FAQs

When will trek be held?

Trek will be held Wednesday July 10th through Saturday July 13th, 2019. We will leave early on Wednesday morning at 6:00 AM and return in the late evening on Saturday.

Where is the trek being held?

Mormon Trail in Wyoming – specifically Martin’s Cove, Sixth Crossing, Willie Meadow, Rock Creek Hollow.

Who can participate in trek?

The Saratoga Springs Pioneer Trek of 2019 is for all youth living in stake boundaries who are ages 14 to 18. Those youth turning 14 in 2019 are welcome to come. Graduating Seniors are invited!

Can I attend only part of Trek, or leave and come back, if necessary?

No. The remote location, full agenda, and close “family” relationships of Trek make it necessary for youth to attend the entire event.

How much does Trek cost?

Each attending youth is being asked to pay $30.00 to the ward budget for food. Contact your ward TREK directors for detailed information on how to do this.

What do I need to bring to the Trek bag check-in?

A garbage bag that contains your sleeping bag/sleeping pad/pillow. (please label) Your ward TREK directors will let you know if there are any additional items you need to bring.

What do I need to bring on Wednesday July 10th when we leave?

On Tuesday morning you should bring a lunch, snack, water bottle and a day pack/small backpack. The day pack should include anything you might need while trekking including chapstick, sunblock, rain poncho, gloves, sunglasses and water bottle. Journals and a pen will be provided. Please also bring your bucket with your personal belongings (see packing list).

How will we get to and from the trek location?

Chartered buses will transport the trekkers to and from Wyoming.

How far will we be walking each day?

Trek participants will be trekking and pulling a handcart for a total of 16 miles. The first day we will be setting up camp , the 2nd day will be just over 7 miles, the 3rd day about 7 miles and the final day will be 3 miles.

What will be in the handcarts?

Daypack/Possibles bag for each youth, water bottles, 5 gallon water jug, and cooler with lunch for each Trek family. Buckets will not be in the handcarts and the youth will not have access to buckets during the day. They will be able to access them at night.

Are there any River Crossings? If so, can I just go barefoot?

Yes, there will be 2 river crossings. Youth are not allowed to walk barefoot across the river because the rocks can be sharp. Flip-flops are also not recommended as they may get stuck and get lost down the river, water shoes are the best solution. Make sure you dry off your feet completely before putting socks back on after a river crossing, this will prevent the formation of blisters.

What medical provisions are going to be provided?

There will be a proficient medical team on trek who is dedicated to medical surveillance and treatment and each ward will have a medical person that will TREK with them. There will be a stake medical tent set up in camp. Anyone taking prescription medication needs to turn in that medication to their ward medical specialist for distribution. Please talk to your ward medical specialist about any concerns. Extra medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, etc. will be available from your ward medical specialist.

Why do we need to fill out and turn in a Registration and Medical Release Form?

We need to know who is going for accountability purposes, transportation, equipment and food preparation. Medical and appropriate personnel need to be aware of specific medical needs in order to be prepared.

Medical provisions are limited by the location (camping) and logistics of the trek.

What will we eat?

Trek participants will be provided with snacks and three meals each day. Daily menus will be made by the ward trek food committee to provide for appropriate protein and carbohydrates.

If a trekker has significant food allergies, it is the responsibility of the family to work with their ward food committee to find alternate foods if needed.

What about bathroom facilities?

Bathrooms will be available while trekking and at the camp sites.

What are the sleeping accommodations?

Each trek family will set up a tent for sleeping, girls separate from the boys.

Ma's Pa's and leaders will be separate from the youth!

We will be camping in the same location for all 3 nights.

Will there be plenty of water?

Each handcart will have a 5 gallon water cooler to provide for each trek family. It is well water, so it’s suggested that the youth bring ample flavored water packets.

There is not water for washing hair or bathing.

Is dehydration a concern?

Yes it is. Numerous breaks will be taken while trekking to drink water. Each trekker needs to bring their own individual water bottle and there will be spots to refill your water bottle.

Drink at least 8 to 10 ounces of water at every break. You will feel stronger and much better.

Preparing before TREK is important with water consumption. Start hydrating early and cut back on sodas and juices.

Why is make-up and perfume not allowed?

Make-up takes too much time and will distract from the trek and trek activities. Perfume and perfumed lotions may attract mosquito and other insects, and attract some animals.

Why are electronic devices discouraged?

This is a tremendous opportunity to get out of the world and worldly influences and allows for better opportunities to feel the spirit in our lives. We invite all youth to make the sacrifice of going without their phone/electronic device for a few days.

It also allows for better interaction with family members and other trek participants.

What will we be doing other than trekking?

Pioneer Story Telling

Individual Ward activities

Morning Group Devotionals

Family Activities and Devotionals

Firesides

Testimony Meeting

Pioneer Dancing

Pioneer Games/Activities