The YM President from each Ward has be tasked with organizing your specific ward's transportation plan including where they will meet, what vehicle they will travel in, and how their gear will also be transported.
Everything your trekker needs to bring is on the packing list. Check off each item as you put them into your 5-gal bucket with a lid. And remember to label your bucket and other items clearly.
All of the allergies of registered trekkers have been reviewed and menus have been adjusted to accommodate most allergies. There are no nuts in any of the menus. There will be, however, trail mix and peanut butter available which you can avoid if you have sensitivities. To review the menus for trek click here. Bringing your own food is discouraged.
To find weather reports for the trek area, search "Flagstaff, AZ weather." This will give you a ten-day forecast. In the event of rain, each trekker will have brought with them a poncho and each handcart family will have tarps to build shelter at night.
While there might be mosquitos, it is a dry desert area but it is a good idea to bring insect repellent just in case. We will be trekking in a national forest where there are various insects and animals. We will be sleeping on tarps and inside sleeping bags as a barrier.
Our trek has multiple medical personnel attending including several doctors, nurses, and other trained medical professionals. If a trek participant has a medical problem they will be evaluated and sent to the appropriate level of care required. For serious medical problems a hospital is located 30 miles away. We have a satellite phone to contact EMS and/or parents in the event of an emergency. The US Forest Service are also aware of our trek and location.
Please refrain from spending unnecessary money to buy hydration systems, online clothing, outdoor equipment, special sleeping gear or other expensive gadgets. This is a trek and we want to be simple like the pioneers we are representing. Most items needed for trek can be purchased in thrift stores, borrowed or made by hand. A trek mug with a handle will be provided to all participants and water will be provided on all handcarts.
Handcart pioneers slept 20 to a tent. Tents were carried by the accompanying wagon teams. Many slept under the stars. We are going to follow the tradition of the majority of youth treks and sleep under the stars. Ma's and Pa's will be providing tarps to sleep on and over trekkers. They might even construct a tent shelter if needed or desired. We will keep a close watch on weather reports the week before and let you know if this plan changes. It will be beautiful to look up and see God's creations above our heads and ponder our earthly place amongst all His creations. Remember to catch some star gazing before closing your trek weary eyes. You're sure to fall asleep quickly. Zzzzzzzzzz.
We are social creatures and everyone likes friends but occasionally you like some privacy especially when dressing. Each company will have tents set up to get that privacy to change and "get ready." You can even find a quiet spot amongst the trees to journal and be alone just let your parents know where you are so they won't worry. These tents are used by everyone in your company so don't expect to stay for a long time unless its open.
These are essential for all of us and that's why they will be strategically placed along the trek route as well as in all the campgrounds and some even will follow us along the trail. Please respect the bathrooms and keep them clean for everyone to use.
Family selection will be done through prayer and inspiration. Your Ma's and Pa's will love you from first sight and you will know they care about you and they will help you along the trail just like your earthly Ma's and Pa's.
Please bring good walking shoes. Blisters were the biggest medical problem reported on the last Trek. Although fashionable and somewhat cool, Converse and Vans provide little support. Shoes need to be sturdy and strong to match our pioneer titanium. If you see or feel a blister coming on despite good shoes try duct tape or moleskin before it becomes a full blown blistering blister. Many shoes are called but few are the chosen ones.
Hydration. Whenever you compete in a triathlon or endurance sporting event, or harder yet a trek, pre hydrate 2-3 days prior to the event to ensure you are fully hydrated before coming to trek. It works better than drinking a glass of water the morning of trek on your way out the door. On trek everyone will receive a trek mug to use to chug water from your trek handcart water and Gatorade supply. The mugs will be your cup for the entire Trek. Take care of it. It's your waterline. Chug away all day. You'll love it and stay strong.
The dress for Trek is pioneer clothing. There will not be place for 350 people to change when we get there. Leave on Wednesday ready to trek.
We will leave the trek site on Saturday morning after a wonderful western breakfast. Departure starts around 8:30 to 9 a.m. and most vehicles will have departed by 10 a.m. A 4 hour drive home puts them in Henderson, Nevada between 1-3 p.m. An exact answer is difficult because it depends on how many stops, potty breaks, and unforeseen mechanical or other problems that may occur in route. Safety is our primary concern.
Yes. We will be using our Trek 5 gallon buckets to carry our gear as well as become a chair for nightly devotionals. You can even personalize the lid by adding foam or carpet to make it more comfortable for sitting. Remember to mark yours with a black magic marker so as not to misplace it.
