Pioneer Families

Youth will be grouped in "pioneer families" of approximately 8-10 youth per family. Each family will pull their handcart through Martins Cove, across the Sweat water River, up Rocky Ridge, and into Rock Creek Hollow ( approximately 21 miles over two 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 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.
 
Similar to our Youth Conference in 2011, family group assignments will be made known on the day of the event, August 8th.  Stake leaders will seek inspiration in selecting and grouping families together.   Please don’t make requests regarding family assignments.   

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.  

In consultation with Bishops, the following couples have been called to the "Ma and Pa" or family leader roles in the Pioneer Trek:
  • Bishop Chris and Juli Holmes - 6th Ward
  • Brett & Lisa Redd - 9th Ward
  • Pres Juan & Luz Vasquez - Mount Garfield Branch
  • Christopher & Cherie Fox - 7th Ward
  • Dale and Linda Harris - 6th Ward
  • Max & Stephanie Chamberlain - 11th Ward
  • Thomas & Jessica Krabbe - 7th Ward
  • Darrell & Melanie Barton - 3rd Ward 
  • Mike & Rebecca Bench - 3rd Ward 
  • Kelly and Kevin Culver - 3rd Ward
  • (Additional family leaders may be called based on the number of youth attending)
 The following will also be trekking and providing trail leadership and support  to trekking families:
  • Greg & Candice Leavitt - "Trail Boss" - 7th Ward
  • Bishop David Nelson - "Martin Company Captain" - 10th Ward
  • Bishop Carter Bair - "Willie Company Captain" - 11th Ward
  • Micheal Klaich - Mount Garfield Branch 
  • Kevin  Gallegos - 11th Ward
  • Jeff Van Wagoner - 11th Ward
  • Phedra Kidd - 7th Ward
  • President David & Sue Van Wagoner - 6th Ward
  • President David Larsen - 3rd Ward
  • Micheal Penkaty - Medical Support - 11th Ward
  • Jolene Walker - Medical Support - 7th Ward
  • Eileen Hart - Medical Support - Mount Garfield Branch
(Parents  who have a  concern regarding a specific potential family arrangement should make these concerns known to either Sister Leavitt or Bro. Weaver well  in advance of trek.)


Mas and Pas will also be trained prior to Pioneer Trek.  The "Ma and Pa" guidebook is included below:

 Trek Leader  Ma & Pa
Pioneer Trek Handbook
Grand Junction Stake
August 8-11, 2012


                                                
Tongue Nor Pen Can Never Tell The Sorrow

“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.”
                                                                   Gordon B. Hinkley



Introduction : Welcome to the 2012 Pioneer Trek! 

As Pioneer Trek Leaders,  Ma's and Pa's, you perform one of the most critical roles in the adventure our young people will have as they experience Pioneer Trek.  The more prepared you are the greater the impact you can have on the youth. The selection of you as a Ma and Pa was a very careful, deliberative and inspirational process.  You were selected because of your capacity to contribute to this spiritual experience of the young men and women of the Stake.  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 experience.   Please take time to carefully study what is contained in this manual.  A website will soon be available as a resource as well. 

Stake Pioneer Trek Objectives


The pioneer trek experience can just be a walk down a dusty road or it can be a meaningful experience that helps our youth prepare for the spiritual challenges they will face later in their lives.  Which of these two experiences our youth will have is largely dependent upon our preparation for this event.  You have been called to help prepare and make the trek experience a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience for our youth. 

Our objectives for our youth on the pioneer trek experience are: 

1)   Gain a stronger testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2)   Develop a greater appreciation for our heritage and the pioneers.
3)   Increased faith and awareness of our self-worth.
4)   Learn to appreciate our own families and gratitude for our blessings.
5)   Learn to love and accept our trek "family" and make new friends.               
                         
It is hoped that this experience will help our youth to discover more about themselves, to discover a greater appreciation for their Father in Heaven, and to gain an appreciation for the pioneers who laid the foundation for what we enjoy today.  We also hope they will discover new friends and special relationships that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.  Through the symbolism of the experience and group discussions during the week, the youth will better understand various aspects of the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel on a more personal level.

The Pioneer Trek experience is for the youth. All adult leaders participating in the actual trekking experience will have assigned focused on the youth.  As Mas and Pas on the Trek you will be the primary Trek Leaders over your families.  There will also be a “Trail Boss” who will be in charge of all trekkers.  There will also be “aunts and uncles” or “strong men” adult leaders to assist with any emergencies along the trail.  There will also be adult leaders in supporting roles, known as the “rescuers” who will provide support for food, equipment, transportation, communication, water etc. 

The Pioneer Trek will be a challenging experience.  You may find that some of the youth are not enthusiastic about the trek.  Perhaps some of their leaders and parents will not be either. When questioned, you should testify, teach, and emphasize the positive experiences and benefits that can be achieved through sincere participation.  Remember, you were chosen to be Ma’s and Pa’s because of your capacity to influence our youth in a positive light.  The Lord will bless you as you endeavor to accomplish the difficult, though rewarding, task you have been given.


Overall Pioneer Trek Plan


Please recognize that transporting 100 youth and leaders 800 miles round trip, feeding them, keeping everyone safe, and having a good experience is a logistical challenge.  As a trek leader it will be you responsibility to help address this challenge by, knowing the trek plan, encouraging participation, knowing the rules of the national historic trail, and being responsible for the youth in your family.

A daily itinerary with daily specifics for the Trek will be provided at a later date.  A general itinerary follows:

Wednesday August 8th
Arrive at the Martins Cove,  check in and orientation, be assigned handcarts, trek to Cherry Creek Campground as families, have dinner, have a fireside and participate in square dancing. 

Thursday August 9th
Handcart through the Martins Cove area to include experiences at Martins Cove, Dan Jones Cove, River Crossing, Statues, possible Women’s Pull.   We will then turn in our handcarts at the Martins Cove Center and be transported by bus to the Sage Creek Campground.  It is anticipated we will trek about 6 to 8 miles this day.

Friday August 10th
Handcart on the National Historic Trail from Sage Creek Campground to Rock Creek Campground to include the Rocky Ridge trail.   It is anticipated we will trek about 14 miles this day.  Evening fireside at Rock Creek Hollow.

Saturday August 11th
Morning fireside and testimony meetings.  Return carts. Return home.

Each family will be assigned 8 to 10 youth ages 12-18 with whom you will spend the entire time together.   The assignments to families (discussed below) will purposefully mix up youth from the same wards and separate family members.

Each family will have given a handcart in which to place the belongings for the Trek.    Each trekker will be given a five-gallon bucket in which to bring personal belongings needed on the trail.   Only items that fit in the bucket may be brought on trek.  The buckets are designed to fit snugly in the handcarts and will serve as chairs at the evening firesides.  Each trekker will be given an equipment list on what to bring.  Each cart will also a 10-gallon water jug and possibly a cooler for lunches.  Overnight camping and food equipment will not be carried in the carts.  This gear will remain with the support teams in stake provided duffel bags and will be transported in advance to each campground and provided by the “rescuers.”

As a family, you will pull and push the handcart together as you make your way on the pioneer trail.  We encourage you to have every youth in your family participate in moving the handcart along the trail.  Each family will have its own unique bandanna color. Each family will have the opportunity to create their own flag for their cart.  We will travel in families but as a group under the overall direction of the “trail boss.” 

Perhaps your greatest responsibility is to foster an environment where each of our youth participants 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.

·        Study and Know the Pioneer Stories.  Find your own Pioneer and individual Ancestor Hero and study their life. Think about how this person’s example or faith can influence your own life. Share with the youth how this individual has had an impact on your faith and your actions. If you sacrifice the time to truly learn about individual pioneers, when you share their stories about their life on the trail and what they did once they reached the valley the youth will feel the spirit.

·        Strive to be an Effective Teacher.  Remember teaching is always more effective where there are strong substantive relationships.  Therefore, it is important for you to work hard to establish a substantive relationship with all members of your family.  Second, it is important to rely on sound doctrinal principles when you teach.  The combination of effective relationships and doctrine can have a powerful impact on individual lives.

·        Use of Journals.  Each person on the trek will be provided a journal to record experiences and spiritual feelings.  Elder Richard Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve 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.  You should find and provide time for this quiet reflection and writing. 

·        Use Music Effectively.  Music can be an effective tool in teaching.  You will have many opportunities to sing during the Trek.  Pioneer songs will be provided to each youth in a “youth trek guidebook.”

·        Love Your Trek Family and Create Unity.  As with your own family, it is important for you to uniformly love every member of your family.  Do not show favoritism.  Look for positive attributes in each member and seek for opportunities to reinforce them. 

·        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.  Give youth assignments relating to 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 pioneer stories and games to fill the time.

·        Encourage Participation.  As part of their own preparation, each youth will receive a pioneer story and a pioneer name.  At appropriate times invite each youth to teach others about “their pioneer” and what they have learned from their example.

·        Rules & Discipline. Be prepared to handle discipline issues that arise in your family.   You are the Trek Leader for your family.   During firesides and quite moments, please be responsible for the behavior of your youth and do not let them disrupt the experience of others.   For example when walking through Martins Cove there is no talking.  Please be responsible for the youth in your family.

 Also, hiking on the National Historic trail is a privilege and can only be done on a permit basis with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The Church has agreed to certain rules in order to be allowed to take such large groups on the historic trail.  You will be trained on these rules.  It is expected that your trek family will abide by these rules. 

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.


Physical PreparationThe pioneers were a hardy, physical fit people.  They also prepared extensively before their journey.  Likewise leaders and youth will need to prepare spiritually, logistically, but also physically for the trek experience.

In preparation for the trek, “each participant (both youth and leaders) should be able to complete a minimum requirement of walking/running four (4) miles on level ground in 60 minutes or less without undue stress.”  Each ward is encouraged to work with their youth on being prepared in this manner for the trek experience.  Unique individual circumstances  requiring special attention should be brought to the attention of Stake Leaders early on.

 

Trek Rules


The following are the rules of the trail.  They are very important for a safe, harmonious, and successful Trek:

·        Dress CodeAll youth and leaders will be required to be in pioneer dress from when we leave the Stake Center until we return home. (There are simply not sufficient changing facilities or time at Martins Cove for anyone to change their clothes when we arrive.)   When everyone is dressed like a pioneer, a unique setting and environment is created.    Baseball hats and Levis are not allowed.  Pioneer clothing guidelines will be provided. 

·        Handcart rules:  Will be provided at orientation.  Never run with a handcart.
           
·        Sleeping Arrangements.  The “rescuers” will provide for the sleeping arrangements.  Ideally, young men of the same families will sleep together and young women of the same families will sleep together.  Some families may need to be combined.  It is anticipated that zipper tents will be used.

·        Keep your Families Together.  It is important to know where your family members are and they are accounted for. It is critical to the development and bonding of your families and the families of others that your family members remain together at all times.  Do not let them wander off to friends and other families. 

·        Toilet Issues on the Trail.  Toilets are provided for all participants and staff along the trail.  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 taken care of.

·        Trash.   All trash will be transported back to Grand Junction.  All trash goes into trash bags so it can be hauled out.    No trash is to be buried.  If trash is left by others, please put it in bags and haul it out.  Do not bury any plastic products.

·        Electronic Devices and Distractions   No electronic devices should be brought on the Trek (including the bus)  i.e. cell phones, MP3 players, CD players. Ipods, etc.  MA’s & PA’s will be allowed to bring a cell phone; however, coverage in the middle of Wyoming is sometimes non-existent.  The stake leaders will provide radio and emergency communication.

·        National Historic Trail   We will be hiking on parts of the National Historic Trail (NHT) which is regulated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Hiking on the NHT is a privilege and is allowed by permit only.   We will be subject to the rules and regulations of the BLM permit.  A separate BLM training meeting is required of all adult participants within 24 hours of trekking on the NHT.  Mas and Pas will be required to attend this training and will expected to be familiar with these rules and enforce them with their family members.

 

medical issues 


·        Medical specialists.  There will be Medical Specialists (two nurses and one EMT) on the Trek to assist with any medical emergency that arises.  Prior to Trek, each Trek committee member, including you as Ma’s & Pa’s, will receive some basic medical training to identify and treat potential problems (heat stroke, dehydration, blisters, snake bite, etc)

·        Medical Information.  During the registration process, each participant will provide personal medical information.  That would include any special medical conditions or medication needs.  That information is held by the Medical Specialists for reference.  Medical information on each youth assigned to your Trek family will be given to you before the Trek so you can be advised ahead of time of any unique medical situations.

·        First Aid Kits.  You should have a basic first-aid kit as part of your family equipment.  Use it as needed.  Mole skin and duct tape is a must.

·        Water Use and Guidelines.   Only drink water that is provided for you in the water jugs or from at the base camp.  Never drink rainwater, stream water, lake water, pond water, or from puddles or creeks.  Serious sickness can occur from drinking impure water.  Giardia is the most common parasite in the area.  It can cause flu-like symptoms and cramps.  We will have periodic water stops along the trail to refill the cart and individual water containers.

·        Dehydration.  This is one of the most frequently encountered medical issues along the trail.
Ø      Each handcart should have 10 gallons of water and the opportunity to refill if necessary.
Ø      It is important for the whole train of carts to stop frequently for water breaks. Watch for signs of dehydration.
Ø      Dehydration and heat exhaustion often go hand in hand, so make sure water goes in but also keep the outside cooled down with wet bandannas around the neck or using a spray bottle.

·        Food.  Participants will be asked to have a good nutritious breakfast at home on August 8th and to bring a sack lunch for that day to eat on the bus.  All other food will be provided by the “rescuers” , including lunches for along the trail.  

·        Trail Sickness.  It is headache pain, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, depression, always weak and tired. It is caused by physical exhaustion and dehydration. Drink water throughout the day and if it is hot make sure everyone gets a spoonful of Gatorade in their water.

·        Blisters.  Blisters can diminish the Trek experience for those suffering and those trying to help.  It is important that individual Trek participants take preventive measures to make sure that their feet are adequately protected wearing two pair of socks—a thin pair underneath and a more substantial pair on the outside.  It is a good idea to have a periodic foot inspection to identify blisters and see that they are treated by the medical team. This is another good reason for the pre-trek hikes—so their feet will “toughen-up”

·        InsectsYour insect repellent should take care of mosquitoes and other bugs (no see-um bugs).

TicksThere are ticks in the area of the Trek.  Each family member should check himself/herself twice a day. Trekkers should wear light clothing both because it is cooler and so they can see ticks and might also tuck their pants or bloomers in their socks.  Spray insect repellent on shoe tops, socks and lower pant legs.  Make sure you have adequate repellent. Have a medical person remove the tick if it has become embedded in the skin.  Avoid even touching ticks with your bare hands. 

·        Emergency Evacuation Adequate preparation is the key to avoiding a medical incident.  Emergency evacuation options are limited along the National Historic Trail.  Communication and emergency evacuation options will be addressed by stake leaders.   Youth fatigue is not an emergency requiring emergency evacuation.  Every effort should be made to encourage youth to complete the pioneer trek experience.  Approximately every four miles the group will meet up with “rescuers” (stake leaders) providing water support and the potential for transport out if absolutely necessary.  However, this emergency option should be kept confidential and the youth should not be made aware of this option as to encourage dropping out of the experience.

ASSIGNMENT OF FAMILIES

Youth will be grouped in "pioneer families" of approximately 8-10 youth per family. Each family will pull their handcart through Martins Cove, across the Sweat water River, up Rocky Ridge, and into Rock Creek Hollow ( approximately 21 miles over two 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 unit throughout all activities on the trek experience.
 

·        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.

 


Pioneer Trek Organization


·        Trek Committee/ Oversight Committee
·        Stake Presidency
·        Stake YM/Stake YW Presidencies
·        Chairperson of  each Area Committees
·        High Councilors over Stake Youth Programs

·         Program Committee 
Chairperson:  Jessica Krabbe
Committee Members: President David VanWagoner, President David Larsen,  Phedra Kidd,
Objectives:   Itinerary, Firesides, Coordination with Martin Cove missionaries,  Ma & Pa training,  Youth Guidebooks, Journals, Music, Pioneer stories for youth, Pioneer  names, Speakers/Sound, Genealogy coordination, Pony Express Mail, Square Dancing

·         Transportation Committee 
Chairperson:  Mickey Mantlo
Committee Members:
Objectives:   Transportation of Youth and Equipment to and from location, Water support at Way stations, Evacuation Support, Communications Support, Movement of equipment and youth gear between campgrounds, Coordination with equipment committee

·         Equipment Committee 
Chairperson:  Doug Weaver
Committee Members:
Objectives:   Tents/Tarps, Sleeping arrangements, garbage collection, cooking equipment,  sanitation at campgrounds, water jugs for carts, equipment list for youth

·         Food  Committee 
Chairperson: Kendall Glad
Committee Members:
Objectives:   Menus, Meals, Procurement,  Transportation, Storage, Delivery, Lunches for Trek  Carts, Desserts

·         Pioneer Clothes  Committee 
Chairperson: Jan Weaver
Committee Members:  Lori Billings
Objectives:   Pioneer clothing requirements, Information for wards, no ball caps, no Levi's, visit wards to make sure youth are prepared, memento for end of the trek for each youth to take home

·         Medical Safety Committee 
Chairperson:Jolene Walker
Committee Members:
Objectives:   Prevention, Preparation, Protection, Dehydration, Foot Care, Radio,

·         Photography  Committee 
Chairperson: Rodney Beynon
Committee Members:  Sue Van Wagoner
Objectives:  Pictures, Video, Post Trip Video for each Trekker

·         Data Gathering  Committee 
Chairperson: Rodney Beynon
Committee Members:  Bro. Slack, Bro Vincent
Objectives:   Youth Count numbers,  Permission Slips/Medical Release, Specific Medical Conditions of youth, Special needs/accommodations

·         Promotions  Committee 
Chairperson: Candi Leavitt
Committee Members: Selinda Landis, Jenny Krebs
Objectives:   Logo, Firesides, Website,  Seventeen Miracles in the Wards, Exposure in the Wards

·         Ward  Committees 
Chairperson: Each Ward YM and YW President
Committee Members:   YM YW Counselors in each ward
Objectives:  
1.      Invitations and Promotion – Extend invitations well in advance to all youth to attend Trek.  Promote and encourage Trek.
2.      Physical fitness requirement – Help youth meet the physical fitness requirement of being able to walk or run 4 miles in 60 minutes.  Identify special circumstances early on and bring to attention of stake leaders.
3.      Identify youth with special needs to stake leaders early on so accommodations can be made to help them attend trek if possible.
4.      Clothing – Help you collect appropriate clothing
5.      Equipment List – Help youth obtain all items on the equipment list
6.      Obtain Permission and Medical Releases
7.      Enthusiastically prepare youth to attend Trek such as by watching “17 Miracles”
8.      Encourage youth to participate in square dance training