packing your gear, please avoid hard-sided suitcases. Soft-sided luggage, such as a duffel bag (without wheels), is highly recommended because it packs into the vans much more easily. Nowadays you can usually check two 50 lb bags on most international flights but check with your carrier but you should be able to pack in one duffel bag. I recommend you pack lightly going in as you will undoubtedly have samples and “stuff” you will want to bring back. You should carry-on your laptop and camera in a padded case and  bring a small shoulder bag for passports and necessities on the plane and for road trips.
 
Another thing: please  DO NOT bring a pack with a frame; they are bulky and hard to stow and you will not need it.
 
EQUIPMENT LIST
 
Laptop Computer Need either a PC or a Mac that can run PC programs (Note: Only newer Mac's can run PC programs satifactorily through "BootCamp". You will need a Windows operating system. Contact Dr. Wood if you need to rent a laptop PC.
 
Camera Bring a good digital (Canon, Nicon, Sony, etc.) camera. 8-10 magapixels is good. Note: "waterproof to 30 feet"  is really not adequate if you plan on diving in Mombassa. Get a good plastic external housing for your camera.
 
Field Boots. Very important. Boots should be durable and comfortable (and broken-in). For example, Red Wing Irish Setter low-cuts are fine both in and out of the field; they provide good traction in the field and are light enough to wear around Nairobi. Sneakers and/or sandals will be handy as well "booties" if you are going on the reef trip.
 
Hat.  Very important. This is primarily for protection from the sun (and/or rain). Bring a hat with a wide brim to cover your forehead and nose. Remember we are essentially on the Equator. 
 
Day-Pack. A small to medium-sized pack snacks, camera, rain gear, etc., while in the field. Can double for carry-on on plane.
 
Utility Belt. Leather, army surplus, etc., for carrying hammer, Brunton, and other stuff. Get one narrow enough to fit the belt loop of a Brunton case.  
 
Canteens. Optional. We will provide bottled water in 1 L bottles. We do not want students filling canteens or plastic bottles with tap water or sharing water. 
 
Geologic Hammer. Optional. The "hard rock" type with one pointed and one blunt end is the most versatile.  May be confiscated at airport though. 
 
Hand Lens. One with 10X magnification is a good all-around lens.  
 
Field Notebook(s). Various types will do, but the notebook should be small (to fit in back pants pocket or day pack) and should have a stiff cover to provide a rigid writing surface. Some have alternate grid and lined page patterns to facilitate both sketching and note-taking. A typical handy size is about 7-1/2" by 4-3/4".  
 
Wrist or Pocket Watch. Bring one so you are in the right place at the right time.
 
Safety Glasses. You should never hammer on a rock without eye protection. Prescription glasses (if normally worn) or sun glasses afford some protection but can be damaged. Seriously consider bringing a pair of safety goggles for outcrop use. 
 
Sun Block (Sun Screen). This is a "must" item. Something around SPF 15 or higher is usually recommended. Staff uses SPF 50. Can be purchased in Nairobi or Mombassa.
 
First Aid Kit  Important. Bring Band-Aids, “Tuff-skin” or equivalent. Also, aspirin, cold tablets, allergy medicine and whatever medications you need. First-aid kits can be purchased in Nairobi.You can supplement it with your personal stuff. Remember to get malaria prophylactics (doctor’s prescription needed in USA but canbe purchased without one in Nairobi).
 
Flashlight You will find a small flashlight handy (indispensable?) for intermittent power failures, walking places at night (dark at 6:00 p.m. in Kenya), and is some of the camps outside Nairobi. Can be purchased in Nairobi.
 
Tent Do not bring one.
 
Hydration Pac Do not bring. Bulky and unnecessary.
 
Sleeping bag Optional. A light-weight sleeping bag might come in handy
 
CLOTHES
 
Necessary
 
2-3 pairs field pants (long leg)
1-2pairs field shorts
3-4 field shirts - short sleeve
5-6 pair field socks
1 light-weight jacket - water repellent
personal items
 
Laundry can be sent out daily (except weekends) at the Woodmere Apartments (only option, no laundromats in most of Kenya!) at reasonable cost and fine service.
 
In general dress in Kenya is "safari informal" and you will not need to dress up. Best advice is to pack light and plan on pickng up disposable items and sundries in Nairobi. Again, please pack in soft duffel bags, without wheels, that you can lift and carry short distances. One large bag to check, one small bag to carry on.
 
Note: you can buy just about any cosmetics, including shampoos, conditioners, etc. in Nairobi.