Volunteer Costume Guidelines

All COSTUMES must be modest:

  • No cleavage showing or emphasized
  • Shoulders and stomach covered
  • No sheer fabrics
  • Skirts/dresses should be at least finger-tip length, with light pants or leggings worn underneath if they are shorter than mid-calf length
  • No shorts and pants should be light-weight
  • Shoes should be closed-toed and comfortable

Unless you are volunteering as Opposition Forces, the only other strict requirement for volunteers is to stay away from wearing solid BLACK as it is used to distinguish Opposition Forces from other volunteers in the simulation.

Female Volunteers

Removable layers should be worn to keep warm in case the weather is chilly but be able to be removed when it gets hot.  Corsets, bustiers, and other armor pieces are often too hot to wear for long periods of time and are discouraged.  House Mentors, Ladies, and Camp Matrons will be lent an apron/overdress (female) in their assigned house color.  We also have a few underdresses that we can lend to females in those volunteer roles.  Contact our Costumer to reserve one.

  • Plain or medieval style dress or skirt and blouse
  • No long trains, large, trailing sleeves, or hoop skirts
  • Simple head covering (bandanna, straw hat) to protect from the sun, if desired
  • Light shawl, if desired
  • Close-toed, supportive shoes suitable for lots of walking
  • Please avoid wearing solid black, since black is used to distinguish opposition forces from other volunteers in the simulation.

Male Volunteers

Removable layers should be worn to keep warm in case the weather is chilly but be able to be removed when it gets hot.  No shorts and no inappropriate slogans or images on t-shirts are allowed.  House Mentors, Lords, and Camp Sergeants will be lent a tabard and belt (male) in their assigned house color.

  • Khakis, athletic pants, or cotton slacks are better than jeans (jeans get very hot)
  • Simple head covering (bandanna, straw hat), if desired
  • Close-toed, supportive shoes suitable for lots of walking
  • Costume vest
  • Plain or white t-shirt or collared shirt
  • Please avoid wearing any clothing that is solid black, since black is used to distinguish opposition forces from other volunteers in the simulation

To make a collared shirt look like a costume shirt (if desired):

  • Wear inside out with the collar turned in; sleeves rolled up if desired.
  • Look up "how to turn my shirt into a medieval shirt" or "pirate shirt."
  • Here is a very short example video. You can sew instead of using adhesive, forego lacing, leave off the pirate patch, etc. (have fun with it!).

Cast Volunteers

These guidelines are for volunteers that have been assigned cast roles as citizens of one of the three neighboring nations of Halcyon, Fjordhaven, or Kalasia. The needs for cast differs from year to year.

Halcyon Citizen

  • Ancient Greek inspired toga look (c. 600–480 BC)
  • Use simple, solid-color fabrics like linen, cotton, or bedsheets
  • Focus on draped, layered looks
  • Aim for light earth tones, whites, light blues, golds, and accents of light purple or light green
  • For the main piece, a good outfit would be a white or off-white tunic that is knee or floor length, belted at the waist with a cord or sash.
  • For a cloak, a colored piece of material draped over the shoulder and pinned and gathered at the shoulder would work well.
  • Remember to wear close-toed shoes and cover your shoulders (even though the inspiration drawings don’t)
  • The only strict requirement is try to stay away from BLACK as that color is reserved for opposition forces.
  • Click here for inspiration images.

Fjordhaven Citizen

  • Viking/Norsemen inspired - You want to look like you're from an icy Fjord, but keep fabrics light and breathable. 
  • Earth tones/Autumn colors - Nation’s color is Mustard Yellow
  • Ladies: Long dresses/long tunic and pants with brooches, beads, jewelry and belts to accessorize
  • Men: tunics with trim, colored/leather belts, khakis/cotton pants, leg straps were common for the time
  • Fur and leather are fun and encouraged, just keep in mind the hot weather conditions the events will be held in when planning how much fur, leather, and any other layers and accessories you want to wear.
  • The only strict requirement is try to stay away from BLACK as that color is reserved for opposition forces.
  • Click here for a more detailed Costume Guide.

Kalasian Citizen

  • Doesn’t have to be fancy or necessarily Asian at all, but if you have something Asian-y, that's great!
  • Asian-type hat will be provided to you (to make it obvious that you're Kalasian)
  • Silky/lightweight blouse or tunic
  • Long vest
  • Pants/capris or skirt
  • Any light or jewel-toned colors
  • The only strict requirement is try to stay away from BLACK as that color is reserved for opposition forces.

Opposition Forces

These guidelines are for volunteers that will be part of our Opposition Forces.

Costume Guidelines:

  • Dress in all black. Red is the accent color if you would like to use it.
  • Black t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt
  • Black Pants; We recommend athletic pants you won't mind getting grass stains on, preferably something that can pass as "medieval" like sweats or old Dockers. Stay away from jeans and no shorts, please.
  • Comfortable closed-toed shoes
  • Eye protection (sunglasses, safety glasses, etc...)
  • It is recommended that men wear a cup for some extra protection.
  • If desired, a bandana as a head covering, black or red is preferred.

You may also wear black or dark-colored capes, robes, medieval-looking uniforms, headdresses, makeup, etc... Keep in mind it will likely be hot.

Weapons:

If you have a Heroic Youth-approved sword and or shield, please bring it (bring extras to lend if you have them).  A sword will be provided if you don't have one.