What should I do to prepare for Trek with my family group?

Ideally getting to know the youth in your group will be one of the most important things you can do. Please look ahead at your calendars and plan 2 pre-Trek activities with your families if possible. Some ideas are:

• Game night FHE
• Sunday treats and get to know you
• Making a family cheer and song
• Distribute / decorate buckets

These are short events where the youth can start to feel comfortable with you and your group. Please plan to pray for your family group members individually so you will be lead and directed by the Holy Ghost how best to minster to them personally along Trek.

What about sleeping arrangements?

Mas and Pas will sleep in a tent between YW and YM tents in a designated family campsite slightly separate from other families (30 yards apart) in a large open grass field.  YW will sleep in one or two tents on one side and YM will sleep on another side in one or two tents.  Setting up and taking down tents will largely be the family’s responsibility. Logistics team members will be on hand to assist wherever needed.

Trek loops begin and end at the Martin’s Cove visitor center on Thursday and the Sixth Crossing visitor center on Friday. MAs and PAs will be driving their family to and from the trailheads both days.

What should be in your Ma and Pa Bucket?

Trek leaders will give each group a small family bucket the day trek begins. This bucket should be with your family in the vans, at the campsite and on the treks. Items included in your bucket are as follows:

• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper
• Bug repellent
• Safety pins
• Extra flashlight with batteries
• Ziploc bags with family member medications (names on bags)
• Marking Pen
• Sunscreen
• Extra batteries
• Duct Tape
• A small basic first aid kit
• Emergency feminine supplies
• Garbage bag to tie on handcart so everyone in your family can dispose of their garbage properly

How should you prepare physically?

A Pioneer Trek requires physical stamina. That requires physical preparation, obeying the Word of Wisdom, eating wholesome foods, not overeating, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise. It is important to start early. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time. The following are some general guidelines that you might consider.

• Walk 4 to 5 times per week for at least 30 minutes; for 2-3 times per week walk 2-3 miles, and 2 times a week walk 4-5 miles; about 4 times before the trek walk longer periods of time uphill.

“The faith, obedience, gratitude and sacrifice of our forefathers are all gifts we can pass on to our children.” M. Russell Ballard

Easy Bucket Seat!