Dress Code – Pioneer

All participants must dress in pioneer clothing. When everyone is dressed like a pioneer, a unique setting and environment is created. All external barriers, images, cliques, pride and popularity egos seem to be removed. Use all skills necessary to enforce the proper dress code. Sunglasses for eye protection are allowed. Please don’t allow the girls to lift their skirts at the River Crossing or to tuck their hems into their waistbands to be cooler, even though they have something on underneath. Likewise, the young men should not roll up their pant legs. They should not roll up their sleeves trying to get a tan. The clothing protects them from insect bites and sun burns. Pioneer clothing should be left on until it is time for bed.

Young Women’s Pioneer Clothing

  • Bonnet – keeps dust out of hair- gives protection from the sun – light colors are best
  • Blouse – long-sleeved – button front – light colors – prevents bug bites
  • Skirt – mid calf length not quite ankle length- keep out of the wheels of the handcart
  • Apron – deep pockets – help carry needed items
  • Bloomers – for modesty and for protection from bugs – can be made of old sheets or scrubs – ankle length with elastic around the ankle to keep the bugs out

Young Men’s Pioneer Clothing

  • Hat – western-style or broad brimmed hat – no ball caps, beanies, army hats
  • Shirt – long-sleeved, loose fitting, button shirt – no tee shirts – light colors best
  • Pants – Docker/cotton pants -No cargo, camouflage or LEVIS (they cause chaffing)

Both Women and Men

  • Socks – one cotton pair and one nylon liner pair to prevent blisters – bring extra pairs
  • Shoes – should be sturdy and well broken in
  • Water Shoes – Optional – The river crossing may be done barefoot.
  • Neckerchief – keeps dust out of mouth and nose
  • Everyone should have a jacket and light rain gear readily available (in their bucket).
  • Contacts are strongly discouraged because of the dust

Spending of excess money and time on obtaining such clothing is strongly discouraged. Many if not all of the necessary articles of clothing can be found in one’s existing wardrobe or at a local thrift store. You could also use a couple of Young Women nights to sew skirts, aprons, etc. with help from Relief Society sisters.

Weather Changes

Be aware that weather can change quickly: rain, wind and dust storms are customary! They can come up in a flash and leave devastation in their wake. We will keep the pioneer experience – we will not quit – but we may have to be flexible. Everyone should have a jacket and light rain gear readily available (in their bucket).