A Message from Amanda Waldron {6th Ward}

"I am so honored to help plan such a big and exciting experience.  I cannot wait to join the youth in my Stake in an experience that will bring us closer together and strengthen our testimonies!  GO TREK!!

"Couch to Trek!"

We are happy to present the "Trek Physical Training Program."  Brother Mulford from the Stake YM Presidency was assigned to put together a "Couch to Trek"  fitness program.   He worked together with a fitness professional to create a plan that could help most anyone prepare for Trek, no matter what their current physical abilities.  It is mapped it out to start January 3rd and end mid May.   We are so excited to have it completed and know that it may be a great tool in the life of our young men and young women.


Trek Training

January 3rd, 2011 (Week 1)
            Monday-walk ½ mile
            Wednesday-walk ½ mile

January 10th, 2011 (Week 2)
            Monday- Walk stairs or step ups for 5 minutes, 10 walking lunges and 5 squats
            Wednesday-Walk ½ mile

January 17th, 2011 (Week 3)
            Monday-Walk ½ mile, 10-15 standing still lunges and 7 squats
            Wednesday-walk ¾ mile

January 24th, 2011 (Week 4)
            Monday-Time Test:  Walk a ½ mile as fast as you can.
            Wednesday-stairs or step ups for 7 min.

January 31st, 2011 (Week 5)
            Monday - Lunges- as many as you can in 1 min, rest for 2 min.  Do this 3 times.
            Calf raises-do 2 sets of 15
            Squat-do 3 sets of 10
            Push-ups-do as many as you can in 1 min
            Wednesday-walk ¾ mile
            Friday-walk up hill for 10 min.

February 7th, 2011 (Week 6)
            Monday-Walk 1 mile
            Wednesday-stairs or step ups for 10 min
            Friday-Jog ½ mile

February 14th, 2011 (Week 7)
Monday-walk for ½ mile as fast as you can.  Walking lunges for 3 min.
            Wednesday-walk 1 ½ miles

February 21st, 2011 (Week 8)
            Monday-Time test Walk 2 miles as fast as you can (shoot for 30 minutes).
            Wednesday-walk up hill for 15 min
            Friday-walk 1 ½ miles

February 28th, 2011 (Week 9)
Monday-do 15 pushups, 20 lunges of any kind, 15 squats and 3 min. of calf raises
Wednesday-walk 2 ½ miles
Friday-stairs for 10 min. or jump rope for 7 min.

March 7th, 2011 (Week 10)
            Monday-time test walk 3 miles as fast as you can (try to walk 15 min. miles)
Wednesday-walk up hill for 5 min and 1 ½ miles on flat –finish both within 25 min.
Friday-walk 3 miles

March 14th, 2011 (Week 11)
            Monday-walk 3 miles
            Wednesday-walk 3 miles
            Friday-walk up hill for 20 min


March 21st, 2011 (Week 12)
            Tuesday- Time Test: Walk 1 mile in 15 minutes.
            Friday-Time Test: Walk as fast as you can for 3 miles (shoot for 45 minutes).

March 28th, 2011 (Week 13)
            Tuesday-walk for 3 ½ miles
            Thursday-lunge for 1 min, rest for 2 then repeat.  Do this 5 times
            Pushups for 1 min, rest for 2 repeat.  Do this 5 times
            Calf raises for 1 min, rest for 2.  Do this 3 times
            Saturday-Jog 1 mile (shoot for 10 minutes)

April 4th, 2011 (Week 14)
            Monday-Stairs for 10 minutes, jog 1 ½ miles (shoot for 17 minutes).
Wednesday-aerobic of choice for 45 min.
Friday-walk a hill for 25 min.

April 11th, 2011 (Week 15)
            Monday-walk 3 ½ miles
            Wednesday-walk for 3 ½ miles, 1 mile should be up hill

April 18th, 2011 (Week 16)
            Monday-Time Test: Walk 2 miles in 30 minutes.
            Wednesday-Walk 2 ½ miles
            Friday-Time Test:  Walk 3 miles in 45 minutes.

April 25th, 2011 (Week 17)
            Monday-walk 3 miles
            Wednesday-stairs for 15 minutes, jog 1 mile (shoot for 10 minutes).
            Friday-walk 4 miles

May 2nd, 2011 (Week 18)
            Monday-Time Test: Walk 3 miles in 45 minutes.
            Wednesday-Time Test: Walk 4 miles in 60 minutes.
            Friday-Time Test: Walk 3 miles in 45 minutes


May 9th, 2011 (Week 19)
            Monday-walk 4 miles
            Wednesday-walk a hill for 30 min

May 16th, 2011 (Week 20)
            Monday-Time Test:  Walk 4 miles in 60 minutes (make 1 mile up hill).
            Tuesday-Time Test: Walk 4 miles in 60 minutes.
            Thursday-Time Test: Walk 4 miles in 60 minutes (make 1 mile up hill).
            Friday-Jog 2 miles

A Message from Kierstyn Miller {3rd Ward}

"The theme for trek this year is "In His Strength I Can Do All Things". To me, this means that I can do anything with Jesus by my side.  If I have faith, He'll be with me always, to lift me up from my fallen state.  He'll always love me, and He is in my midst, constantly helping me become like Him.  Although I cannot see Him, I don't need to.  He's in my heart, and that is all I'll ever need.  I know He's there, and I know He loves me.  He suffered for my sins and died so I can live again.  He loves me, and He loves everyone unconditionally.  And He always will, no matter what."

Stake Youth Committee...

Just a reminder of our meeting tomorrow morning (Sun., 12/19) at 8:00 am at the Stake Center. Please bring your paper (a paragraph or thought) sharing your feelings about becoming closer to the Savior and how Trek can strengthen your relationship with the Savior, etc. See you there!

Trek Kickoff Video

4th Ward

The 4th Ward went to This is the Place Monument for their mutual!! 

Personal Trek Preparation

{study}

1.    Memorize two hymns:  “Come, Come Ye Saints” pg. 30, “How Firm a Foundation” pg. 85

2.   Memorize the following scriptures:  Alma 26:12 (Theme Scripture), Isaiah 41:10; 2 Nephi 31:20

Your favorite scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants

3.   Read the following scriptures and write down your thoughts and impressions in your personal journal.

Doctine and Covenants Sections:  1, 121, 122, 123, 136, 138, 59:1-4 and 61:36-39

4.   Study Patriarchal Blessing

{active participation}

5.   Visit the temple at least three times.

6.   Participate in the Exercise Program.  Target is: 4 miles in 1 hour, 3-4 times a week.

7.   Write your testimony in your personal journal.

8.   Research the first member of your family to join the church.  This will be your families “personal pioneer”.  Get to know their conversion story, so you can be able to share it with those in your Trek Family!

Clothing Descriptions

Young Women’s Clothing

Dresses and skirts:  Pioneer dresses should be worn just above your ankle to avoid tripping and tangling with walking.  You should be able to safely climb stairs without using your hands to lift the hem.

Skirt should be full enough to allow active movement and a long stride, gathered into a waist band or with elastic at the waist.  Skirt could have a ruffle at the hem or be plain at the hem.

Blouses:   They should be long-sleeved to protect from the sun, of cotton fabric.  Fabric patterns should be conservative color, print, check or stripes.  Sleeves can be narrow, or full with cuffs.  The neckline could be just to the neck or have a high collar.  Cotton is recommended because synthetic material like polyester is hot and uncomfortable.  Be aware that shirts made from too lightweight of cotton fabric can allow sunburn through it. 

Dresses and Blouses should be loose enough to breathe and allow free movement at shoulders and waist.  Tight clothing will be very uncomfortable, is likely to rip at shoulders and may cause chafing or a rash.  All clothing patterns should be conservative and try to reflect authentic pioneer style (ie. Please, no bright or eccentric styles.)  A complete pioneer style dress is appropriate, as well.

Bloomers:  The Stake Young Women’s presidency is providing a pattern that will be given to each Ward Young Women’s President.  Bloomers must be worn.  They will provide protection against bites and ticks and are mandatory for every woman and young woman participating in the trek.

Bonnets:  Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside.  Bonnets should be made of solid or print cotton, with a stiffened wide brim in front and a back ruffle to protect the neck and tie under the chin. 

Shoes:  These do not need to be in a “period” or old fashioned style.  Comfort and supportive walking or running shoes are recommended.  Be sure to break in shoes at least 3 months before trek.

Aprons:  Are not mandatory but are useful to protect your dress/skirt and can have a wonderfully useful pocket, or two pockets.  Large, deep pockets are highly recommended.  The aprons should be gathered at the waist into a band, with ties at the back.  A square above the waist could be added, if desired, with pins to hold the top corners.    Aprons should be 6-12 inches shorter than the skirt. 

* Each ward young woman president will be given a copy of the dress, bonnet and bloomer pattern to duplicate for the young women in her ward.

Young Men’s Clothing

Shirt:  A loose shirt, with long sleeves and a collar.  Shirts with plaid or striped fabric are great. Cotton fabric is recommended.

Pants:  Should be somewhat loose (cotton), in a tan, brown, black, gray or beige.  Consider using an old Dockers-style slack.  Note: No Denim will be allowed.

Hats:  Many styles are authentic, including round-topped felt brimmed hats, wide straw hats and cowboy hats.  Straw hats with wide brims for sun protection are recommended, with a cord to keep from blowing off in the wind.  Note: No baseball caps will be allowed on trek.

Shoes: These do not need to be in a “period” or old fashioned style.  Comfort and supportive shoes are most important.  Walking or running shoes are recommended.  Be sure to break in shoes at least 3 months before trek.

Optional

Vests & Ties: Usually worn on Sunday or for social occasions.  Ties were small and made from black silky fabric; tied in front with a square knot.  If desired, old suit vests could be found at thrift stores and faux suede fabric is available at fabric stores to make a vest.  A bandana tied at the neck is also appropriate.

Suspenders:  Ideally crossed in the back and buttoned on the front of the pants waistband.  Wide black or brown ribbon could be sewn to the pants to look like suspenders, even with buttons, if desired.

Commercial patterns with pioneer clothing styles:

Simplicity: www.simplicity.com

3723 View “A”: Women’s Dress and bonnet

5023: Men’s Shirt and pants

5035: Men’s shirt and pants

Butterick: www.butterick.com

B4486: Men’s shirt with “crisscross” lacing

McCalls: www.mccallpattern.com

M4862: Men’s or women’s “Poet” shirt

M4548: Women’s Apron, dress, bonnet, skirt

M9423: Women’s Dress, bonnet, apron

M4090: Women’s Skirt

Pioneer Trek Personal Pack-List

The following is the individual pack list of required trek equipment for all participants:

         5 gallon bucket for your gear (provided by stake)

         1 warm sleeping bag–put inside plastic bag and labeled

         1 old blanket (wool if possible)

         1 old coat (heavy and warm) with a warm hood or ski cap

         1 rain poncho

         Light-weight gloves

         1 or two pair of athletic shoes or hiking boots (DO NOT BRING NEW ONES)

         4 pairs of sturdy socks and 4 pairs of inner socks (knee socks recommended)

         3 sets of underclothing

         2 bandannas

         1 metal pie plate, 1 large spoon, 1 tin cup

         1 small hand towel

         Deodorant

         Comb or brush

         1 toothbrush and tooth paste

         5 Band-Aids and small supply of mole-skin

         Medications (prescribed only)

         An old set of scriptures, pen and/or pencil

         A favorite church magazine

         2 heavy duty garbage bags

         1 flashlight and small pocketknife

         Chap-stick, insect repellent, sunscreen and sunglasses

         Sack lunch for first day

Men should bring:

         2 pairs of canvas, or cotton pants (not denim fabric)

         2 long-sleeved shirts (no t-shirts)

         1 wide-brimmed western style hat or straw hat (no baseball or military hats)

         1 pair suspenders

Women should bring:

         2 dresses or jumpers, at least mid-calf in length

         Long-sleeved dresses or jumpers with long sleeve shirts

         1 or 2 bonnets or straw hat

         1 pair bloomers or pantaloons

         1 apron (large pockets are helpful)

         1 flannel nightgown or sweat pants and shirt

         Feminine hygiene supplies

Optional items: personal camera (non-cell phone), harmonica or small musical instrument.

Forbidden items: cell phones, IPods, MP3’s, video games, lap tops, any other non-essential electronic devices.

Arrive at Trek wearing pioneer clothing from the list above and pack the rest of the items in your bucket.  Try to use old but sturdy items as they will get dirty and may be torn.  Plan on bringing everything on the list but nothing more.  Please, except for the sack lunch on the first day, don’t bring snack and other food/drink items with you on the Trek.

Trek Kickoff Youth Packet

“In His strength I can do all things” Alma 26:12

President Gordon B. Hinckley stated, “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.” 

The focus of this Trek will be finding strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to “do all things” that may be required during the Trek experience and throughout life.  Ultimately, we hope the youth will develop a deeper appreciation of and relationship with the Savior as they experience some of the challenges that faced the handcart pioneers. 

In order for the youth to feel the faith of those early pioneers, the Trek families will be experiencing, as far as reasonable, the experience of the Handcart Pioneers.  Certain activities will be structured in such a way as to give the youth a literal taste of their experiences.  Other events will allow the youth to ponder and feel the trials that will help them to understand what it means to rely on the strength found in faith, sacrifice and obedience. 

The youth are encouraged to study the history of the early saints in general.  Become familiar with their expulsion from Nauvoo, the exodus west toward Winter Quarters and finally to the Great Salt Lake Valley.  They will want to study in particular the handcart treks.  Many of the regularly scheduled youth night activities conducted over the months leading up to the Trek will be centered on learning and studying about families and individuals who were in the original handcart companies.   

Personal Commitment

The Trek experience offers to all participants an incredible opportunity to strengthen their testimony in the Savior and in the restoration of the Gospel.  The Trek experience varies with each individual and is enhanced by personal preparation and commitment, but it is virtually always a positive and unforgettable experience.

“Personal Commitment” refers to an individual pledge made by each participant to commit fully to the experience by being willing to prepare, dedicated to working hard, willing to sacrifice what is needed, to have faith in the leadership of the Stake and to strive to be obedient.  If you commit to these basic principles you will find strength to overcome the personal challenges and individual concerns that you might have about participating.

To the youth: this is a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to put aside the business of your lives and focus in a unique way on the lives of those who paid a heavy price for their faith.  It is an opportunity to join with them in a small way by manifesting your desire to keep moving toward Zion regardless of the difficulties.  It is an opportunity to become personally acquainted with their sorrow, their grief and their joy.  It is an opportunity to become personally acquainted with their faith in Christ.  It is an opportunity to become personally acquainted with Him. 

Questions and Answers

Where and when will the Trek take place?

The trek site is located at Deseret Land and Livestock, a church owned property about 10 miles west of Evanston Wyoming.  Participants will arrive at the Stake Center on the morning of Wednesday, June 29, 2011 (time TBA) and will be available for pick-up at Deseret Land and Livestock on Saturday, July 2, 2011. 

What are the transportation plans?

Delivery of the participants to Deseret Land and Livestock on June 29^th will be coordinated by the Stake and Ward Leaders.  Pick-up of the participants on July 2^nd will be coordinated by individual families of the Trek participants.

What is the terrain like?

The Trek will take place on private land owned by Deseret Land and Livestock.  This is a church-owned cattle ranch.  Elevation of the property is approximately 7500 feet.  It is considered high-country desert and offers little vegetation outside of sagebrush and various range grasses.  The property can be described as wide valleys and rolling hills.  We will pull the handcarts through the rangeland that is used for feeding the herds of cattle that roam the property.  There will be little to none established handcart trails. 

How far will participants pull the handcarts?

The participants will pull the handcarts approximately 26 miles over the four days.  Some days may entail more pulling that others.  To put this into perspective, the handcart pioneers walked over a thousand miles, averaging 21 miles a day.

How will the participants be organized?

Participants will be organized into families of 8-10 youth with a “Ma and Pa” to lead them.  The Ma’s and Pa’s will be married couples who have been specifically selected and trained for this experience.  Each family will comprise of youth from all over the Stake. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know other youth that live in the area.  Efforts will be made to balance the families as much as possible.

Will the participants get enough to eat and drink?

Most of the meals will be simple, but it will always be adequate and no one will go to bed hungry.  All participants will have water available to them at all times and will be strongly and repeatedly urged to drink plenty of it.  Water breaks will occur frequently throughout each day.  Special dietary accommodations will be allowed as indicated by a doctor on the participant’s medical form.  However, participants will not be allowed to carry extra “treats” from home with them.

Will participants be able to keep warm?

Everyone should bring a rain poncho, a warm coat (not necessarily pioneer style), warm sleepwear, a warm sleeping bag, and an old blanket (preferably wool).  Should the weather turn wet, adjustments will be made and shelters established.  The property we are trekking on is known to get frost at night and to be hot in the afternoon during the months of June and July so come prepared for the extremes.

Will medical help be available?

A doctor, registered nurse and several EMTs will be available at all times.  Transportation will be provided as directed by the medical staff should the need arise.  Medical staff and adult leaders along the trail will be equipped with radios so that medical needs can be addressed promptly.  Communication with local hospitals and  Emergency airlift by helicopter is also available.  The most common injuries sustained in Trek activities are sprained ankles, blisters, dehydration, and heat exhaustion.  We will be vigilant to ensure safety for all.  Ma’s and Pa’s will be trained in First Aid procedures.

Will youth with disabilities be able to participate?

We will make every effort to accommodate all youth, but each participant must receive medical clearance in order to attend.  Decisions about who will be accommodated and how they will be accommodated will be made by the medical committee along with the Stake Presidency.

Will toilet facilities be available?

Portable toilets will be mounted on trailers and will be available along the trail and at all times in camp.

Will boys and girls be separated for sleeping?

Yes. We will be sleeping under the stars but there will be gender specific sleeping arrangements made.  Girls will also have a private, separated area to accommodate personal needs.

In what kinds of activities will the participants engage?

In addition to pulling the handcarts along the trail, there will be singing, dancing, pioneer games, cooking, cleaning, firesides, testimony meetings and other spiritual activities.

How will participants need to dress?

They will need to follow the dress standards set forth in this packet at all times during the Trek.

How much will the Trek cost?

Each participant is asked to pay a $20 fee.  The proper way of paying this fee is like any other youth camp activity.  Please submit your fee payment on the tithing donation slip space marked “other”.  This fee is due the Sunday, April 10, 2011.  Participants are also required to furnish their own clothing and personal gear.  We recommend using older, durable equipment so as to minimize the overall cost of the Trek per individual.

How can the participants prepare

• Attend their youth night actvities.
• Participate in the fitness program.
• Complete the Trek Preparation Activities set forth in the Kick-off Fireside.
• Start collecting items on the pack list now.
•  Start breaking in the shoes they’ll wear at least three months before going.
• Turn in the Registration forms by April 10, 2011. (Forms will be distributed in February by the Ward YM/YW leadership.
• Turn in the Medical Physical Forms by April 10, 2011. (Forms will be distributed in February by the Ward YM/YW Leadership)

Ward Youth Night Activities Related to Trek

In an effort to help our youth prepare mentally, spiritually and physically for the Trek the Stake Presidency has outlined 9 specific youth night activities that will be conducted during the regularly scheduled mutual nights.  Some of these activities will happened on a Young Men’s Quorum or Young Women’s class level, some will happen as a combined activity and some will be conducted as a Stake.  The Bishops and YM/YW Presidencies in each ward have received training and instruction on how to lead these activities.  With the exception of a few activities, the Wards will decide when certain activities will work for their needs.   If the youth of the Stake will participate fully in these activities, they will come to the Trek well prepared to benefit from the experience.  These activities are as follows:

•          Hiking
•         Church History Museum – Missionary led tour that focuses on handcart pioneers.
•          Family Research Night with Stake Family Research Coordinators
•          Visit to “This is the Place Monument” and Ensign Peak
•          Temple Visits
•          Fitness Nights – Exercise and strength training activities
•          Square Dance Night
•          Sewing Dresses/bonnets/bloomers (YW specific)
•          “Bucket” night – create cushion for 5 gallon bucket lid to be taken on trek.

Personal Physical Preparation

Pioneer treks require physical stamina. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time. The following are some general guidelines that you might consider:

•  Walk 3-5 times per week. 
•   Work up to sustaining 4 miles completed in one hour (including hills).  The longer you can sustain this pace the more comfortable you will be on the trail.
•   Drink water and eat wholesome foods that contribute to health.

In an effort to help our youth start preparing physically for the activity, we will be holding a friendly competition between the Wards.  Each Sunday the youth will have an opportunity to report in their YM/YW meetings the total number of minutes they exercised in that week.  Preferably the youth will exercise in a way that would help them walk up hills, pull heavy things and go over long distances.  However, we know that many youth are involved in school sports and that having an additional exercise program may not be possible.  So those youth that are involved in school sporting or dancing teams may report the total minutes exercised through those activities.  It is important that they only report actual minutes exercised, not time sitting on the bench/sideline waiting.  Each Ward building will have a Trek map that will show the progress of the youth.  For every 5 minutes of exercise as a group (averaged) they will be awarded 1 mile on the map.  The map covers the approximate 1000 mile path of the pioneers so to complete the same trail over the next 30 weeks, each youth needs to average at least two hours of exercise per week.  The Ward that finishes the map will receive recognition for their accomplishment.  So put a plan in place now that will get you prepared to Trek!!!!!

Welcome

Welcome visitors to the Oquirrh Point Stake Handcart Trek Blog.  This site will be used to post info about ongoing activities in our Stake as we prepare for the Trek in 2011.  Please keep coming back to see ongoing updates.  - Trail Boss, Brother Greenhalgh