Trek HANDBOOK for Youth and Parents

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Handbook for

Youth and Parents of Trekkers

Derby Kansas Stake
2014 Youth Conference

Handcart Pioneer Trek

“Journey of Faith”

WHO:                   Youth ages 14 -18; Stake YM/YW Leaders, support personnel

WHAT:                  3-day Handcart Trek, covering about 15 miles. Trek experience includes
                            authentic pioneer dress, Dutch oven cooking, historic pioneer games,
                            singing, old fashioned Hoedown, firesides, and other meaningful activities.

 WHEN:                 We will be loading commercial buses at 5:30 am on Thursday, May 29 for
        a 3-hour bus ride and returning on May 31 at approximately  6 pm.  We
        will meet at Derby Stake Center for departure and return.

WHERE:                Trek will be held on a beautiful, church owned 70,000 acre
         ranch called the Sooner Cattle Company, offering church groups a
         place to conduct pioneer treks. The ranch provides authentic handcarts,
         trekking routes, and a safe private place to camp. The location is 2 miles
         northeast of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, which is 45 miles east of Ponca City.

WHY:                   1.  Increase faith and love for our Heavenly Father 
                            2.  Develop appreciation for the pioneers and their legacy
                            3.  Realize your personal challenges and strengthen your
                                "journey of faith"

HOW:                  The remainder of this handbook is the “how”. Leaders and youth will be
      dressed in their pioneer clothing when they load the buses and remain as
      “authentic” as possible throughout the Trek.

• Registration and permission forms are due by March 15
• Medical release forms (if applicable) are due by May 1

** Start preparing NOW; earn the “Journey of Faith” Award. Complete all six requirements for March, April and May – YOU CAN DO IT! **

__________________________________________________

FOR EACH OF US IS A PIONEER IN HIS OWN LIFE

“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 the world, but out of whose dream 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 to do God’s will and lift and serve those around us.”  -Gordon B. Hinckley

I DESIRE THEM TO KNOW AND I HOPE THAT IT WILL INSPIRE MY POSTERITY

“I have a desire to leave a record of those scenes and events through which I have passed, that my children, down to my latest posterity, may read what their ancestors were willing to suffer, and did suffer, patiently for the gospel’s sake.  And wish them to understand too, that what I now word is the history of hundreds of others who have passed through like scenes for the same cause.  I also, too, desire them to know that it was in obedience to the commands of the true and living God, and the assurance of an eternal reward – an exaltation in His kingdom – that we suffered these things.  I hope, too, that it will inspire my posterity with fortitude to stand firm and faithful to the truth, and be willing to suffer and sacrifice all things that they may be required to pass through for the sake of the Kingdom of God.”  -Elizabeth Horrocks Jackson Kingsford

____________________________________________________________

Welcome to Derby Kansas Stake Youth Conference 2014

Handcart Pioneer Trek!

Please take time to carefully study what is contained in this manual.  This will allow you to be prepared and to focus more upon inviting the Spirit to your Trek experience.

Concept of the Pioneer Trek______________________

The theme of the 2014 Derby Stake Youth Conference is “Journey of Faith”

It is hoped that the Pioneer Trek will help those who participate, a greater appreciation for our Father in Heaven and for the Savior, to learn more about those pioneers who laid the foundation for what we enjoy today, and to gain an increased understanding of their own “personal journey of faith”.  We also envision that while having a great time in a pioneer-like environment, everyone will make new friendships that will endure through a lifetime.

Vision of Trek

The Pioneer Trek is designed to provide an individualized experience, in a family setting, and it does this by teaching general principles that each youth can apply to his or her life.  Many of these lessons are taught through symbolism and analogy.  Trek participants are given the opportunity to face and problem solve tasks.  They are given the chance to discover their own strengths and weaknesses, to recognize the contributions of others, and to see where they need to change their own lives.  They will realize the power of seeking our Heaven Father’s help and the joys of serving others.  With this new knowledge, they can return to their homes with the courage to strengthen themselves and their families.

Trek Families

Approximately 8-10 youth will be assigned to a Ma and a Pa, an adult couple, approved by the Stake Presidency.  Each “family” will have a big brother and big sister youth leaders, who have also accepted assignment by the Stake.  As a trek family, the group will pull and push the handcart together, cook meals together, and have their own camping site at the base camp.  

Preparations for the Trek ________________________

Basic Skills Preparations

•  Practice outdoor skills, like no-trace camping

• Learn basic First Aid, like treating feet injuries. 

• Study survival skills, like hiking precautions, staying dry, preventing dehydration, protecting against sun and insects

Equipment Preparations (see Personal Equipment List)

•  Secure personal equipment, especially a 5-gallon bucket with sealing lid, broken-in shoes. etc. (you can spray paint your bucket brown if you want, but be sure to clearly put your name on it with a permanent ink marker)

• Collect or make pioneer clothing (see clothing page)

Physical Preparation

The Handcart Trek requires physical stamina. Conditioning cannot be completed in a short period of time.

• Follow the Word of Wisdom, eating a balanced diet of wholesome foods and regulating weight.

• Start exercising regularly. (You may need to consult your doctor for approval).  Be wise in exercising.
  
  • Wear thin inner nylon socks and thicker outer socks and the shoes you plan to wear at Trek
  • Use low impact exercises at least 3 times a week for 2 weeks, from 30 to 60 minute
  • Start walking 3 miles at least 3 times a week for 2 weeks
  • Increase walks to 4 miles at least 3 times a week for 2 week 
  • Drink a healthy amount of water daily and get adequate amounts of sleep

Spiritual Preparation

The Handcart Trek is like going on a mission.  It requires spiritual preparation.  This may mean extra effort.

• Have personal and family prayer each day
• Study the scriptures regularly, especially the Book of Mormon
• Study the history of the handcart pioneers and of your ancestors

While on the Trek______________________________

General Expectations

Cooperating with your Trek family – While on the Trek you will be expected to stay with your assigned family, work together with your “siblings”, and honor your “Ma and Pa”. Be with your families while trekking (you must stay together with your family while walking the entire time), cooking, eating and gathering at night for family time (scripture reading, devotionals, and prayer).  There will be “free time” to visit your friends in other Trek families.

Camping the Outdoors - The camping is in fairly primitive circumstances. There will be separate sleeping areas for young men and young women, with Ma and Pa supervision.

Keeping things positive - Everyone is encouraged to live appropriate behaviors, set good examples, and maintain a supportive approach before and during the trek (Please refrain from complaining!!). If you have concerns, speak directly to your Ma and Pa or one of the trek leaders.

Dress Code (check Personal Equipment List for proper dress attire)

• Participants must wear pioneer-like clothing throughout the entire Trek. You should look like a pioneer
  
  •  Participants need two sets of pioneer clothing, one kept dry at all times
  •  Colored bandannas will be provided for each person according to your family. They are your identification badge
  •  No immodest or commercial printed clothing is allowed

Handcart Rules

• NEVER RUN WITH THE HANDCART
• Each family member must help pull/push the cart and stay near their cart at all times when it is moving. 
• Participants need to stay away from wheels as they walk and keep loose clothing from the wheels.
• No one is allowed to ride in carts at any time.   
• Whenever a cart stops, it must be pulled as far as safely possible to the side of the trail with the wheels blocked with rocks or turned perpendicular to inclines to prevent the carts from rolling.
• The entire handcart train will stop and start together at the direction of the Trail Boss.
• When at campsite, park handcart in a safe place, blocking the wheels, and do not use it for entertainment.

Acceptable Behavior

• Romances are not tolerated and this rule will not be compromised.
• Cultivate respect for one another. Young Men: You are encouraged to show courtesy to the women by serving meals to them first.

Toilet Issues

• Commercial, temporary toilets are provided at the campsite and on the trail.  Go, if possible, before hiking.
• On the trail, potty breaks will occur about every hour to two hours.  Take advantage of every restroom break.
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer should be provided, but it would be wise to store some paper and a small amount of hand cleaner in your bucket for emergency use. Handi-wipes are also a good resource.

Food

• Each Trek participant is asked to eat a good breakfast on the morning of departure, Thursday, May 29.
• Any perishable snacks brought for the bus must be eaten and not taken on the trail.  Keep the bus clean.
• Any special-need snacks for the trail must be nonperishable foods, such as, nutrition bars, trail mix, or snacks. 
• No canned/sugar drinks, like sodas, are to be brought for Trek. Only water and provided Gatorade mix is allowed.
• Lunch meals will be provided on the trail. For others meals, food will be provided and cooked in Dutch ovens.
• No food of any kind is to be stored in buckets, sleeping bags or backpacks. It will attract raccoons, opossums, skunks and other wild animals.

Health Issues­­­­­­­­­­­­________________________________

Medical Information

• There will be a medical doctor and one other health professional at the Trek the entire three days.
• Each participant is required to complete the attached medical form, and parent consent.
• Those with a health history must turn in a doctor signed Medical Release Form.
• Medications must be listed. They will be stored and administered by the Medical Specialist.

First Aid

• Everyone must bring a small, basic First Aid kit about the size of a small zip-lock bag. 
• Consider supplies to prevent and treat outdoor needs: sun exposure, chaffing, insect bites, blisters (mole skin), cuts.

Water

• For drinking and for cooking, use water from the water truck provided at the Trek.  Never use water from other questionable sources. 
• Dehydration is the most frequently encountered concern on the trail. Drink often and use Gatorade occasionally. 
• Watch for signs of dehydration, like headache, dizziness, nauseous, depressed, weak, tired, and flu-like symptoms. 
• Monitor the color of urine. Darker colored urine is an indication of not drinking enough water.

Insects

• The best course is preventive action -use insect repellant with DEET.  Be careful using DEET - it can irritate your skin.
• Insects are attracted to many types of cosmetic odors (use fragrance free items). Ticks reside on trees, bushes and high weeds. Avoid them by wearing light colored, long sleeved clothing, as it protects skin from sun burn, is cooler, and makes ticks detectable.
• In addition to rub-on repellants on uncovered skin, spray repellant on shoe tops, socks, and lower pant legs.
• Check yourself for ticks twice a day, once in the morning and at night before sleeping. Ticks prefer tight places on the body, like groin, armpits, belt lines, and hair, but can imbed anywhere.  You may need appropriate assistance.
• Tell your Ma or Pa if you find a tick has started to embed.
• AFTER THE TREK: Even weeks after the Trek, unusual symptoms may be associated with ticks. Tick bites may appear as a red painless rash, usually in a bull’s eye shape, that is, a ring with a clear center. The infected person may also display flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, headache, joint pain, and swollen glands.  Tick diseases are very treatable with antibiotics if detected early.  A blood test can determine complications.  Do not disregard and consult a physician.

Blisters

• he best approach is to take preventive measure by wearing two pairs of socks—a thin pair of nylon socks underneath and a pair of wool or synthetic fiber as outer.  Wool will wick moist away from skin and will not rub feet like cotton.
• Performing pre-trek hikes will condition the feet ahead of the actual Trek and will break-in new foot wear.
• During the Trek, feet need to be inspected often to identify irritated areas, and hot spots need treatment immediately.
• Every person is expected to bring a small amount of mole skin and small amount of skin lube. 

Safety Issues________________________________

Rain and Serious Storms

• There will be contingency plans for severe weather. Stay with your Trek family members and follow the plan.
• The most important consideration is to stay DRY.  Campers retreat to covering or use rain gear when weather threatens.
•  Keep rain gear readily available.  Heavy gauged plastic bags can be substituted for missing rain wear. 
• Sleeping bags should be stored in plastic bags at all times, while traveling to the campsite and while in camp until it’s time to sleep.
•  Even gear in plastic buckets, especially extra clothing, should be stored in plastic bags, like 1-gallon zip-locks.

Hypothermia

• Hypothermia is the lowering of body core temperature to the point that death can occur.  Water on the skin absorbs heat from the body.  Wind also adds to the chill factor.  It can happen in the middle of the summer.
• It can happen when clothing gets wet. Seek shelter.  Exchange wet clothing for dry.  Do not sleep in a wet sleeping bag.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia (intense shivering, etc.)  Seek medical attention immediately.

Lightning

• If caught in the open, distance yourself from one another and make yourself as low a profile as possible.
• Seek lower elevation in terrain.  Do not position yourself near trees.  Stay away from metal objects.

Animals

• Avoid animals of all kinds, wild and domesticated.  Do not feed or chase ANY animals. 
• Do not chase or pick up snakes, spiders, scorpions, etc. You'll be sorry...
• Stay on main pathways. 
• Do not store food anywhere - do not keep food in the campsite.

Personal Equipment List
(all personal items must fit in 5-gallon bucket and weigh no more than 17 lbs)
 
Spray paint your bucket brown/black if you want, and put your NAME on it!

*There is a 17 lb weight limit for all items in your bucket; excluding sleeping bag/pad/pillow

All personal gear must fit in this bucket and weigh no more than 17 lbs

  Everyone brings the following (store as much as possible in zip-lock plastic bags)....

1 -    5 gallon bucket with good sealing lid (spray paint brown;optional)

1 -    Tin pie plate and 1 fork (critical if you want to eat)

1 -    sleeping bag (stored in heavy duty plastic bag - not in your bucket & labeled it)

1-        thin foam sleep pad stored with sleeping bag (optional)

1 -    small old blanket (fleece or bed sheet)

1 -    old jacket lined for warmth or wind breaker & long johns

1-        rain poncho or rain suit

2 pair - sturdy socks (preferably wool or wicking fiber)

2 pair - thin nylon socks

2 sets - underclothing

1 pair - gloves, leather is the best and any is better than none

1 pair - old sneakers or crocks that can get wet and quickly dried

            1 pair - light-weight hiking shoes (don't buy new ones without breaking in - they will
            give you blisters. Sturdy running or tennis shoes will work.  Heavy hiking boots are
            NOT recommended)

            1 -   small bar or small amount soap for personal hygiene with small wash cloth, hand
                   towel and comb or brush

            1 -   small toothbrush & baking soda or small tube toothpaste

            1 -   small flashlight and extra batteries

            1 -   1-quart size, sturdy plastic Water bottle (not disposable!)

            2 -   heavy duty garbage bags

            1 each - sun block, Chap Stick (lip balm),insect repellent, mole skin, Band-Aids, chaffing
                          aids

            1 -   small amount hand sanitizer or small pack of Handi-Wipes

            1 -   small day pack to keep items readily accessible during the actually walking

            1 -   small, old scriptures

            1-    small plastic sheet--(small plastic table cloths works well; enough to put over your
                   sleeping bag to avoid morning dew)                  

            1-    pen or pencil (a Trek journal will be provided)

            1 -   inexpensive sunglasses (plastic roll-ups from optometrist work wonderful under glass
                   frames)

Enough prescribed medications ONLY (to be checked in with Medical Specialist unless needed for immediate use)

Optional Items:

• Camera (there will be several official Trek photographers, camera phones are NOT allowed)
• Harmonica or other small musical instrument (do NOT include MP3 players or other electronic items)

Important Notes:

• All items except your sleeping bag/pillow, MUST fit in the 5-gallon bucket and weigh no more than 17 lbs. 
  
  
• Everyone should carry the small essential items in a small pack or waist pack while walking.
  
• The handcarts will carry all 5-gallon buckets with the personal items and the sleeping gear. It is extremely important that all sleeping gear is packed in heavy duty, water proof plastic bags.
  
• It may not be convenient nor quick enough to untie the tarp on the cart to reach items if a person forgets his/hers rain poncho, sun block, etc. in a bucket. These items need to be in the day packs!
  
• Large gear, like Dutch ovens, flies, cooking totes, will NOT ride in the handcarts but will be loaded into a truck upon departure and transported to the designated campsite before you arrive. All equipment must be labeled and identified - each family will be assigned a “color”.

Pioneer Trek Clothing_________________________

Authentic as possible pioneer clothing will be mandatory for Trek. If you have questions, ask one of your leaders. The following is a short description of what the pioneers wore as they crossed the plains (It will give some helpful hints)

** There are Stake clothing specialists that can help you; they will be contacting your Ward/Branch leaders to coordinate efforts to help you prepare.

Men’s Clothing

MEN should bring (wearing one set and storing one set in gallon size zip lock bags):

2 -    wool, canvas, or cotton pants (not levis)

2 -    long-sleeved shirts (light colored for reflection of sunlight, cotton is best
        will do)

1 -    wide-brimmed western style hat (no baseball or army hats allowed)

1 -    suspenders (optional)

1 -    sleep wear - modest t-shirt (no non-church logos) and PJ pants)

• Shirts - Men’s shirts were worn loose. They had a narrow neck-band with no collar. Plain colors were most common, but stripes or plaids were also used. Light colors will be coolest. Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves.
  
• Pants - Men’s pants were also worn loose. Wool or linen was used. Colors included blue, black, gray, and browns, especially beige and tan. Wool is too hot.  Cotton, corduroy, twill, and canvas pants are good choices. Choose styles that are rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking.
  Note: It would be very smart to wear some sort of spandex (bike shorts) or under armor, under your pants to prevent chaffing – otherwise, it will be very uncomfortable.
  
• Suspenders - Men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back.
  
• Hats - Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, straw hats, wide brimmed low felt hats, or round crowned hat.  NO ball caps.
  
• Vests -Usually these items were worn only on Sunday or when attending a meeting or social event.
  
• Shoes and Socks - Shoes for both women and men need not be “period” style. Comfort is most important. Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have taken at least two months to break them in. Bring two pair of shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters (one can be sturdy Crocs but NO FLIP FLOPS at all!) Pack clean socks for each day. Some people wear a double pair of socks, with a smooth, lightweight nylon stocking being closest to the skin.

• 

  2010 Trek Family; trekking for the Edward Bunker Company (1856)
  

  
  

___________________________________________________________

Women’s Clothing

WOMEN should bring (wearing one set and storing one set in gallon size zip lock bags):

2 -   mid-calf or ankle length long-sleeved dresses, or skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses

1-2  bonnets

1  - pair knee-length bloomers to wear under skirts (can be made out of old pajama bottoms or hospital pants)

1 -   apron (optional)

1 -   PJs (must be modest and cover your legs/arms – no tank tops or shorts allowed)

1 set - feminine hygiene supplies

• Dresses  - Women’s basic dresses were floor length. It could be plain or have many ruffles. The sleeves were full, and long, with buttons or bands at the wrist. Necklines were usually high, with buttons up the front. Fabrics were cotton in solid colors or small print. Bright colors were popular (especially bright yellow). Blouses and long skirts or jumpers can be used.
  ** For the trek, dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the top of a hiking boot in length (so girls do not trip over their skirts).
  
• Aprons  - The standard apron was six to twelve inches shorter than the skirt length. It gathered at the waist and tied. The bib attached at the waist and was pinned to the dress bodice at the top two corners, hence, the name pinafore (Pinned at two of the four corners!). Daytime aprons were made of calico remnants. Sunday aprons were made from white fabric and did not have a bib.  ** For trekking today, large deep pockets are important to be able to carry different items along the trail.
  
• Bonnets - Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside. They were made of cotton with a deep stiffened brim and a back ruffle to protect the neck. They could be white, plain colors or a print, but they never matched the fabric of the dress.
  ** For trekking today, bonnets or straw hats for the girls are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun.
• Pantaloons - These were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Their length was usually between knee and mid-calf. Modern day trekkers could use bike shorts or pajama pants hemmed shorter.
  ** Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations. (Denim jeans on the trek are discouraged because they are too tight, too hot, and don’t “breathe”)
  
• Shoes and Socks - Shoes for both women and men need not be “period” style. Comfort is most important. Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have taken at least two months to break them in. Bring two pair of shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters (one can be sturdy Crocs but NO FLIP FLOPS at all!) Pack clean socks for each day. Some people wear a double pair of socks, with a smooth, lightweight nylon stocking being closest to the skin.
  
• Clothing Sources - Check local second-hand stores or borrow clothing. Look up websites for Butterick and McCall’s patterns under “costumes” (they have pioneer patterns). Authentic clothing patterns can be obtained from www.pastpatterns.com/1830.html & others. The Stake Clothing specialists will provide enough material for one skirt per young woman. See your Ward/Branch leaders for more details.

2010 Trek Family - Trekking for the Edmund Ellsworth Company (1856)

Parents: For questions or in case of emergency during Trek where you need to contact your youth, you may call one of the following cell phone numbers (please do not call for Trek updates; we will call you if there is an emergency).

• Trek Master/Trail Boss   Wade Nichols    316-207-9237
• Trek Master/Trail Boss   Karen Nichols    316-644-9801
• Stake YM President       Ben McDavitt     316-518-2314 
• Counselor Stake YM      Nate Hills           316-300-8378
• Counselor Stake YM      Blake Ressel     909-223-6335
• Stake YW President      Julie Eldredge    316-516-9302    
• Counselor Stake YW     Darla Baugh      405-412-2250
• Secretary Stake YW      Linda Rawson   316-650-9864

  

  2010 Trekking across the River

  

  2010 Trekking to the Campsite

Check out more photos on the last Blog post titled, "Trek Photos from 2010 Trek"!