More on Clothing

What About Clothing?

When youth participate in sports events, they wear the uniform of their team. When they participate in trek, they wear pioneer clothing. The wearing of traditional pioneer clothing when participating in trek will add to the spirit and authenticity of the experience. However, the 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 the local DI.

All youth should bring two outfits.

Girls will need to wear a long sleeved, light colored buttoned-front blouse, a mid-calf to ankle length skirt and a sunbonnet. Long, floor-length skirts are too long for walking in and they tend to get stepped on. Skirts should not be heavy or dark, due to the hot weather. Cotton fabrics are best. They also should  look like something the pioneers may have worn. In other words, animal prints and glittery fabrics are not appropriate for trek. The girls can wear an apron if they wish, which will help them keep their skirts clean. They also must wear some kind of shorts under their skirts for modesty. This can be bloomers or bike shorts or whatever they have that will not be too hot under their skirts and will keep them modest.

Boys will need khaki (light colored) pants (like Dockers) and a buttoned-front, long-sleeved, light-colored shirt. A wide-brimmed hat is also needed for sun protection. No baseball caps.

Tee-shirts and jeans will not be allowed. Any youth showing up in tee-shirts or jeans will be given appropriate clothing to wear of the leaders’ choice and questionable fit.

All youth need to wear good walking or hiking shoes or boots. They need not look like pioneer shoes. These need to be well-broken in before trek. This is very important to prevent blisters. The trail is usually dry, but can be muddy, even in July.