Pioneer clothing is encouraged and will help take the youth out of the everyday world and level the playing field.  Standards of modesty must be maintained.

Start gathering your clothing now.

PERSONAL ITEM PIONEER TREK EQUIPMENT LIST

All Participants: (17lb. weight limit per person)

• NOTE: This Trek is a re-enactment of the pioneer trek.  We have received specific instructions with respect to the equipment, clothing, etc. for this trek.  The purpose is to prepare ourselves so that we can feel of the spirit of the historic experiences and the spirit of our pioneer ancestors.
• 1- 5 gallon bucket with lid used as personal “Tote” with all personal items.  This personal “Tote” will be your “suitcase”, your “duffle bag”, “chair”, etc.  Put your name on your bucket.
• 1 WARM Sleeping bag/mattress or pad (no pillows) Please place bag & pad in duffel, water proof bag, or doubled heavy duty plastic garbage bags.  
• Trekking shoes/hiking boots- high top preferred, not new.  Older pair of tennis shoes (or water socks) for crossing the Sweetwater River with.  NO flip flops
• Water Bottle (1 .0 liter size)
• Coat/Jacket not heavy but warm
• 1 Rain Poncho/or water-repellent jacket or 2 HEAVY DUTY plastic bags.
• Socks- 4 pair
• 2 sets underclothing
• Bandanas/neck coolers
• Small flashlight
• Hygiene Items: Tissues, hand towel, soap, toothbrush/paste, comb/brush, deodorant
• First-aid supplies: Moleskin (blister pads), band-aids, sunscreen, RX meds, chapstick, insect repellent, sunscreen
• Journal, old scriptures, pen/pencil in a zip-lock bag for protection.
• Optional: camera/film, knife, small musical instrument, eating utensils, work gloves.
• One Extra Change of Clothing (remember, all your personal items must fit in your 5-gallon tote.

YOUNG MEN:

• Pioneer looking pants (2pair)- light colors are best.  Docker type pants will save you from chafing.  Levis will chafe and are hot.
• 1 pair soft leather gloves, or cheap garden gloves with non-slip grips for handcart pulling.
• 2 LONG-sleeved BUTTON-FRONT shirts (cotton is good).  Light colors are best.  You can remove the collars on the shirts.  NO TEE-SHIRTS- PLEASE!
• 1 Western-style hat (tie-down hats work best) NO baseball, beanie, or army hats allowed
• Suspenders- (Optional)

YOUNG WOMEN:

• 1 Pioneer bonnet with ties- Light colors are best.
• 2 Mid-calf length, long-sleeved dress or skirt with 2 LONG sleeved shirts, wear one set and pack one set in your 5-gallon bucket.  Light colors are best.  (TWO pioneer outfits total)
• 1 pair of mid-calf bloomers or leggings.  (can be made of old sheets, old pj bottoms, hospital scrubs, etc.) Light colors are best.  
• 1 Apron with pockets.  Light colors are best.  (if your dress or skirt has large pockets, the Apron is not absolutely necessary.)
• Modest sleep wear.
• Feminine hygiene supplies.
• 1 pair of soft leather gloves, or cheap garden gloves with non-slip grips for handcart pulling.
  

Pioneer treks require physical stamina. This can be obtained through obedience to the Word of Wisdom, eating wholesome foods, not overeating, eat a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time. The following are some general guidelines that you might consider:

• Walk 4-5 times per week.
• For 2-3 times per week, walk 2-3 miles; for 2 times a week walk 4-5 miles.
• Walk uphill about 4 times, increasing the distance each time, before the trek.

*PREPARATION.  Physical and spiritual preparation for those coming on the trek is vital.  Both youth and adults who will be trekking need to be physically fit or others should be prepared to pull them in a handcart.  Some days will consist of walking 10 miles or more, much of it uphill pulling a handcart.  Make sure everyone is getting in shape now.  Proper fitting shoes and socks are vital.  Clothing should protect from the sun and footwear should be sturdy and well broken in.  Even a physically fit person will have problems walking very far with blistered feet.  

“Look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future”

July 31 - August 2

Why do we need such resilient faith?

It is because difficult days are ahead.

Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

President Monson said: “… fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”

The Purpose of a Handcart Trek

The purpose of a trek is to provide spiritual opportunities, under the leadership of the priesthood, where youth can gain a deeper appreciation of the principles of faith, obedience, and sacrifice.

Core Gospel Principles Taught on Treks

1. Faith: Faith in Jesus Christ and in His restored gospel motivated, sustained, and succored Latter-day Saints as they entered the waters of baptism, journeyed to America, endured adversities, and contributed to building Zion. This same faith, if possessed by today’s youth, can enable them to withstand adversity, make sacred covenants, and contribute to the “building up of the Kingdom.”    (May focus)

2. Obedience: “No obstacles are insurmountable when God commands.” (Heber J. Grant, Teachings of President of the Church: Heber J. Grant). Motivated by their faith in Jesus Christ and their desire to be obedient to a prophet of God, Latter-day Saint converts gathered together in the American West where they could make temple covenants and help establish Zion. If the youth of the Church are to triumph over evil and obtain eternal life, they too must learn obedience to God’s commands.     (June Focus)

3. Sacrifice: Latter-day Saint immigrants left homelands, families, and friends behind, shared resources, endured the rigors of ocean and overland travel, and sometimes, as in the case of the 1856 tragedy, suffered illness, extreme hardship, and even death in order to gather to Zion. When tragedy struck in 1856, the Church, under the direction of Brigham Young, mounted a heroic and dangerous effort to rescue the emigrants, deliver them safely to the Salt Lake Valley, and to provide care and comfort. By following the example of the early Saints and applying the principle of sacrifice in their lives, the youth can obtain blessings from Heaven and acquire the “faith necessary unto life and salvation.” (Joseph Smith)     (July Focus)

As the youth of the church participate in treks, they can learn of the faith, obedience, and sacrifice exhibited by the handcart pioneers. Treks provide teachable moments” in which the Spirit of the Lord can touch the hearts of the youth and instill within them these principles, which can guide them on their trek through life’s wilderness.