If you’ve checked out the packing list in your profile 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.
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 advisor know!
Appropriate Dress:
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Clothing carries messages about who you are, what you are doing and what you believe
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We always honor the culture we are in and expectations and guidelines set by hosts. We never want our dress to affect our ability to do ministry or to affect the relationships that have already been built by ministry hosts.
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You are expected to maintain a well groomed and clean appearance that will represent Christ, the World Race, and your host’s ministry well.
MEN:
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Bring at least one pair of nice pants or slacks and a collared shirt. This is what you are expected to wear to church services and to teach English in most countries.
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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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You should wear a shirt at all times unless sleeping or at the beach. (Even when doing manual labor.)
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Shorts should only be worn when deemed appropriate by your ministry host. In some countries, shorts will be appropriate for ministry, but in many countries you cannot show your knees. In these instances shorts must end no more than 5″ above the top of your kneecap (about a palm’s width.)
WOMEN:
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Skirts and dresses must be at least knee length. In some countries, dresses and skirts will need to be floor length, so make sure to also bring long options as well.
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Pants are also appropriate for some ministry opportunities.
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Shorts should only be worn when deemed appropriate by your ministry host. In some countries, shorts will be appropriate for ministry, but in many countries you cannot show your knees. In these instances shorts must end no more than 5″ above the top of your kneecap (about a palm’s width.) Shorts that hit the 5” mark should be loose fitting, as most cultures do not wear tight fitting clothing. Nike Running shorts are not appropriate to wear. You should never workout in shorts that don’t fit dress code.
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Leggings may only be worn for warmth or under shorts/dresses that fit the dress code stated above for shorts.
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Yoga pants should only be worn in private quarters if there are no locals or ministry partners around or staying with you. 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.) In some countries you may be required to wear shirts and pants to swim. A tank top and Nike running shorts is an appropriate bathing suit, but should only be worn with the intention of swimming.
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Bring modest clothing to sleep in. If your sleeping location is connected to a ministry host/family and/or ministry site, your sleeping attire should model the dress code that you are given for ministry.
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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. Tank tops can be loose but should not show your bra, including sports bras. Undergarments should never be visible. Racerback tank tops are not allowed.
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For ministry, shirts should have a minimum of a cap sleeve. If it is appropriate to wear sleeveless shirts during down time or private time a wide strap is appropriate. No spaghetti straps are ever appropriate. Ministry hosts will communicate whether shoulders can be shown during ministry time, and if so, tank tops should not have spaghetti straps or racerback.
