Pioneer Trek Handbook

Transcription

1 Ma & Pa Pioneer Trek Handbook Boise Idaho East Stake August 4 6, 2016 Angels Among Us Tongue Nor Pen Can Never Tell The Sorrow

2 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. Hinckley I wish to remind everyone within my hearing 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. Gordon B. Hinckley (October, 1991 General Conference) Remembering Our Experience and The Experience Of Others 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 I wish them to understand too, that what I now [write] is the history of hundreds of others, who have passed through many like scenes for the same cause. I also desire them to know that it was obedience to the commands of the true and living God [to gather to the Salt Lake Valley], and with the assurance of an eternal reward an exaltation to eternal life 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 they may be required to pass thru for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Elizabeth Horrocks Jackson Kingsford Martin Handcart Company 2

3 Introduction: Welcome to the 2016 Pioneer Trek! As Ma s and Pa s you will occupy one of the most critical positions in the Pioneer Trek. The more you are prepared, the greater the impact you will have on the youth. Your selection as a Ma and Pa was a careful, deliberative and inspired process. It was our intention to select individuals who have the greatest capacity to facilitate a spiritual experience for those who attend. This manual will help you understand your role as a Ma and Pa. It will cover the basic aspects of Trek. By becoming familiar with this manual, you will be able to focus more on inviting the Spirit into your Trek family. This is your primary responsibility. The Concept of Pioneer Trek: There is a lot of hard work ahead, but as the old adage goes, NO PAIN NO GAIN. Ease of life and complacency were not known by the early church pioneers. Because of what they were called to experience, they laid the foundation for the latter day Church. There are lessons that can only be learned through physical trial and tribulation. 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. At times, you may feel discouraged. You may find that some of the youth and parents are not as enthusiastic as you would like them to be. Do not be discouraged!! Your positive attitude will make the difference in their experience. Murmuring kills the spirit! When a teaching moment presents itself, you should be ready. Always emphasize the positive. Remember, you were chosen because of your unique ability to touch lives. There has been a yoke placed upon you. Therefore, pray for the Lord to bless your efforts as you endeavor to accomplish this difficult yet rewarding task. We trust that you will be supportive in all that you are asked to do, realizing that each of you may have ideas to the contrary. From a leadership standpoint, we need to present a unified front, being of one heart and one mind. You have been chosen as Ma s and Pa s because of your great examples. You have demonstrated in your life those unique qualities needed for this challenge; more specifically, we think you have a love for God, and a love for youth and an ability to relate to them and reach into their hearts. You will need to make each youth feel loved, needed, and accepted, your most important responsibility will be to love the youth. This is perhaps the most difficult skill for some to acquire, and yet it will be your greatest resource. Your own spiritual preparation is of utmost importance and will help you to be in tune with the Spirit so that you can receive help and guidance when you need it. 3

4 The Trek Guarantees: There are Five Guarantees for all who commit 100% to the Trek experience. They entail full participation with a willingness to give unselfishly. These Five Guarantees were first established by Brigham Young University in their Trek program: 1. Gain a stronger testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and increase faith. 2. Develop a greater appreciation for our heritage and the pioneers. 3. Realize that we are capable of doing far more than we think we can 4. Learn to appreciate our own families and gratitude for our blessings. 5. Learn to love and accept our Trek family, and gain new friends. Trek Theme and Scripture Angels Among Us : I will go before your face. I ll be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts and mine angels round about you to bear you up. Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 Your Trek Family: You have been assigned 7 9 youth, ages As you get to know your youth pray for insight for each of your kids, you have a tremendous opportunity to positively impact their lives. There will be no child swapping between Trek families. All Trekkers will have a five gallon bucket in which to store their personal gear, 17 lbs. max. This bucket will also serve as a camp stool. Everything but the sleeping bag needs to fit in the five gallon bucket. Each handcart will have two five gallon water jugs and a food cooler. As a family, you will have your own camping area. Keep your youth together for meals and bedtime. Separate tents for male and female youth, and adult leaders. Your Duties: You have many responsibilities, not the least of which is to ensure the overall Trek experience is completed safely and without any serious incident. In accomplishing this objective, you will need to work closely with your captain and the trail boss. However, perhaps your greatest responsibility is to foster an environment where each of our youth participants individually will have an opportunity to experience the Spirit. Safety is our #1 concern. Please be aware of snakes and ticks. 4

5 Have Fun. Be positive, encouraging, and enthusiastic. There will be gaps in the schedule, i.e. potty and snack breaks. Be prepared with gap fillers to keep things interesting. Know Pioneer Stories. Each participant will Trek on behalf of another person hopefully an ancestor. If not an ancestor, then another pioneer whom they will select perhaps one who holds a special meaning. Find your own Pioneer or Ancestral Hero. Study their life. Think about how this person s faith can/has influenced your own life. Share with the youth how this individual has had an impact on you. If you sacrifice the time to truly prepare and learn about our pioneer forefathers, your youth will feel their spirit. There have been many recorded spiritual manifestations. It is important to only use historically accurate pioneer stories and accounts. Be a Good Example. Each of you must know that your first responsibility is to set an example to all of those who will be in your family. For some of our youth participants, this will be their only opportunity to live with both a father and a mother. As a result, you can provide an example of how an ideal family unit should function. Strive to be an Effective Teacher. Remember that no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. You won t be able to teach everything during Trek. It is, therefore, important for you to focus on a few things you might teach during the brief time you have with your Trek family. Be guided by the Spirit as you prepare and focus on a few basic principles to teach. Rely on sound doctrinal principles when you teach. The combination of effective relationships and sound doctrine can have a powerful impact. Be effective at asking and answering questions. Elder Henry B. Eyring said that this is at the heart of all learning and teaching. The Master answered and sometimes chose not to answer questions in his ministry. The most effective questions invite inspiration. Great teachers listen as much as they talk. Family Discussions. Family discussions led by Ma and Pa are an important part of the Trek experience. They may be held anytime. They can help youth become mentally, spiritually, and physically involved. The discussions should help the youth to seriously ponder the gospel in their lives. The group discussions may be either formal or informal. Some ideas are gathering in a circle after a meal or at family devotional time. Ask the youth to compare their lives to the experiences of the pioneers; reassure them there are no wrong answers. Love Your Trek Family. 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 5

6 attributes in each member and seek for opportunities to reinforce them. Each participant is unique and your responsibility will be to give the love and support he or she needs to overcome his or her own personal challenges. For some, the challenge is pulling the handcart; for others it is offering a hand of support to someone in need. Your love for your Trek family will be your greatest resource. Use of Journals. Each participant will be given a Trek Journal where they can record their feelings and memories. During the course of Trek, there will be time provided for the participants to write in their journals. 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? Ma and Pa Preparation: Physical Preparation Along with your spiritual preparation, don t forget physical & emotional preparation. Trek will be an amazing experience and can be very humbling due to the physical challenge it puts us through. However, if we are prepared, we can complete it with the right spirit about us and assist others around us to do the same. Please make it a priority to be physically ready for this challenge and watch yourself grow and accomplish wonderful things along the way! This Trek will require physical stamina! We will Trek approximately 18 miles over three days up and down hills, over dirt paths. You will get tired! Start exercising NOW! This requires physical preparation, obeying the Word of Wisdom, eating wholesome foods, not overeating, eating a balanced diet, and regular exercise. It is important for you to start now. You must acclimatize yourself to the heat. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time. The following are some general guidelines that you might consider: Fitness tips: Begin walking at least three times a week. Try getting in 3 miles and work up to 5. Increase your distance and pace weekly. This is always more fun with a buddy and keeps you accountable, so invite your friends or family members on walks! ** Start breaking in the very shoes you will be trekking in! Don t buy brand new shoes right before Trek.** 6

7 Replace TV time or electronic time with active movement. Find something you like to do (i.e. tennis, swimming, cycling, etc.) and include it in your physical preparedness. We are more likely to stick to something if we enjoy it! Walk with your children! This can be a great experience getting your own children involved in your preparation as you walk and talk together. Increase water intake. Replace soda and juice with the magical power of water! It does wonders for our bodies as we increase our physical activity. Drink 8 full glasses of water per day. Especially the week before Trek water intake will make a huge difference and those 2 to 4 liters a day will assist and support your bodies for Trek! Equipment Preparation You will need to provide your own tent, cooler and tarps. Rope will be provided, but you may need to bring bungee cords to secure items to your cart. (see equipment list) Family Devotionals: As a Ma and Pa, you will have the opportunity each morning to conduct a family devotional. It is an essential part of the Trek experience, and to a great extent, will make the difference between a good and bad experience for your youth. Pre plan your devotionals but do not be rigid in their application. Circumstances may dictate a change of plans. As a wise Young Women s President once told me, Listen to the Spirit and go with the flow. A devotional should include: An opening and closing prayer, a scripture, song/music, and a spiritual thought or story. This is NOT a sermon you give but one you facilitate. Involve each of your children. Remember that our youth have their agency and should not be pressured into bearing their personal testimony. We want them to remember a warm, comforting spirit rather than fear or embarrassment. Trek Rules & Guidelines for Success: These guidelines are important for a safe, harmonious, and successful Trek: Dress Code. The dress code is not to be compromised. When everyone is dressed like a pioneer, a unique setting and environment is created. All external barriers images, cliques, and egos fade away. Use all skills necessary to enforce the proper dress code. NOTE: Check Personal Equipment List for proper dress attire. No shorts, cutoffs, or sleeveless shirts; this applies to all Trek participants. 7

8 Acceptable Behavior. Romances are not tolerated. If you are suspicious of a romance, contact your Captain. Many of these things can be nipped before the Trek. Handcart Rules. When pulling the handcart, please observe the following: NEVER RUN WITH THE HANDCART. Put rocks behind the wheels or turn handcarts sideways on hills to prevent carts from rolling down hills. Youth are not to ride on the handcarts. Lower handle slowly to the ground. Never sit on the handle. Never drop the handle! Treat the handcarts with respect, they are the property of Lazy R Ranch. Sleeping Arrangements. The Ma and Pa will sleep in the same tent. Male and female youth will be in separate tents, pitched on either side of their Ma and Pa. Our support personnel will be in an area away from the main group. NO CONVERSING OR GATHERING OF YOUTH IN A COMBINED TENT AT ANY TIME, ESPECIALLY AFTER LIGHTS OUT! No sleeping out in the open everyone sleeps in a tent. Keep your Families Together. It is important to know where your family members are at all times. Do not let them wander off to friends or other families. There will be plenty of time set aside for group activities and Company intermingling. Never allow a youth to leave the trail alone, even for bathroom breaks (think mission). Use the buddy system! NO YOUTH COUPLES LEAVING THE GROUP, GOING ON WALKS. Toilet Issues on the Trail. Toilets are provided for all participants. If someone can t wait for the next bathroom break they must go with someone at least 50 yards from the trail. Please encourage everyone to use hand sanitizer after each potty break. Ma s should be aware of any special needs of your family members. Come prepared. Trash. We must take out everything we bring in. Nothing is to be buried! It helps and is encouraged to have a small trash bag on each handcart. Other. No electronic devices should be brought on the bus or on Trek. This includes but is not limited to the following: Cell Phones, MP3/IPods/CD players, Gameboys, etc. Vehicle support personnel will have cell phones. Captains will have walkie talkies. 8

9 Medical Issues: Medical Specialists. There will be Medical Specialists on the Trek to assist with any medical emergency. The most common medical related problems are sunburns, dehydration, and blisters. Medical Information. During the registration process, each participant will complete a medical information sheet. All sheets will be on file with our Medical Specialist. Ma s and Pa s need to know of any medication needs of their youth. 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 are a must. Water Use and Guidelines. Drink only the water that is provided by Lazy R Ranch. Never drink rainwater, or stream or pond water. Giardia is the most common parasite in the area. Dehydration. This is one of the most frequently encountered medical issues along the trail. Each handcart will have 10 gallons of water. Water is the most important beverage, not Gatorade. Gatorade is great at the end of the day. Make sure everyone is drinking water; watch them do it. (If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.) Dehydration and heat exhaustion often go hand in hand, so make sure hats or bandanas are used. Keep the sun off your youth. This is not a sun tanning activity. Food. Everyone will need to have breakfast before getting on the bus. We will not stop for breakfast. Once we arrive at Lazy R Ranch, we will pack the handcarts, have a snack and start pulling. All food will be provided for you. Each family will assemble the following meals: Thursday s lunch and Friday s lunch. Trail Sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and/or dizziness. It is caused by physical exhaustion and dehydration. Contact a Medical Specialist if you suspect Trail Sickness. However, if you are hydrated, you are less likely to get sick. Blisters. It is important that everyone take preventative measure to protect their feet. Wearing two pairs of socks a thin pair underneath and a more substantial pair on the outside is encouraged. Summer weight wool hiking socks are preferred. It is a good idea to have a periodic foot inspection to identify blisters and see that they 9

10 are treated properly. Duct tape can be placed inside shoes on the seams to prevent blisters. Insects. Mosquitos and other bugs are the most common. It is recommended that your insect repellent have a minimum of 17.5 deet. Ticks. There are ticks in the area. Family members should check themselves each day. Spray insect repellent on shoe tops, socks, and lower pant legs to help prevent ticks. Contact a Medical Specialist if a tick is embedded in the skin. Lightning. Lightning storms could happen. You will receive specialized training for this hazard. However, the best advice is to spread out and crouch down. Hypothermia. Symptoms begin with intense shivering with difficulty in speaking or in a stupor. Pulse and respiration are slow. The days will be hot and the nights cool. (Mid 90 s to mid 40 s) Treatment should begin with prevention; go prepared for cool weather and rain. If a youth shows signs of hypothermia, take off any wet clothing and get them into a sleeping bag. Contact a Medical Specialist if symptoms persist. Family Assignments: Family assignments will be made prior to the Trek Family Introduction Activity planned for Wednesday June 24th. Before that date, you will receive a list of those in your family along with pertinent information about each youth, if applicable. The assignment of families will be made by members of the Trek Committee. We will seek inspiration in the assignment of families. Those who are good friends, including boyfriend/girlfriend, will be assigned to separate families. All relatives will be separated. This includes brothers, sisters and, parents. Experience has shown that having family members together diminishes the experience of the whole group. This is the preferred family organization as recommended by Church Leadership. There will be a mix of Young Men and Young Women, as well as those from the three age brackets (12 13, 14 15, and 16 18) in each family. Members of the support team, Bishops and their wives, the Stake Presidency and their wives, the Ward YM/YW Presidents and their spouses, and any guests will be assigned to a family for meals and activities. Conclusion: May the Lord bless you abundantly for your service in this great cause. 10

11 Ma and Pa Equipment Checklist Items Notes/Borrowed From: 2 Plastic Dish Tubs (for washing/rinsing) 2 Dish Rags / Towels / Soap 2 Paring Knives Mess Kit for ma and pa 2 Five Gallon Insulated Water coolers 2 Lanterns (propane or Battery) w/batteries 2 10 x10 Tarps w/poles (shade & covering) 2 Hammers (NO hatchets) Spray Bottle (for cooling) 1 2/3 Person tent (Ma and Pa) Whistle Consecrated Oil & Small First Aid Kit Moleskin (for blisters) Duct Tape (NONE on Handcart) 2 Flashlights (with batteries) Matches (Storm Proof) Bungee Cords 2 Sleeping Pads (Ma and Pa) Buckets w/clothes, etc. (See Youth List) The following supplies will be provided by the Stake: 1 Package Baby Wipes Flag Stick with Flag Material 2 Heavy Duty Trash Bags Large Bottle Hand Sanitizer Sunscreen/Block Insect Repellent Remember, your family will be pulling in the handcart all the supplies you bring (with the exception of the tents), plus everyone s buckets. 11

12 Clothing & Equipment Checklist No Cameras No Electronic Devices Young Men Young Women Wide Brimmed Hat (no logos, Bonnet (lettering, or baseball caps) 2 long sleeved blouses (no t shirts) 2 long sleeved shirts (no t shirts) Full skirt with pockets (apron optional) Vest (optional) 2 pair pantaloons or shorts 2 pair long pants i.e. khakis/levis 4 pair socks (hiking wool or synthetic 4 pair socks (hiking wool or synthetic blend must be crew or higher) blend must be crew or higher) Hiking shoes or thick soled tennis shoes Hiking shoes or thick soled tennis (no sandals) (DO NOT buy new shoes) shoes (no sandals) (DO NOT buy new Change of underclothing shoes) Sleepware Change of underclothing Rain poncho Sleepware Jacket or sweatshirt Rain poncho Sleeping Bag (lows in the mid 40 s) Jacket or sweatshirt Sunglasses (optional) Sleeping Bag (lows in the mid 40 s) Chapstick w/uv protection Sunglasses (optional) Toiletries (toothbrush/paste/hand) Chapstick w/uv protection wipes/feminine products) Toiletries (toothbrush/paste/hand Tin cup w/carabineer (no water bottles) wipes Mess kit (tin plate, knife, fork, & spoon) Tin cup w/carabineer (no water bottles) Gloves (leather is preferred) Mess kit (tin plate, knife, fork, spoon) Scriptures & pen or pencil Gloves (leather is preferred) Scriptures & pen or pencil Bring Only The Listed Items!!! Everything but your sleeping bag must fit in your bucket! (17 lbs. MAX) 12

13 Emergency Action Plan Prevention: Understand Chain of Command. Train Ma s and Pa s to look for signs and symptoms of possible injuries. Ensure that everyone has the needed equipment. During the Orientation at the Trek Site, review possible health hazards with the group. Trek leaders and medical staff should always be watching for possible problems. Maintain communication using radios and/or cell phones. Assess each situation. Procedure If Trek Participant Is Injured: Stop trekking. Ma s and Pa s contact their Captain or the Trail Boss who will radio the medical support staff. Ma s and Pa s, and Captains will temporarily treat the injured trek participant and give treatment. Medical personnel will evaluate the condition of the injured participant and give treatment. Medical staff will update the trail boss and Ma s and Pa s on the participant s condition. If the situation involves evacuation, the medical staff will make the necessary arrangements and inform the participant s parents, bishop, and appropriate stake leaders. Range Fire: If the group is in immediate danger of a range fire, an evacuation plan to a safe zone will be put into action. Trek leadership will identify wind conditions, roads, terrain, and natural fire breaks. They will also work with Lazy R Ranch personnel to move the group toward a safe area. Severe Storms/Lightning: If a severe storm occurs during the first day, groups should be prepared to change their itinerary and set up camp where they are or move directly to an all weather road. Lazy R Ranch staff will help leaders determine the proper logistical itinerary changes. Storms may necessitate complete route changes. The Trek leaders and medical staff should know the flash to bang* system of measuring lightning distance. Leaders should move their groups away from their handcarts towards the lowest spot in the area. 13

14 Everyone should spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everyone getting hit. Everyone should assume the crouch position. Flash To Bang: 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. Before the count reaches 15 seconds or less (3 miles or closer), take precautions. Sometimes an electric change may be felt the hair on the head or body may stand on end, or a tingling of the skin may be felt. If so, a lightning strike may be imminent. Lightning typically strikes the tallest object in the area and is attracted to metal objects. Crouch Position: Everyone should be taught (before the Trek begins) the crouch position they should get into if lightning is a threat. Trek participants should crouch down on the balls of their feet and bend forward so that their head is low but no other part of their body touches the ground. Keep feet together to minimize body contact with the ground, which minimizes the risk of being hit. 14

15 Resource Reading Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story by Heidi S. Swinton and Lee Groberg Handcarts to Zion by LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, University of Nebraska Press Journal of the Trail compiled by Stewart e. Glazier and Robert S. Clark Charlotte Elizabeth, A Tale of Tenacity, Tragedy and Triumph by JoAnn Mellor Felix, C.E. Mellor Associates The Second Rescue by Susan Arrington Madsen, Deseret Book The Gathering, Mormon Pioneers on the Trail to Zion by Maurine and Scot Proctor Their Faces Toward Zion: Voices and Images of the Trek West by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Bookcraft I Walked to Zion by Susan Arrington Madsen 111 Days to Zion by Hal Knight and Dr. Stanley B. Kimball Latter Day Saints Emigrants Guide by W. Clayton, edited by Stanley B. Kimball Trail of Hope by William W. Slaughter and Michael Landon Journey to Zion (Voices from the Mormon Trail) by Carol Cornwall Madsen Tell My Story, Too by Jolene Allphin; 1776 Ridge Rd., Layton, UT 84040; tellmystory@msn.com or call (801) (Over 200 biographies and pictures of the late 1856 pioneers and rescuers) Videos Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story; film by Lee Groberg The Docudrama of the Restoration, The Handcart Pioneers The Living Scriptures Following in Their Footsteps The Living Scriptures Trail of Hope Groberg Communications KUED 7 Historical Documentary fb.cs.byu.edu Websites (Unbelievable amount of historical information on this site!!) trek.org 15