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General Trek Information
General Trek Information
WHAT IS TREK:
WHAT IS TREK:
From 1856 to 1860, about 3,000 Latter-day Saints pulled handcarts across the American plains to gather in the Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers trekked more than a thousand miles through heat and cold; through mud, sand, and sometimes snow; and through rivers and over mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance.
Youth will learn from the experiences of the handcart pioneers. Pioneer Trek Reenactments provide powerful opportunities to strengthen testimonies, build unity, do family history, and learn core gospel principles. Treks can also help youth learn about who they are and what they may become.
We will be pulling handcarts & hiking approximately 21 miles in 4 days and camping as a company of Pioneer Families.
WHO MAY ATTEND:
WHO MAY ATTEND:
Trek is for all youth 14-18 years old (turning 14 in 2026), and Adults that have been given a calling or assignment to come.
(Please do not try to come out and visit during Trek if you are not registered or do not have an assignment to be there.)See the Personal Packing List to make sure you get there with all your gear and dressed in pioneer clothes. WITHOUT THESE ITEMS, YOU CANNOT GO, NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Trek starts on Wednesday Morning, June 3rd at 8:30 AM Sharp. WARD LEADERS please make arrangements with parents to meet & carpool your youth to Trek.
Eat a good breakfast before arriving
We will meet at the gravel pit just past the parking lot for the Knik River Public Use Area. Driving Directions and Map.
WHERE TO PICK UP:
WHERE TO PICK UP:
We plan to be back at this same spot on Saturday, June 6th. Parents, please be there about 12:30 pm to welcome the trekkers back and take them home to shower :) !
TREK FIRESIDE AND DANCE:
TREK FIRESIDE AND DANCE:
Come to the Palmer Stake Center (Colony Bldg.) at 6 pm for a Fireside and Dance!
EMERGENCY CONTACT:
EMERGENCY CONTACT:
An emergency contact phone number will be listed here before we leave for Trek on Wednesday. This number will be the only direct contact to Trek Participants during Trek.
TREK CONTRACT:
TREK CONTRACT:
Each participant needs to understand and agree to the following and sign the STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY & CONTRACT
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY & CONTRACT
1) This Pioneer Trek Youth Conference will be held in a primitive wilderness setting. It will be conducted on public property. Each participant must follow applicable “No Trace Camping” protocols to maintain the wilderness nature of the property. Especially, each participant must avoid littering of any kind.
2) Each participant in this Conference must act in accordance with church standards as outlined in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet at all times, and aid other members of the Conference in behaving responsibly. All participants must act in such a way as to not endanger themselves or others, and should show respect to all participants and leaders in the Trek. Please note that Church activities are not the time or place for romantic behavior or for conversations and actions that distract from the purpose of the event or activity
3) Each participant should condition themselves physically for this experience. Specifically, each participant should be able to complete a minimum requirement of walking/running three (3) miles on level ground in 60 minutes or less without undue stress. Any special needs or considerations should be discussed with the Trail Boss.
4) There are inherent risks involved in all outdoor activities, including this Stake sponsored Youth Conference, which are beyond the control of the Stake leaders and staff. Proper preparation reduces these risks and is the responsibility of all participants. These considerations should include a warm sleeping bag, appropriate clothing and closed toe footwear, a poncho or raincoat, sunscreen, insect repellant, and other items listed on the personal equipment list.
5) Each participant agrees to limit liquids to water/electrolyte drinks only and limit food items to those provided by the Stake (unless a verified medical condition dictates otherwise).
6) The wearing of traditional pioneer clothing while participating in trek will add to the spirit and authenticity of the experience. I commit to wearing Traditional Pioneer Clothing at all times (with the exception being modest sleepwear to be worn only at bedtime).
7) I agree to accepting the Trek family I am assigned. I will have a willingness to share in the workload, including chores. I will join in trek family activities. I agree to leave behind all electronic devices, including but not limited to: cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, etc., with the exception of a small camera.
PIONEER FAMILIES:
PIONEER FAMILIES:
Youth will be grouped in “pioneer families” of approximately 8-9 youth per family. Each family will pull their handcart approximately 21 miles over 4 days). The families will trek together as a company of handcart families lead and assisted by other stake leaders (including medical support). Each family is lead by an adult married couple (ma and pa) who has been carefully selected by Stake leaders (in consultations with Bishops), through inspiration, to lead the family on their pioneer journey. Family members will be kept together as a unit throughout all activities on the trek experience.
Sleeping arrangements are by family with young men of the same family sleeping together in one tent and young women of the family sleeping together in another tent.
A sincere effort will be made to seek inspiration in the assignment of youth to pioneer families. This is very important. In the past many family members have felt that being in a particular family was inspired.
With those who are good friends an effort will be made to assign them to separate families. Experience has shown that this is essential for them to develop new friendships.
All relatives are separated. This includes brothers and sisters, children and parents. Experience has shown that having family members together diminishes the experience for them and for others in the group.
Younger participants will be mixed with those who are older.
YM and YW will be evenly distributed as much as possible.
Family group assignments will be made known on the day of the event. Stake leaders will seek inspiration in selecting and grouping families together. Please don’t make requests regarding family assignments. (Parents who have a concern regarding a specific potential family arrangement should make these concerns known to the Trek Trail Boss)
Although we will be arranged in families, we will be trekking together and all members of the stake will be in close proximity to each other throughout the event.
Family Dynamics. Remember all families do not need to be the same.
Each family will have its own personality and will develop at its own pace. Take opportunities throughout the Trek experience to understand the thoughts, feelings, and personalities of each individual family member. Take opportunities to share your feelings and personalities with them individually and collectively.
TREK SAFETY:
TREK SAFETY:
Being prepared and following the safety guidelines for activities provides minimal risk for illness or injury. The Physical Preparation 2026 page has more detailed information about Trek Safety and Medical Issues.
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