DRESS CODE

WHY IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Our dress code is based off of listening to the input and requests of our many communities and partnerships we have worked with over the years. We deeply value their requests for community honoring dress while we work along side them in their ministry. We will be working hard serving in the community so it is best to wear old, comfortable, and modest clothes that you don’t mind sweating in! Please understand there may be different cultural norms in the community you are visiting for one week. While certain clothing may be acceptable to you, it might not be appropriate for the mission trip. 

You may be serving on a trip with other youth groups too. This is one of our favorite things about serving on mission trips! There can be a unique opportunity to meet other youth groups from all across the country! We serve with churches from many different denominations, with a variety of backgrounds, traditions, cultures, and preferences.

Please understand that while we do our best to create a general dress code, it is not all encompassing, and can vary between geographical mission locations, and even between specific partnerships and worksites. Some mission sites or partnerships or worksites may require certain dress while others may not. We do our best to help prepare each group based their mission location for any specific requirements. The "welcome packet" and pre trip communication often covers anything that may vary from this general dress code for a given location. 

Don’t like the idea of a dress code? We get it! Remember this one week trip is a special opportunity to get outside your comfort zone, serve, and learn. If you have any questions, we are here to help!
You may contact our office at missions@nextstepministries.com.

CLOTHES TO BRING ON THE TRIP
Work Shoes: An old pair of tennis shoes will work well! It’s great to wear work boots if you have them, but they are not required. Come prepared to wear closed-toe shoes for the work day. You can wear sandals or other comfortable shoes at night. Longer Shorts or Pants: In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible on the worksites and to be respectful to the community that we are serving, please plan to bring longer shorts that are at least about mid-thigh in length or have at least a 5 inch inseam (length of the shorts on the inside of the legs) to wear while serving during the day. Please do not bring shorts shorter than this, as this is to show respect
to those we are serving in the community as well as for the safety of those serving on your team. We also recommend bringing at least one pair of long pants in case you feel more comfortable wearing pants at your worksite.

Shirts with Sleeves: Bring along some old t-shirts that you don’t mind getting dirty on the trip! You can bring short and/or long sleeve shirts. Loose-Fitting Clothes: You will be working hard during the trip! Bring clothes that you will feel comfortable serving in.

Swimwear: Guys, please follow the shorts policy listed above. Girls, please bring a one-piece swimsuit or wear a shirt over your two-piece swimsuit.

CLOTHES TO NOT BRING ON THE TRIP
1. Tank tops or sleeveless shirts
2. Short shorts
3. Tight fitting clothing (leggings,
spandex and yoga pants not allowed)