Our Stake Youth Council has helped us come up with a perfect solution to satisfy the diverse opinions of wearing pioneer clothes during our trek at Martin's Cove. It is simply this: On Day 1 and 3 (while we are traveling) wear whatever makes you comfortable. On Day 2, while we are trekking, wear something that resembles a pioneer. Keep reading for the details...
While traveling on the bus, we want you to be engaged with the activities and discussions. We don't want you to be concerned about a pioneer outfit. We also want you to be comfortable as we travel. Being comfortable isn't about being lazy, it's about being focused on what matters most. Let's focus on the discussions and activities on Day 1 and Day 3 instead of our outfits. Without a strict guideline, you are at liberty to choose what you would like to wear on these two days. You might choose to wear a full blown pioneer outfit every minute of Youth Conference. That would be awesome and acceptable! You might choose to wear shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops on these two days. That would be awesome and acceptable!
However, while we are trekking on Day 2, our Stake Youth Council and the Stake adult leaders would ask that you wear some pioneer item of clothing. On Thursdays at FSY, all participants wear Sunday clothes the whole day to help them focus on the spiritual discussions and activities they participate in. Same thing here! When you wake up on Day 2, put something on to play the part. You might go all out and resemble a pioneer from head to toe. You might simply wear a cowboy hat or bonnet. Or you might end up wearing something in between, like a simple handkerchief to go with your everyday clothes. Join the fun and the experience!
When considering your pioneer outfit, consider why the pioneers dressed the way they did (it had nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with practicality). We will be in the middle of Wyoming on August 1. It will be very hot! A cowboy hat or bonnet is nearly a necessity to protect yourself from the sun and to help you stay cool. Loose fitting shirts, pants, or dresses serve the same purpose; to keep you cool and protected from the sun and bugs. The pioneers dressed the way they did because they knew the weather would be hot, the bugs would be plentiful, and the walk would be long. Take a lesson from those who have gone before when determining your Day 2 clothing.
We will have examples of some clothing options on display at our upcoming June 4 Stake Youth Fireside.
Finding pioneer clothing is easy and inexpensive. Check out these links for tips:
Amazon has a lot of nice options to purchase. You can purchase full outfits, of just an accessory or two. Search "LDS Pioneer Trek Clothing".
Etsy is a bit more expensive than Amazon but they have a large selection.
Cal Ranch (over by Chick-fil-A in American Fork) has cowboy hats starting at $12.
DI is a great place to find pioneer style clothing for inexpensive prices.