If you’ve checked out the packing list already your head might be swimming with what to buy, what you need and especially what to wear! You’ve probably noticed the dress code for the World Race. You may wonder why our dress code has gotten a bit more strict this year. I’m sure you’ve seen instagram photos of racers not abiding by these rules. We know, hear us out.
Our goal is not to restrain your freedom, but to be selfless as we serve alongside our ministry hosts for the sake of Jesus. In the past, we’ve had participants offend ministry contacts by not presenting themselves clean/put together for ministry, aka looking like a ‘dirty backpacker’. Also, many pieces of clothing considered trendy in the states have been found offensive in other cultures as very non-modest. We’ve actually lost ministry relationships due to how racers’ present themselves.
We know it’s not about clothing. But we know the world needs Jesus and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to bring the gospel to the nations. The way we’re dressed can actually be a hurdle for the gospel, and we want to make sure that we are removing hurdles in the way of people meeting Jesus, not creating them.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church explains it well:
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
So what does this mean for training camp? Training camp is preparation for the field. In many ways it’s a test run, and it’s also a time for you to begin to live out the expectations of a racer and the culture of the World Race. With that in mind, the same dress code applies to training camp as the rest of the race.
Please keep this in mind as you are preparing and packing for training camp. Our training camp staff want to help you prepare and understand expectations as clearly as possible. If we notice that you’re wearing clothes at camp that don’t meet the dress code requirements, we will kindly let you know and ask you to change. So it’s best to not even bring clothes that don’t fit on the list! If you have any questions about dress prior to camp let your mobilizer know!
For your convenience, the parts of the dress code that apply to camp are below:
MEN:
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Bring regular swim trunks (no speedos or very short swim shorts).
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Keep chest covered (no large armholes or tanks cut very low).
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Wear a shirt at all times unless sleeping or at the beach. (Even when doing manual labor).
WOMEN:
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Skirts and dresses must be at least knee length.
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Shorts must end no more than 4″ above the top of your kneecap (about a palm’s width).
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Leggings may only be worn for warmth under shorts or skirts that would otherwise meet the requirements without leggings.
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Yoga pants should only be worn in private quarters (ie: your tent) You should never work out, run etc. in public wearing yoga pants.
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Bathing suits must be full coverage (one piece or full length tankini).
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Bring modest clothing to sleep in.
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Sheer or see through clothing is not appropriate at any time.
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Be cautious of loose, flowy clothing that hangs off shoulders, shows bra straps or falls down when you bend over. Undergarments should not be seen.
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It is appropriate to wear sleeveless shirts during training camp. A wide strap is appropriate. No spaghetti straps are ever appropriate.
*Notes – for TC purposes, shorts that meet the above specifications may be worn at any time during camp.
(This list has been slightly edited for camp so please refer to the full dress code under the preparation tab in your profile when preparing for the race.)
