What documents will my son need?

Each member of the team should already have a valid passport.   In addition, he should have an envelope with one extra passport photo and two photocopies of his passport.  In the event that a passport is lost, this will expedite the process of passport replacement.

Will someone look after documents and wallets while in England?

As soon as the boys arrive in London, Dr. Swanson will collect passports, extra passport photos, and photocopies of passports.  Boys will be responsible for wallets, money, and travelers' checks.

How much money will they need to bring?

Each athlete should plan to bring about $100 for incidentals - extra food and sightseeing.  He should this in US dollars or the equivalent in pounds.  We will exchange money at the London airport.  It will also be very easy to exchange money elsewhere.  Many credit cards and ATM cards can also be used in an ATM anywhere in the world. Of course, the bank might charge a fee comparable to or greather than the exchange locations.

What about medical care?

Each athlete should carry a copy of his insurance card with him.   A second copy will be given to the coaches to carry with the passports while in England.

Before we leave the US, we will need a medical form filled out for each athlete.  We will also carry the medical release forms (the ones usually kept at the infirmary).  

Also, parents should check with their insurance companies about overseas medical expenses.  Most policies will cover expenses incurred during travel abroad.  In the case of an emergency, McCallie insurance will be able to cover "up-front" costs of medical treatment.

While in England, athletes will be responsible for looking after their well-being.  If there is a medical condition or allergy that it is important for other group members to be aware of, the athlete should communicate this to coaches and teammates.  It is expected that parents will educate their sons about responsible use of medication and that the athletes will hold and administer their own medications.

What about prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses?

If your son wears glasses or contacts, he should bring at least one extra pair/set in case of loss or breakage.  He should also bring a copy of his prescription.

What about special health concerns, such as mad cow disease?

British health officials have taken great steps to ensure that meat is safe to eat.  However, it will be possible to avoid eating red meat. 

What about electrical appliances?

You will need adaptors for electrical appliances.  You can find these at any electronics store, some luggage shops, and often in stores like Wal-Mart.

How will the athletes travel from the airport to the town of Henley?

The team will travel by charter bus from the airport to Henley-on-Thames.  This cost has been covered by your fee.

Where exactly will my son be staying?  Is there anything to worry about?

For 100 years or more, the Henley staff has chosen private homes in the towns of Henley and Shipley in which teams stay for part of June and July.   The families are paid to provide a safe, professional environment.  The regatta staff hopes to place teams together in a home with at least one of the team's coaches for the purposes of supervision.  This will not be resolved, however, until mid-June.  Parents can rest assured that their sons will be supervised by a coach while in the arranged housing.

Will I be able to contact my son while he is in England?

When the housing arrangements are made, this information will be shared with the parents.  It will be possible for you to contact your son in case of an emergency.

What will my son be doing while in Henley?

From late June to the first week in July, the athletes will be training.   On the first official day of racing, 32 teams will race - 16 teams will be eliminated. Half of the teams will be eliminated on each successive day of competition.  The finals will be in the early second week of July..

Additional sightseeing will be organized by Coach Buschbacher as it fits with the training/racing schedule. 

Is there a dress code?

The only times that a dress code will be enforced are during travel together from the US to Henley and back, and at the grandstand during competition.  During travel, athletes will wear khaki pants and the McCallie Friday shirt.  During competition, athletes will wear the following outfit: White button-down shirt, McCallie tie, blue blazer with McCallie patch, pressed khakis, and appropriate shoes.  Please note that cargo pants, very casual pants, shorts, sneakers, sandals, boots, or athletic shoes are not considered appropriate. 

What about laundry?

It may be possible to do laundry while in Henley. At this point, it is unclear exactly how we might do it.  It is recommended that each athlete bring a small amount of laundry detergent, no more than one load's worth.    Put it in a plastic baggie, or sealed container.  This could be used in a sink, shower, laundromat... it always comes in handy to have some just in clase. 

What should each athlete pack?

The weather might be cold and rainy.  We will race and train despite the weather - if we train three days in row in the rain, you can imagine what those clothes will be like!

Please do NOT pack weapons, alcohol, or drugs other than medication prescribed by a doctor, lest you find yourself in an awkward situation in the airport.

Please do NOT pack any expensive items such as jewelry, watches, rings - unless you wear such items ALL THE TIME, you risk losing your valuables.

Remember that our travel arrangements require that each athlete be able to carry all of his luggage at once.  At the minimum, please pack the following items:

IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE - readily accessible but protected:

- Passport, extra passport photo, photocopy of passport, insurance card, second form of picture ID, wallet.

IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE:

-(1) Backpack (small) to carry things to/from the regatta site

- (1) Lock - bike lock to safeguard belongings

- (10) plastic bags of different sizes to store wet/dirty clothing

- (1) Cheap set of rain gear - you can buy for $5-$10 at KMART

- (1) Waterproof jacket (goretex, or raincoat) for inclement weather

- (1) Sweater

- (2-3) Towels

- (1) Blue blazer

- (2) White dress shirts

- (1) McCallie tie

- (2) Pressed khakis

- (1) Nice shoes to wear in the grandstand

- (20) Underwear and socks - recommended # to minimize space, assuming several changes per day and occasional laundry access

- (1-2) Uniform(s) for competition

- (10?) Workout clothing - again, please assume that you might be training in the rain

- (1) Warm outfit - cords, long sleeve shirt

- (2) shorts

- (1) jeans/casual pants

- (1) sandals/casual shoes

- (1) pair of sneakers for training/running only - remember, these might get wet and stay that way!

- (5) shirts/tshirts

- (1) Friday shirt

- (1) Umbrella

- Personal items/toiletries: toothbrush, shampoo/conditioner, hairbrush/comb, razor, deodorant

OPTIONAL -

- Toilet paper (1/2 roll- you never know!)

- Electrical outlet adapter (if needed)

- Food items (only non-perishable food is allowed)

BACK TO MCCALLIE CREW