Along the journey of life, we do not travel alone. Our appearance and actions directly affect those in our community — for better or worse. At TeenPact, we know that we represent Christ in the Capitol so one of our goals is to set ourselves apart through a high standard of both modesty and professionalism in our dress. Our collective impression is important enough that we ask that our staff, students and parents abide by a specific dress code when on “TeenPact time”.

We realize that our guidelines may not be perfect, but it is an attempt to dress in a way that is:

• Mindful of our Christian witness
• Attractive, but modest
• Appropriate for a professional capitol setting

Within any group there will undoubtedly be varied and diverse definitions of what Christian freedom looks like regarding clothing. TeenPact simply aims to set the standard high in an effort to limit distractions, foster unity and build respect for one another.

Young people are constantly underestimated. But if we want to be taken seriously, we have to dress appropriately for our surroundings. When at the Capitol, it’s important to dress in way that fits into the professional environment. Anyone can walk into the Capitol in tennis shoes and a t-shirt. But a young person who dresses sharply and appropriately will make a much bigger (and better) impression.

As you read the following dress code and start your shopping, please keep in mind that TeenPact’s goal is to challenge young people to pursue excellence in every area of life. 1 Timothy 4:12 exhorts us to build a generation of men and women who set an example in everything – in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. We want to keep the standards high for our young people, challenging them to something higher than the status quo of adolescence.

Consider the TeenPact dress code as part of that training; a chance to practice presenting yourself with respect, modesty and professionalism. By limiting the distractions of immodest or sloppy dress we help students focus while at TeenPact. We want them to walk away from the week with a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge of their government and a fresh passion to engage the culture for Christ.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. “
1 Corinthians 10:31

FOR THE GUYS: WHAT TO WEAR

PROFESSIONAL CLOTHES FOR GUYS (i.e. AT THE CAPITOL)

• We require dress pants (i.e. no jeans, corduroys or cargo pants.)
• We require a button down, collared dress shirt with a professional tie.Sleeves should stay unrolled and buttoned.
• We require professional, comfortable dress shoes (i.e. no flip-flops,sandals or tennis shoes.) Expect lots of walking!
• We recommend wearing a suit jacket to ensure that your outfit is sharpand professional.

CASUAL CLOTHES FOR GUYS (i.e. NOT AT THE CAPITOL)

Feel free to dress comfortably and casually, but please honor these modesty principles:

• We require that shirts worn outside the cabin have sleeves, not be too tight and are long enough to cover your waistline. No midriff or boxers visible, please!
• We require that pants should not have inappropriate holes, should not be too tight and should be worn high enough so that the waistline is covered by your shirt. Avoid running shorts; wear long basketball or soccer shorts instead.
• We recommend bringing comfortable shoes for playing Frisbee, hanging out, etc.
• We recommend bringing shower shoes for any camps that involve a short walk to the bathroom.

FOR THE GIRLS: WHAT TO WEAR

PROFESSIONAL CLOTHES FOR GIRLS (i.e. AT THE CAPITOL)

• We require skirts/dresses to have a hemline that completely covers the knee when sitting and/or standing. For modesty’s sake, fabric should not be sheer or clingy. For professionalism’s sake, fabric should not be too casual (i.e. no denim, broomstick skirts, etc.) No pants or shorts allowed when dressing for the capitol.
• We require shirts/blouses to have sleeves (unless under a jacket that remains on) and should not be tight, sheer, low or short. Stretch, bend and lean to do a self-check; no midriff should be showing and fabric should not be sheer or clingy. For professionalism’s sake, please avoid denim, t-shirts and other casual fabrics.
• We require professional, comfortable, dress shoes (i.e. no flip-flops or tennis shoes). Expect lots of walking! Wear your shoes in before class and bring band-aids just in case! Hose/tights are not required but will help prevent blisters.
• We recommend wearing a ladies’ dress blazer to help make your outfit sharp and professional. Vests, scarves and jewelry also help make “capitol clothes” fun and classy.

CASUAL CLOTHES FOR GIRLS (i.e. NOT AT THE CAPITOL)

Feel free to dress comfortably and casually, but please honor these modesty principles:

• We require that unless you are layering, your shirts shouldn’t be sleeveless, sheer, tight, short or low cut. Stretch, bend and lean to do a self-check; no midriff should be showing. Add a jacket, cardigan or cami to make your outfit cute and TeenPact Appropriate (aka ―TPA.)
• We require that pants, skirts and shorts should not be sheer, tight or have inappropriate holes. Do a self-check by pinching the sides of your pants and make sure there’s some wiggle room. Then make an L with your thumb and index finger and place at the top of your knee when sitting down. Shorts should be long enough to hit your thumb.
• We recommend wearing comfortable clothes for playing frisbee (and other games) in the afternoons and hanging out in the evenings.