SANTA MONICA STAKE YOUTH CONFERENCE 2014 PIONEER HANDCART TREK

Transcription

1 SANTA MONICA STAKE YOUTH CONFERENCE 2014 PIONEER HANDCART TREK JUNE 20-21, 2014 Information & Registration: Mark Your Calendars: April 19 Prep Hike #1 Palisades Church Parking Lot April 27 Pre-Trek Fireside/Movie Night Stake Center May 4 All registration forms due (online, via or in person) May 24 Prep Hike #2 Palisades Church Parking Lot May 24 Equipment and Clothing Check after Prep Hike #2 July Trek (leave early morning of the 20 th return evening of 21 st )

2 Page(s) Introduction 3 History 4-5 Pre-Trek Events Calendar 6 Trek Itinerary 7 Packing List 8 Clothing 9-16 Location and Emergency Information 17 Registration Forms 18 Participation Agreement and Permission Slips Medical Information and Physician s Release Rules and Ranch Policies 25 Page 2 of 25

3 INTRODUCTION Youth Conference Pioneer Trek 2014 (June 20 June 21) Our Stake Youth Conference this year is a Pioneer Handcart Trek in commemoration of the 167 th year celebration of the Pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. The objective of this unique opportunity is to facilitate an experience that will allow the youth to strengthen their testimony of the gospel and faith in the Savior Jesus Christ. This will happen as they come to appreciate the Pioneers and learn the lessons and parallels between the physical challenges they faced compared to the spiritual challenges modern day pioneers (the youth) face on a daily basis. This activity has been developed to help young people experience first-hand the pioneer heritage that they enjoy as members of the church. It is a unique opportunity to travel back in time for 2 days, wear authentic pioneer clothing, push and pull the handcart, learn the skills of the early pioneers, make new friends, experience the challenge of leadership, and grow closer to the Lord. Any young man or young woman who comes on Trek and is willing to give 100% effort will: 1) Gain a stronger testimony and understanding of our Heavenly Father s plan and of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. 2) Learn to appreciate the heritage they have as members from their pioneer predecessors. 3) Grow in their sense of self-worth. 4) Learn to appreciate and love his or her own family more. 5) Learn to love their pioneer family and gain new friends. The following information should be reviewed in YM and YW quoroms/classes, with families and shared with non-members/others who would like to attend. Various events will be taking place leading up to the Trek itself for which a calendar is also contained herein. All information, calendars and registration forms can be found at the new Stake Youth Blog Page 3 of 25

4 PIONEER HANDCART HISTORY Almost 4,000 members of the Church made the journey from Iowa City in eastern Iowa, then the end-point of the railroad, to the Salt Lake valley by handcart in a total of ten companies 5 in 1856, 2 in 1857, 1 in 1859, and 2 in Little or no iron was used to build the handcarts the early Church members used. The body of the cart was usually Iowa hickory or oak. The axle generally was a hickory pole. The side pieces and shafts were about six to seven feet long, with three or four binding crossbars from front to back under the bed and another cross-piece as a handle. The structural timbers were about two inches by one-and-a-half. The cart was about as wide as a wide track wagon. The wheels had no iron except for some that had a light outer iron rim or tire. Those without iron tires had the wooden rims wrapped with rawhide. The axles were lubricated, when possible, with animal fat or a thick crude oil grease sometimes found on the surface of the ground. Dust and grit ground the spindles of the axles. It was not uncommon for pioneers to sacrifice a metal plate or tin cup to make a makeshift metal thimble for the axle. There were no precision-machined steel axles or wheel hubs, no modern lubricants, and no precision-cut and lathe-turned spokes. Those luxuries, part of our carts, were developed many decades later. Into each cart went between 100 and 500 pounds of flour, bedding, extra clothing, cooking utensils, and a tent. A few team-drawn wagons with more food and provisions and some animals went along with each handcart company. Think for a moment about what the handcart pioneers did not have that we are used to today: modern hiking boots, modern shoes and moisture-wicking socks; modern first aid supplies when their feet became blistered; camp stoves or backpack stoves; water purifiers or water bottles (their water came from the rivers and streams and sometimes even from buffalo wallows); modern lighters and fuels; modern soap. They did not have any number of other kinds of gear that we commonly now associate with hiking or packing or camping. Their tents were not light backpacking tents. The handcart pioneers would travel from Iowa City across Iowa and its rolling plains to Winter Quarters on the Missouri River and then across the Missouri to what is now Florence, Page 4 of 25

5 Nebraska, and along the North Platte all across the Nebraska prairies that are now part of the breadbasket of the nation past Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff, and then on into Wyoming past Fort Laramie across the high plains of Wyoming, leaving the Platte just east of Independence Rock to follow the Sweetwater, which they had to cross several times (fording through the water) by Devil s Gate finally leaving the Sweetwater after the last crossing, up and over Rocky Ridge, and then over South Pass across the continental divide and then across southwestern Wyoming by Fort Bridger and what is now Evanston, into the mountains and canyons of northeastern Utah and on into the Salt Lake valley. To do it, each Saint man, woman, and child could look forward to walking most every day, except on the Sabbath and on days when the company was held up for repairs, from anywhere between 10 and 25 or more miles per day for more than three months. And in that time, over the seemingly endless trail, through the dust, through sand, sun, heat, rain and mud, over rocks, hills, ridges, mountains, and canyons, through and fording across rivers, from Iowa City to the Temple Block in the Salt Lake valley, they would walk, one step at a time, approximately 1,330 miles. Additional Information Page 5 of 25

6 PRE-TREK EVENT CALENDAR April 13 (Sunday) All Trek materials delivered to wards April 19 (Saturday) Pre-Trek Hike #1 from 8-9:30am meet in parking lot of the Pacific Palisades Ward building and then we ll hike the Los Leones trail wear the shoes you ll wear on the Trek adult leaders who will be participating should also attend this practice hike April 20 (Sunday) All wards to provide names of 1 YM and 1 YW leader or parent(s) to provide help either on the actual Trek or in the preparation leading up to the Trek. Submit names to jamasg@gmail.com and/or stacycrowther@gmail.com on or before this date April 27 (Sunday) Pre-Trek Fireside/Movie Night meet at the Stake Center in the Relief Society Room where we ll watch 17 Miracles and discuss various important details for the Trek all youth considering participation, Ma s and Pa s, YM/YW leaders are invited to attend (parents and Bishopric representative attendance optional) May 4 (Sunday) Registration and Medical Forms due either online at or fill out the forms in this packet and scan/ to jamasg@gmail.com and/or stacycrowther@gmail.com or send them via snail mail to Jamas Gwilliam, 2643 Barry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA May 24 (Saturday) Pre-Trek Hike #2 and Pioneer Clothing/Equipment Check from 8-10:00am meet in parking lot of the Pacific Palisades Ward building and then we ll hike the Los Leones trail wear the shoes you ll wear on the Trek the youth will leave their clothing in a labeled bag at the church while they go on the hike and it will be checked to make sure they have everything they need Adult leaders should also come prepared for the clothing/equipment check and participate in the practice hike. Page 6 of 25

7 TREK ITINERARY Day 1: June 20 th (Friday) The youth and leaders will meet early in the morning to drive to Yucaipa before traffic gets too bad. Once we arrive they will be divided into families with a married couple as their Ma and Pa. Each family will organize and load their handcarts and begin the pull. We will be participating in the Trek with two other stakes (Newbury Park and Moreno Valley so there will be more than 300 youth!) First night s camp will be made that night, a light meal will be prepared and a dance will be held with the other stakes. After the dance, Female participants will sleep with their Ma, and male participants will sleep with their Pa in separate areas. Day 2: June 21 st (Saturday) This day will also consist of learning various pioneer skills as well as more pushing/pulling the handcarts to the final destination. We ll hold a closing meeting, eat dinner together and drive home arriving that evening at the Stake Center to be picked up by parents. Page 7 of 25

8 PACKING LIST Pack Light and Label All Items The gear you need is on this list. Because of the weight and space limitations of the handcarts, you will be limited in the amount of gear you can bring. You will need the items listed here, but please don t bring anything else. You won t need it and it isn t fair to ask your fellow brothers and sisters to haul it for you. So if it isn t on this list, please don t bring it. PIONEER TREK INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT LIST 1 large flour sack or duffel bag for your gear (line it with a plastic garbage bag and come with all of your gear inside) 1 warm sleeping bag, put inside plastic bag 1 old blanket (wool if possible) 1 old coat 1 rain poncho 1 pair of gloves Plastic rain tarp/visqueen--(enough plastic to serve as a ground cloth and shelter from the rain) 1 pair of shoes to hike in (don't buy new ones -- they will give you blisters. Sturdy running or tennis shoes will work fine if you don't have hiking boots) use the same pair on the prep hikes 2 pair of sturdy socks 2 pair inner socks 2 sets of underclothing 2 bandannas (necessary items) 1 metal pie plate, 1 large spoon 1 tin cup 1 small hand towel and a comb or brush 1 toothbrush and small travel size toothpaste 5 bandaids and prescribed medications only an old set of scriptures and your favorite church magazine 2 heavy duty garbage bags Chapstick, insect repellent, and sunscreen Page 8 of 25

9 Pioneer Trek Clothing Guidelines Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of Trek. The following is how pioneers dressed and how we will all be dressed on the Trek. We hope youth will dress as closely as they can without spending much money. Often, older items of clothing in our wardrobes or from thrift stores will suffice. Men s Clothing Overview Shirts Men s shirts were worn loose. Plain colors were most common, but stripes or plaids were also used. For modern day trekkers, light colors will be coolest. Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves. Pants Men s pants were also worn loose. Cotton, linen, 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. Suspenders Men s pants were held up by suspenders. Suspenders 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. Modern day trekkers should not wear baseball caps. Women s Clothing Overview Dresses/Skirts Although a Woman s basic dress or skirt was floor-length, trekkers today have found that dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the top of a hiking boot in length (so the girls do not trip while pulling). 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. Aprons The standard apron was shorter than the skirt. It gathered at the waist, tied in the back, and was white or calico-patterned. Page 9 of 25

10 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. For Trekking today, bonnets or wide-brimmed hats for the girls are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun. Pantaloons/Bloomers These were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Their length was usually between knee and mid-calf. Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations. Bloomers keep the dust and dirt off of your legs. Old cotton pajama pants or hospital scrubs cut off at or just below the knee are perfect. Misc. Clothing Nightwear The weather can be cold in the evenings. We would like boys and girls to wear a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt or long-sleeved flannel nightgown for girls and long-sleeved pajamas for boys. Nightwear is to be worn only when it is time to go to sleep, not when we arrive at a given campsite. You will change into your bedclothes once it is time to retire to your tents/shelters. Shoes and Socks 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 good tennis shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters. Pack clean socks for each day that wick moisture away. Items Not To Wear On Trek Blue Jeans, shorts, baseball caps, army-style hats, tank tops, t-shirts (except for bedtime), tight/short dresses, brand new shoes, or flip flops. Stay away from modern clothing and prints. Clothing and PJs should not ride low. Please adhere to the For the Strength of Youth standards. If you need help with preparing clothing for Trek please contact your Young Women or Young Men s leaders or advisers. If you have EXTRA clothing for others to use, please let them know also. Page 10 of 25

11 Young Women Clothing Details 1 mid-calf length long-sleeved dresses OR1-2 mid-calf length skirts/jumpers and 1-2 longsleeved blouses 1 bonnets or wide-brimmed hat 1 pair of knee-length bloomers or knee length shorts (can be made from old pj bottoms or hospital scrubs no short shorts) 1 apron (helpful to have pockets; you can sew them on) 1 pair of sweats/t-shirt for sleeping 2 pair hiking socks. Merino wool or synthetic is suggested not cotton! Make sure they fit snuggly. 2 pair liner socks, thin nylon to go under hiking sock (optional) 2 sets of underclothing 1 pair of old sturdy broken in walking shoes and/or a pair of shoes for trekking (Trail hiking shoes or running shoes are recommended unless you have ankle issues. Whatever is worn should be broken in completely prior to Trek.) 1 pair sturdy work gloves jacket Feminine hygiene supplies Natural fiber (cotton, linen, wool) clothing is recommended. Avoid polyester or other synthetic fibers, except for liner socks. Clothing can be purchased online at: Page 11 of 25

12 Young Men Clothing Details 1-2 long-sleeved cotton or flannel button-down shirts, white not suggested (no t-shirts) 1 wide-brimmed western style hat (no baseball or army style hats) suspenders 1 pair of sweats/t-shirt or pajamas for sleeping 2 pair hiking socks. Merino wool or synthetic is suggested not cotton! Make sure they fit snuggly. 2 pair liner socks, thin nylon to go under hiking sock (optional) 2 sets of underclothing 1 pair of old sturdy broken in walking shoes and/or a pair of shoes for trekking (Trail hiking shoes or running shoes are recommended unless you have ankle issues. Whatever is worn should be broken in completely prior to Trek.) warm jacket 1 pair sturdy work gloves Natural fiber (cotton, linen, wool) clothing is recommended. Avoid polyester or other synthetic fibers, except for liner socks. Clothing can be purchased online at: Page 12 of 25

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17 LOCATION AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION Trek Location Providential Heritage Academy PO Box 238 Yucaipa, CA Emergency Contact Information Jamas Gwilliam Stake YM President Phone: Stacy Crowther Stake YW President Phone: Page 17 of 25

18 REGISTRATION INFORMATION All participants must register, including adults and leaders. In addition, all youth participants are required to have the completed medical release and permission slip signed by a parent / guardian. This registration can be completed in one of three ways: 1. To register online, visit: 2. Scan and completed forms to jamasg@gmail.com 3. Drop the completed forms in the mail to Jamas Gwilliam, 2643 Barry Ave, Los Angeles, CA Deadline: May 4, 2013 Additional resources/information, all required forms and up to date information can be found at the website ( Be sure to provide a correct, active e- mail address as further information and communication will be sent via . Page 18 of 25

19 PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AND PERMISSION SLIP **Notification** The Santa Monica Stake Youth Conference this year will be focused on a re-enactment of some of the experiences endured by the handcart Pioneers, called Pioneer Trek 2014 and will be held June 20 June 21, Each youth will be assigned to a family group. We will be using handcarts that each family group will be expected to push/pull for various periods of time. Some of the pushing/pulling will be over flat roads. Other pushing/pulling will occur over rather rough and hilly terrain in some wilderness areas of Beaumont in San Bernardino County, CA. The handcarts are heavy ( lbs. when fully loaded). Since the event will be in the latter part of June, the weather may become hot and dry. Participants may be exposed to insects, flora (e.g., poison ivy) and other pest indigenous to this area. While responsible adults will be supervising all activities, accidents and acts of God do occur. We will be camping and conducting other activities and workshops during the two day period. Because of the nature of the Youth Conference, it may not be appropriate for all our youth, especially those with physical, mental, and/or emotional limitations. Those with special health limitations should consult with a physician and provide a Physician s Release. For unique health related cases, reasonable accommodation will be considered if parental consent is given. Where it is reasonable to do so, we will attempt to accommodate these youth. In other more serious cases, it is probably best that the youth not attend Pioneer Trek Youth Conference this year. Please read this entire registration packet carefully. If you would like your child to attend this activity, you must date and agree to each of the applicable items set forth. CONTRACT AND RELEASE 1. I understand this Pioneer Trek 2014 will be held in a primitive wilderness setting. I also understand although we will be "roughing it", so to speak, that the Stake will provide food, restroom facilities and safe drinking water. 2. I am voluntarily a participant in this Trek and I will accept full responsibility for my actions under all conditions. I also agree to aid other members of the group in behaving responsibly. I understand and appreciate that there are inherent risks involved in this Stake-sponsored Trek which are beyond the control of the Stake staff and Ward leaders, and I agree to personally assume such risks. Also, the Stake staff and Ward leaders cannot be held responsible for any injuries or expenses, costs and/or claims in connection with any injuries sustained which were not directly caused by their failure to take due care. I hereby also agree to release Riley LLC/Shiloh s Hill LLC and Los Angeles California Santa Monica Stake and its staff and Ward Page 19 of 25

20 leaders from any and all claims for liability arising from my participation in the Pioneer Trek I agree to abide by LDS standards. This means high standards of behavior, honor and integrity; and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and harmful drugs are required of me and every participant involved in this Trek. I (and/or my guardian) agree to accept full responsibility for any medical or related bills incurred which are not covered by my own insurance. I agree to the above terms and declare the above statements are complete and correct. (Print Name of Participant) (Signature of Participant) (Date) As a parent, I am aware that my child will be participating in Pioneer Trek I have read the Contract and Release and the completed health history, and I am aware of the circumstances my child will undergo, and I hereby give my full permission for him/her to participate. Also, in the event any medical attention is needed, I hereby authorize any physicians in charge of my child to administer such medical or surgical treatment or carry out such procedure as may be deemed necessary or advisable in the diagnosis or treatment of my child. I agree to the terms of the Contract and Release and declare the above statements are complete and correct. (Print Name of Parent/Guardian) (Signature of Parent/Guardian) (Date) (Parent or guardian must sign here if participant is under 18 years of age. Participants 18 or older must sign here--for themselves.) Page 20 of 25

21 Youth Participant s Agreement I understand and agree to abide by the standards of the Church, set forth on the pamphlet, For the Strength of Youth, while at Pioneer Trek Youth Conference. I want to come and I commit to fully participate in all of the activities to the best of my ability. X Participant s Signature: Date: Permission to Participate I have read the above Notification and all other information in this packet, and I understand that this Youth Conference will be physically and emotionally challenging. Therefore, I authorize my child to fully participate in Pioneer Trek Youth Conference. X Parent/Guardian s Signature: Date: Page 21 of 25

22 REGISTRATION FORM... This form must be completed, signed in both places, and returned to ward coordinator by Date. Each participant (adult and youth) must complete a form. Ward leaders must turn forms in to the Stake by Date. Name Sex Age Birthdate Address Ward Stake Height Weight Insurance Company Policy # Parents' Name (if minor) Phone Work Page 22 of 25

23 MEDICAL INFORMATION & PHYSICIAN S RELEASE MEDICAL FORM... Health History If you currently suffer from, or have experienced any of the following conditions within the past year, please mark the appropriate space below: Yes No Arthritis Yes No Asthma (serious case) Yes No Epilepsy Yes No Emotional problems requiring special assistance Yes No Fainting spells Yes No Ulcers medication Yes No Rheumatic fever Yes No Major bone or joint injuries Yes No High blood pressure Yes No Major operation or serious illness Yes No Heart trouble Yes No Diabetes Yes No Hypoglycemia Yes No Other medical conditions possibly aggravated by hiking. Explain: If you marked yes to any of the above items, you must fill out a Medical Release Form and have it completed by a medical doctor; you cannot participate without it. The Medical Release Form is available and attached below. Describe any allergies or medication reactions: Medications currently being used: Have you had more than a minor illness or injury during the past year? Yes No If yes, please explain: Family Doctor Phone Page 23 of 25

24 MEDICAL RELEASE FORM This form must be completed and signed by a medical doctor only for participants who answered yes to any of the conditions listed on the Medical History portion of the Registration form. They will not be allowed to participate if this form is not submitted. The examination must be current within six weeks of the participation date. Participant: Date of Conference: June 20-21, 2014 Dear Doctor: The above named person will participate in a Pioneer Youth Conference. Persons suffering from any of the conditions listed below must obtain a physician s clearance before participating in this program. The participants will be in a wilderness setting for 2 days with strenuous hiking pulling a heavy handcart. They will have ample food and water, but could be exposed to excessive heat and exhaustion and will engage in other outdoor activities. Please consider the following conditions in your decision (as well as other medical problems which may be aggravated by or interfere with the aforementioned conditions): Arthritis Emotional problems requiring medication Major bone or joint injuries Major operation or serious illness Diabetes Pregnancy Hypoglycemia Other medical conditions which might be aggravated by hiking Epilepsy Asthma Ulcers Fainting spells Rheumatic fever High blood pressure Heart trouble Due to the strenuous physical nature of Pioneer Trek Youth Conference, individuals suffering from aggravating medical conditions are not to be allowed to participate in some of the regular first day s activities. However, these individuals still need your approval to participate in subsequent outdoor activities and hiking where medical facilities are limited. Individuals will be allowed to take medications for chronic conditions if the medication is prescribed or accompanied by a doctor s approval. General Appraisal: ( ) APPROVAL: I find no medical problems which I consider incompatible with this program. ( ) LIMITED APPROVAL: This individual may participate subject to the limitations listed below. ( ) DISAPPROVAL: This individual has medical problems which, in my opinion, clearly constitute unacceptable hazards to his/her health and safety in this program. Recommendations and/or restrictions: (if none, specify) Signature: Date: Doctor s Name (print): Phone: Address: Page 24 of 25

25 RULES AND RANCH POLICIES For your information following are various rules at the ranch/facility where we will be conducting the trek. All participants should be aware of and willing to abide by these rules. Restrictions No horses, mountain bikes, dogs, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, fishing equipment or ATV s are allowed on ranch property without prior permission. Participants and Vehicles All participants and support staff must remain on designated trails and roads and it is important for the support staff to drive safe speeds while on the ranch especially around blind corners. Groups must keep vehicle numbers to a minimum and the support staff should also have spare tires and chains for two of their vehicles as the dirt roads can get slick in wet weather. Trash No trace camping is required. At each campsite groups should line up and do a final sweep before they leave the area. The ranch does not have a place for garbage so all trash that the groups produce must be hauled off the ranch and disposed of properly. This includes any leftover food such as uneaten corn meal mush, orange peels, charcoal briquettes, any signs, twine, or tape on the handcarts and the garbage sacks in the portajohn units. Place or load bags into designated vehicle or locations for pick up. Fires Fires are allowed when the conditions are safe. Handcarts No running with the carts, do not use them as rickshaws, no bouncing and do not drop the crossbar, but set it down gently. Use the pull ropes, put your shoulder to the wheel, chock the wheels on all inclines or declines and use the spokes as leverage for steep hills. Common Sense Rules No running, do not throw sticks or stones, do not pet the animals unless instructed or climb on any farm equipment. Watch out for cougars, bears, snakes. Do not take any food to your sleeping quarters, do not wander off even with small groups, do not walk into the tall grass unless you clear the way before you. Lights out at 10:00 pm. Please maintain a pioneer costume at all times until bedtime and then don t go wandering around camp in pajamas. Please do not throw trash down the urinals in the porta potties and where possible shovel the horse poop off of the trail as the company proceeds along the way. Page 25 of 25