Ma & Pa Guidebook

“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,

for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life....Come, follow me.”

(See Matthew 19:29 and Luke 22, 29-30)

YOUTH PIONEER HANDCART TREK

Farmington Utah Oakridge Stake

Mormon Handcart Historic Sites in Wyoming

Trek Dates: Mon. July 25th – Thu. July 28th, 2016

“Brothers and sisters, join with us and begin now 

to prepare for a spiritual journey… by walking in 

the footsteps of our beloved pioneers in every 

land. We must be sure that the legacy of faith 

received from them is never lost. Let their heroic 

lives touch our hearts, and especially the hearts 

of our youth, so the fire of true testimony and 

unwavering love for the Lord and His Church will 

blaze brightly within each one of us as it did in 

our faithful pioneers.” 

—Elder M. Russell Ballard 

“Faith in Every Footstep” 

Ensign, Nov. 1996, 25 

Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1 

Purposes of Handcart Trek Reenactments .................................................................................................... 1 

The Vision of Trek ........................................................................................................................................ 1 

Trek Objectives and Theme .......................................................................................................................... 2 

Organization – Stake Trek Committee .......................................................................................................... 3 

Calendar & Summary of Itinerary ................................................................................................................ 3 

Calling of Family Group Leaders (“Ma’s” and “Pa’s”) ................................................................................ 4 

Role of Ma’s and Pa’s ................................................................................................................................... 4 

Duties of Ma’s and Pa’s ................................................................................................................................ 4 

Preparation of Ma’s and Pa’s ........................................................................................................................ 6 

Spiritual Preparation ................................................................................................................................. 6 

Physical Preparation .................................................................................................................................. 6 

Basic Skills ................................................................................................................................................ 6 

Suggestions for Leading Discussions........................................................................................................ 7 

Historical Accounts ....................................................................................................................................... 7 

Standards ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Campground Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 8 

Safety and Health .......................................................................................................................................... 8 

Safety on the Trail ..................................................................................................................................... 8 

Handcart Safety and Care ......................................................................................................................... 8 

Weather ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 

Lightning ................................................................................................................................................... 9 

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent ................................................................................................................. 9 

Physical Fitness ......................................................................................................................................... 9 

Water ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 

Sanitary Facilities .................................................................................................................................... 10 

Lost Participants ...................................................................................................................................... 10 

Fire Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 10 

Medical Information and Release Forms ................................................................................................ 10 

First Aid Kits ........................................................................................................................................... 10 

Trash ....................................................................................................................................................... 11 

No-Trace Camping and Trekking ............................................................................................................... 11 

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Introduction Welcome to Pioneer Trek! As Ma’s and Pa’s you perform one of the most critical roles in the adventure that our young people have as they experience Pioneer Trek. The selection of Ma’s and Pa’s was a very careful, deliberate and inspired process. It was intended to select individuals that have the greatest capacity to contribute to this spiritual experience of the young people who will be joining with us in this adventure. This manual is intended to help you better understand your role as a Ma and Pa. It will cover some of the basic aspects of the Pioneer Trek program. Please take time to carefully study what is contained in this manual. This will allow you to focus more on inviting the Spirit into your trek family.

Purposes of Handcart Trek 

Reenactments 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.

To help youth learn from the experiences of the handcart pioneers, stakes and wards may choose to plan handcart trek reenactments for youth conferences. Treks 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.

The Vision of Trek Although Trek is designed to provide an authentic pioneer experience, it also entails other significant purposes. Specifically, it places the youth in a situation where they learn through experience to appreciate what they have, who they are, and what they may become.

Trek is designed to provide an individualized experience, in a group “family” setting, and it does this by teaching general principles that each youth can apply to his or her life. Many of these principles are taught through symbolism and analogy.

Trek participants are given the opportunity to face and overcome a difficult tasks. Part of the challenge comes as they are asked to pull with people they don’t really know, and part of it comes later, when they are asked to pull the handcart farther than they ever thought they could. They are given the chance to discover their own strengths and weaknesses, to recognize the strengths of others, and to see where they need to change their own lives. They are given the chance to see the power of seeking our Heavenly Father’s help, and the power of serving others. With this new knowledge, they can return to their families and homes with the courage to make changes in their own lives.

“It is good to look to the past to gain 

appreciation for the present and 

perspective for the future. It is good to 

look upon the virtues of those who have 

gone before to gain strength for 

whatever lies ahead. It is good to reflect 

upon the work of those who labored so 

hard and gained so little in this world, but 

out of whose dreams and early plans so 

well nurtured has come a great harvest 

of which we are the beneficiaries. Their 

tremendous example can become a 

compelling motivation for each of us, for 

each of us is a pioneer in his own life, 

often in his own family, and many of us 

pioneer daily in seeking to do God’s will 

and lift and serve those around us.” 

 

—President Gordon B. Hinckley 

“The Faith of the Pioneers” 

Ensign, July 1984, 3 

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Trek Objectives and Theme The theme of the 2016 Oakridge Stake Youth Trek is “Follow Me to Zion”. Tucked inside a journal belonging to handcart pioneer Thomas Normington are two fabric strips, each about six inches long and one inch wide, that were likely used as bookmarks. Attached to the center of each strip is a piece of cross-stitched fabric with the words “Follow Me to Zion”.

These simple words are an invitation to devote one’s life to God and his purposes. They are also an invitation for each person, whether in 1856 or today, to consider his or her path.

“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life....Come, follow me.” (See Matthew 19:29 and Luke 22, 29-30)

The trek should assist all to experience and appreciate some of the hardships of the early Church pioneers, including those of the handcart companies; to learn of their suffering and sacrifice, and feel of their testimonies and their continued love for and faith in their Savior, Jesus Christ, as they heeded the call and “followed their prophet to Zion.” This experience should also encourage participants to learn about the pioneers and conversion stories from their own families and help them gain an understanding of what it means to be a pioneer. This experience can leave a lasting legacy for the future.

The focus of this youth conference will be to gain a stronger testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and a deeper relationship to them and our fellow men. By participating in

this trek, the youth (and adult) participants will have powerful spiritual experiences that will help them:

1. Develop stronger faith in Jesus Christ and a deeper relationship with Him.

2. Develop a deeper love and respect for the early saints and feel a responsibility to them for the life they now live. Follow the examples of the past to pattern their future and become more committed to fully living the gospel in their everyday lives.

3. Feel the Spirit of Elijah by researching and coming to know their ancestors on a personal level, and feel the testimony of their conversion. Desire to do ordinance work for them in the temple.

4. Grow in their self-confidence by working hard and accomplishing something difficult; be pushed out of their comfort zone. Learn what it means to be courageous in the face of adversity.

5. Make new friends and deepen bonds of fellowship.

6. Have fun in the outdoors, away from the distractions of the “world”, while being safe.

It is very important for you to have a clear understanding of what we are seeking to accomplish. Remember this assignment is not about hiking and camping. Rather it is about building and strengthening testimonies in a hiking and camping environment.

By selecting Martin’s Cove and Rocky Ridge for this youth conference, we have selected to have a spiritual experience on hallowed ground, rather than a recreational experience.

“I make a plea. Go in a spirit of reverence 

and respect, and know that you are 

walking on hallowed ground”.  

—President Gordon B. Hinckley 

Church News, May 10, 1997  (From the dedication speech of Martin’s Cove) 

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Organization – Stake Trek 

Committee All planning and implementation is done under the direction of the Stake Presidency.

Stake Presidency

Brett Gallacher, 2nd Counselor

Trek Chairman

Fred Luedtke, High Councilor

Trek Directors and Trail Bosses

Fred Luedtke ............................ 801.928.9206

Carol Luedtke .......................... 801.928.9207

Cris Hogan ............................... 801.910.7010

Christine Hogan ....................... 801.699.6461

Ma and Pa Coordinators

The following couple has been called to be the coordinator for Ma’s and Pa’s and to assist in training, answer questions and give advice along the way. They will be a tremendous resource to you. Please reach out to them for any questions or problems that arise.

Gail Mair ................................. 801.541-1444

Debbie Mair ............................. 801.244-1732

Please refer to the attached contact sheet for a list of all other trek committee positions and contact information.

Calendar & Summary of Itinerary Please refer to the attached Trek Calendar for a list of all pre-trek activities. More details and specific times will be provided.

The following itinerary is tentative and subject to change!

Saturday, July 23

Drop off gear

Sunday, July 24

Stake Pioneer Day Concert and Trek Devotional

Monday, July 25

Meet at stake center, breakfast, load busses Ma’s and Pa’s conduct activities on busses Potty break in Rock Springs Arrive Sixth Crossing: NHT training, lunch Arrive at Sage Campground Activities, Set up camp, dinner, etc

Tuesday, July 26

Early breakfast & break camp Trek on National Historic Trail, including

Rocky Ridge (14 miles) Lunch and activities on the trail Arrive at Rock Creek Hollow campground Set up camp, dinner, fireside, etc

Wednesday, July 27

Breakfast and break camp Load busses and depart for Martin’s Cove Ma’s and Pa’s conduct activities on busses Arrive Martin’s Cove, lunch, orientation Trek and activities (6-9 miles) Trek to Cherry Creek campground Dinner, square dancing, etc

Thursday, July 28 Breakfast, break camp Morningside, solo time Trek to Veil Bridge (3 miles) Return hand carts and load busses Ma’s and Pa’s conduct activities on busses Potty break and lunch in Rock Springs Arrive at stake center in Kaysville Unload gear, say goodbye and return to

“modern” life, strengthened with a renewed faith in Christ and determination to live the Gospel!

All camping will be in fairly primitive circumstances. Additional training on this will be provided.

All participants are asked to wear pioneer style clothing throughout the trek.

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Calling of Family Group Leaders 

(“Ma’s” and “Pa’s”) Priesthood leaders consider the calling of family group leaders (“Ma’s” and “Pa’s”) very carefully and as directed by the Spirit. These adults will help set the tone of spirituality and unity that is essential in making the trek successful. They should be able to relate to youth and teach effectively. They also need to be able to make the time commitment and have the stamina to participate fully in the trek.

Role of Ma’s and Pa’s You will be assigned 8 to 10 young people with whom you will spend the entire time on trek together. You will be the leader of your “family”. Love each of these youth as the Savior does. You may not know the youth in your “family” and they may not know each other.These young people will vary in backgrounds and strengths. However, they will all dress similarly, have the same possessions, and be more alike than they realize.

You will have a handcart in which to place the belongings of your family. This will include a

bucket for each person in your family representing 17 lbs (personal items), 2 – five gallon water jugs, and a cooler for food. Equipment and gear such as sleeping bags, pillows, stoves, etc. will be hauled by the staff in trailers and not carried in the handcarts. As a family, you will pull and push the handcart together, sweat together, and have your own family camping area at the base camp. [As a Ma and Pa, you will not be pulling the handcart, except perhaps helping in very difficult areas of the trail.]

Duties of Ma’s and Pa’s You have many responsibilities, not the least of which is to ensure that the overall Trek experience is completed safely and without any serious incident. However, perhaps your greatest responsibility is to love each youth and foster an environment where each participant will have an opportunity to experience the Spirit. It is important for you to be very careful in how you think about creating opportunities for the Trek participants to feel the whispering of the Holy Spirit.

Enhance the spiritual experience. Prepare yourself spiritually and seek the Spirit in all you do and say. One of your most important responsibilities is helping the youth benefit spiritually from the trek. Music, stories, testimonies, expressions of love, and family discussions help create an environment in which the Spirit can teach and inspire youth.

Study and Know the Pioneer and Conversion Stories. Read and become familiar with the stories included in the handout “Selected Handcart Stories for Youth Treks”. Find your own pioneer and individual ancestors and study their life. Find one or more conversion stories in your own family. Think about how these people’s example or faith can influence your own life. Share with the youth how some of these people have had an impact on your faith and your actions. If you sacrifice the

“I wish to remind everyone . . . that the 

comforts we have, the peace we have, 

and, most important, the faith and 

knowledge of the things of God that we 

have, were bought with a terrible price 

by those who have gone before us. 

Sacrifice has always been a part of the 

gospel of Jesus Christ. The crowning 

element of our faith is our conviction of 

our living God, the Father of us all, and of 

His Beloved Son, the Redeemer of the 

world.” 

—President Gordon B. Hinckley 

“Our Mission of Saving” 

Ensign, Nov. 1991, 54 

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time to truly learn about these individuals, when you share their stories about their conversion, or their life on the trail and what they did once they reached the valley the youth will feel the Spirit and be strengthened in their own testimonies.

Build unity. Strive to help members of your trek family become unified and develop supportive friendships. Ask your trek family members to stay together rather than join with other groups. To help build unity, be a model in your relationship of the skills you hope the youth will acquire or increase. Work together in harmony, support one another, and have fun together.

Challenge youth to participate wholeheartedly. Make every effort to help the youth in your group become engaged in the trek. Rather than doing most of the work yourself, help all group members work together and make contributions. Encourage youth to step outside of their comfort zones, although you must not require them to do anything against their will.

Set expectations. As the trek begins, discuss expectations with your group. For example, you could explain the importance of working together to make the trek experience beneficial for everyone. Help the youth understand that this doesn’t happen automatically but will require the efforts of each person. Another expectation to discuss is the importance of showing courtesy and respect to each other.

Keep things positive. Set a good example of being positive. Be loving, humble, and firm, while also having fun. If one or more youth are detracting from the experience of others, pull them aside and counsel with them. Most treks have challenges, but as the Ma and Pa, you can help the group face them positively and prayerfully. When asked questions by the youth, you should testify, teach, and emphasize the positive

experiences and benefits that can be achieved through sincere participation.

Be there. You should be present for the entire trek and walk with your group the entire way. Seek to understand the thoughts, feelings, and personalities of each group member. Talk with and listen to the youth individually and as a group.

Be flexible. Some families are outgoing and lively, while others are quiet and reserved. Guide your group’s development according to the personalities of those in the group, with the assistance of the Spirit.

Lead family discussions. Encourage group members to share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences. Encourage group discussions in formal and informal settings, such as mealtimes, campfires, and devotionals. Share your own experiences, talk about your own feelings, and testify of truth. Suggestions for leading discussions are provided below.

Maintain hydration and encourage safety. Ensure that all group members (including yourselves) drink plenty of water. Encourage youth to be safe and to protect themselves from injury and illness. Observe each of their youth to ensure that they are not sick or unduly struggling. If any questions or concerns arise, contact a member of the medical team immediately.

Keep track of participants. Keep track of the youth in your group at all times.

Use of Journals. Each participant will be provided a journal wherein they can record the things they are feeling and learning. Elder Richard Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve has effectively taught a basic premise for recording spiritual experiences in journals: “I will seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down things I learn and I will do them”. During the course of Trek there will be times provided wherein the participants can write in their journal.

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You should help to provide them a framework that will help them be most effective in this effort. For example, a journal entry might consist of at least one sentence with each of the following questions: What did I do? What did I learn? What did I feel? How will I apply what I have learned? Journals help us remember what the Lord has taught us.

Use Music Effectively. Music can be an effective tool in teaching. You will have many opportunities to sing during Pioneer Trek. Included at the end of the journals that will be provided to each of our youth are several fun as well as spiritually-based songs of Zion that you can use at appropriate times to invite the spirit in special ways. There will be those times such as morning devotional or “contemplation reflection” settings where these songs can be used effectively.

Guide Your Family. Throughout the Trek. You will guide the family throughout the Trek. You will lead by giving responsibility to the youth and supporting them in these responsibilities. For example, in all family prayers, family scripture study, group hugs, discussions, assignments, meals and activities.

Have Fun. You should help your family have fun as well as have a good experience. Be positive, encouraging, and enthusiastic. There will be gaps in the schedule. Use gap-fillers and games to keep things interesting. Bring pioneer stories or experiences from your own family histories and share them with your family. Ask the youth to share the conversion stories from their own families.

Allow Youth to Grow. Allow the young people to show their creative skills as they work together to solve problems. When you solve everything for them or tell them exactly how to do everything, or when you do everything for them, you are depriving

them the opportunity to grow and allow them to develop their potential.

Preparation of Ma’s and Pa’s 

Spiritual Preparation Pioneer treks require concerted spiritual preparation. Suggestions include:

Having personal and family prayer each day.

Listening to and heeding the Spirit.

Studying the Book of Mormon and other scriptures regularly, giving special attention to the gospel principles that can be taught on trek.

Going to the temple regularly.

Learning about Church history, ancestors, and the handcart pioneers.

Improving teaching and listening skills.

Physical Preparation Pioneer treks require physical stamina, which leaders can develop by obeying the Word of Wisdom, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time. Ma’s and Pa’s should be prepared to walk three miles an hour and be capable of walking up to 15 miles a day while pulling a heavy handcart over rough terrain. Set a weekly goal and start now!

All camping will be in fairly primitive circumstances. Additional training on this will be provided.

All participants are asked to wear pioneer style clothing throughout the trek.

Basic Skills Ma’s and Pa’s should have the following skills or consider learning them: fire building, knot tying, rain protection on the trail and in camp, outdoor meal preparation, basic first aid (see the Safety and Health section below), and no-trace camping and trekking (see section below).

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Suggestions for Leading Discussions Both formal and informal discussions can help youth ponder the trek experience and the gospel in their lives. For a formal discussion, the Ma and Pa could gather their group and sit in a circle. The Ma or Pa could share a pioneer story, ask one of the youth to share a story, or share thoughts about an experience from the day. The Ma and Pa could then ask questions to start the discussion. These questions should invite reflection and introspection. Questions could include:

What parallels do you see between your own life and the experiences of the pioneers?

In what ways are you a pioneer?

How do you feel about the trek so far?

What are you learning from this experience?

What challenges do the youth of the Church face today? How can learning about the experiences of the pioneers help you face your challenges?

How can the decisions you make now affect your future? How can your decisions affect other people? How can they affect the generations that come after you?

To conclude, someone could share scriptures that are relevant to the discussion, and then the Ma, the Pa, or one or more of the youth could share their testimonies.

If the Ma and Pa struggle to get the discussion started, they could begin at a point in the circle and invite each person to respond to a question. The Ma and Pa could then follow up with questions that encourage further discussion and application. Everyone should be encouraged to share, but no one should feel required.

The Ma and Pa listen carefully to what each person says and give reinforcement. Youth should know that their ideas are heard and valued. Generally the Ma and Pa should do more listening than talking.

The Ma and Pa ensure that participants do not criticize, judge, or blame others. If negative feelings about others are expressed, the Ma and Pa let the group know that the intent of discussions is for individuals to share insights and feelings about themselves—and about others if those feelings are edifying.

Historical Accounts Pioneer stories, especially firsthand accounts of handcart pioneers, are very effective in helping youth learn the lessons of faith, obedience, and sacrifice that the pioneers exemplified. Leaders ensure that any stories that are told and reenacted during the trek are historically accurate. For a collection of historically accurate pioneer stories, see the attached “Selected Handcart Stories for Youth Treks” also available online at www.oakridgetrek.com or treks.lds.org.

Standards Each participant must act in accordance with Church standards and help other participants do the same (see Handbook 2, 13.2.4 and For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011]).

“I will never get over being thankful to 

[the pioneers]; I hope you never get over 

being thankful to them. I hope that we 

will always remember them and let us 

read again and again, and read to our 

children or our children’s children, the 

accounts of those who suffered so 

much.” 

—President Gordon B. Hinckley 

In Church News, July 31, 1999, 5 

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Campground Rules Every campground has unique rules that must be followed. Only camp in your designated area and always keep the campsite clean and orderly. Follow the directions given by the Trail Bosses regarding rules for each campground.

Safety and Health Because handcart treks are held in an outdoor setting and involve strenuous activity, they have inherent risks. Leaders should take all necessary precautions to ensure that participants are safe throughout the trek. Leaders focus on preventing illness or injury and on being prepared to provide treatment if necessary.

All leaders should be trained to monitor the hydration and general well-being of participants. They should be trained to look for symptoms of injuries and illnesses and to understand the correct treatment. Injuries and illnesses could include dehydration, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, asthma, blisters, cuts, sprains, insect stings and bites, snakebites, allergic reactions, eye irritation, and broken bones. Leaders should also be aware of and prepared for weather-related hazards.

Participants must act in a way that does not endanger themselves or others.

For more information, see “Tracy’s Trek” on safety.lds.org. Leaders might consider sharing this video series with all trek participants.

Safety on the Trail The following guidelines can help participants protect everyone’s safety while on the trail:

Stay behind the trail boss, who sets the pace for the trek. The pace is usually an average of about two miles an hour so that everyone can keep up.

Stay with your group and help pull the handcart.

Every 20 to 30 minutes, stop for a short water break, allowing time for everyone to drink.

Stay on the trails or in approved areas.

Immediately communicate with the trail boss, the safety and health leader, and the medical staff if there is any type of emergency.

Watch out for cattle and wildlife along the trail and don’t bother them.

Handcart Safety and Care Leaders should be aware of the hazards associated with handcarts and ensure that all handcarts are well constructed and able to carry trek supplies safely.

The following guidelines can help participants avoid injuring themselves and others:

Do not ride in the handcart, except in an emergency.

Do not run with the handcart. Trek participants can easily trip and get run over by the wheels.

Stay away from the wheels. Clothing, especially dresses, can get caught in them.

When going up or down steep hills, have only one handcart go at a time.

When going down steep hills, attach a rope to the back of the handcart and have people hold it to help slow down the cart. You could also turn the handcart around and take it down the hill backward. Always keep it under control.

When a handcart stops, pull it to the side of the trail to allow others to pass. When stopping on a hill, place rocks or other objects behind or in front of the wheels so the handcart does not roll.

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Handcarts should be treated with care, as follows:

Do not pull handcarts behind vehicles; they should be pushed or pulled by hand only.

When stopping a handcart, gently lower the shaft to the ground. Never drop the shaft. Do not sit or stand on the shaft when it is on the ground.

Do not overload a handcart.

Do not pull a loaded handcart sideways on a steep incline, with one wheel consistently lower than the other. If most of the weight is on one wheel, it can break or the handcart can overturn. For these same reasons, do not park a loaded handcart with one wheel considerably lower than the other.

Avoid going over large rocks or into holes.

Do not deface the surface of a handcart, such as by writing, carving, or painting.

Watch for potential wear and breakdown of the handcart.

Weather Weather can change rapidly, so leaders and participants should be prepared for both hot and cold conditions.

There is always the possibility of rain during a trek. Especially in mountainous or wilderness areas, storms can be life threatening. The two greatest dangers from rainstorms are lightning and hypothermia.

If rain is expected, precautions should be taken to keep people dry. Jackets and rainwear should be kept handy. Participants should have rain boots or an extra pair of shoes and socks. Also, wet pants can cause chafing if considerable walking is done after getting wet. Chafing is more frequent in hot temperatures.

If a severe storm occurs on the first day, groups should be prepared to change their itinerary. Storms may necessitate complete route changes.

For more information, see the Severe Weather Planning Fact Sheet on safety.lds.org.

Lightning Before leaving for the trek, participants should be instructed on what to do in a lightning storm. Because light travels much faster than sound, the time between a lightning bolt and thunderclap will tell how far away the lightning is. Each 5-second count equals one mile. If the time between a lightning flash and a thunderclap is 15 seconds or less (three miles or closer), a lightning strike may be imminent, and leaders should take precautions. Other signs of an imminent lightning strike include tingling of the skin or hair standing on end.

Lightning typically strikes the tallest object in the area and is attracted to metal objects. Leaders should move participants away from their handcarts toward the lowest spot in the area. Everyone should spread out as much as possible to minimize the chance of multiple people being struck. Participants should keep their feet close together and stay as low as possible, with no other part of their body touching the ground. Minimizing body contact with the ground reduces the risk of being hit. If someone is struck, the medical team treats and transports the person immediately.

For more information, see “Sam Cloud: Lightning Safety” on safety.lds.org. Leaders might consider sharing this video with all trek participants.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent All participants should have access to sunscreen and insect repellent. Participants should apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of the body before exposure to the sun—and then reapply it throughout the day. They should apply insect repellent to skin, clothing, shoes, and hats as needed.

Physical Fitness Treks are physically demanding. Participants should be physically fit enough to safely hike the distances involved, unless they have a

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limiting disability. Each person should be able to walk three miles on level ground in 60 minutes or less without undue stress. Taking practice hikes and preparing to walk uphill will also be beneficial. Many participants will benefit from improving their physical fitness before a trek.

For more information, see “Get in Shape” on safety.lds.org. Leaders might consider sharing this video with all trek participants.

Water Potable drinking water will be provided along the trail and at every campground. Never drink rainwater, stream water, lake water, pond water, or from puddles or creeks. Serious sickness can occur from drinking impure water.

Ma’s and Pa’s should remind and encourage everyone to fill their water bottles often and to keep hydrated.

Sanitary Facilities Portable toilets and supplies will be provided along the trek route. Permanent restrooms and supplies are available at the campgrounds. Families will be responsible to help clean the restrooms at the campgrounds. Please encourage the Trek participants to wash their hands after each potty break.

Ma’s you should be aware of the circumstances of the female members of your family who might be in need of feminine hygiene products; see that those needs are appropriately handled.

Lost Participants Each Ma and Pa should keep track of the youth in their group at all times. If a youth or adult is missing, leaders should conduct a sweep of the area. If the person is not found quickly, the presiding priesthood leader contacts local emergency services immediately.

Fire Safety Trek groups should know and follow local fire regulations. If fires are permitted, they should be kept small, and water and a shovel should be kept nearby. A fire should never be left unattended, as it may spread with a sudden

breeze. Leaders should be ready to take quick action if necessary to prevent a fire from spreading.

When a fire is put out, the last spark or ember must be fully extinguished. Logs and sticks should be drenched with water on all sides, and ashes should be stirred until they are wet and cool. A person should feel the sticks and coals—including those that are deep down—to make sure they are cold.

Medical Information and Release Forms The medical staff will receive a medical history and release form from every participant, including leaders and support staff. The form should disclose allergies, current medications, medical conditions, date of last tetanus booster, and any special needs, and gives consent for medical treatment.

As Ma’s and Pa’s you will be notified of the medical issues they may face within their trek family, but the information on medical forms should be kept as confidential as possible.

Some youth have prescription medication. Taking this medication as directed by a doctor is the responsibility of the youth and their parents or guardians. After obtaining the necessary information, a leader can accept responsibility for making sure that a youth takes his or her medication. However, the Church does not mandate or necessarily encourage leaders to do this.

First Aid Kits Sufficient first aid supplies should be available to treat dehydration, heatstroke, sunburn, blisters, exhaustion, insect stings and bites, snakebites, severe allergies, and other problems. Supplies for intravenous rehydration should also be available but available but may be administered only by qualified individuals.

More training will be given regarding safety and health of participants. This training will include building and use of first aid kits. At that training an additional attachment will be provided with additional medical information

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and symptoms and treatment of common injuries and illesses.

Trash All trash goes into trash bags so it can be hauled out. No trash is to be buried or burned. If trash is left by others, please put it in bags and haul it out. All trash will be hauled out every day.

No‐Trace Camping and Trekking No-trace camping and trekking means leaving minimal impact on the environment. Some guidelines include:

Minimize the impact on vegetation, such as plants, trees, and even weeds. Stay on the trail and in other designated areas.

Minimize the impact on land.

Minimize the impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

Minimize the impact of campfires by using alternatives to fires or by using low-impact fires, where fires are permitted.

Dispose of waste properly and avoid littering of any kind. Trek groups must provide a method for carrying their trash during the trek and carrying it out when they leave. At each campsite and along the trail, groups should make a final sweep before leaving the area and remove all food, signs, papers, and other litter. Trek groups should leave camping areas cleaner than they found them.