PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Start preparing your supplies and body now!

• Start looking at second-hand stores for clothing that can be used for Trek.

• Get a 5-gallon bucket (optional: make a padded seat with a Gamma lid). 

• Start thinking about what to pack and how much will fit in the bucket.

• Start a journey to become physically fit for Trek. Start an exercise program or exercise regularly so you can build up your ability to walk several miles on a single hike. 

• Strengthen your health by obeying the Word of Wisdom and eating a balanced diet of wholesome foods. 

• Get a pair of comfortable shoes and begin now to break them in so by the time Trek comes, your shoes feel like old friends who won’t give you blisters!

SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

To be spiritually prepared for Trek, be sure you are doing the following:

• Personal kneeling prayer morning and night

• Study the scriptures every day

• Attend your church meetings and activities every week

• Using Family Search, find ancestor names and do temple ordinance work for them

TREK Packing List

• 5 GALLON BUCKET & LID-  All items must fit in a 5-gallon bucket, EXCEPT the clothes and items you will be wearing AND the sleeping bag/pillow/ground roll which can go into the bag the stake will provide. It is 18" x 30" so plan accordingly.
• Warm sleeping bag (in plastic)/pillow/ground roll
• 1 old blanket
• 1 rain poncho
• 1 warm jacket
• 1 pair of leather or sturdy gloves
• 2 pairs of shoes to hike in (no new shoes, sturdy running shoes or sneakers work best)
• 4 pairs sturdy socks
• 2 sets of underclothing
• 1 metal pie plate, 1 large spoon, and 1 metal cup
• 1 small hand towel and a comb or brush
• 1 toothbrush and toothpaste
• Band-Aids and prescribed medication, Tylenol, Ibuprofen
• 2 heavy duty garbage bags
• Reusable water bottle 
• Chapstick!
• Insect repellent
• Small package of wipes
• Small tissue pack
• Sunscreen
• low-beam flashlight

MEN should bring:

• 2 Pairs of wool, canvas, sport nylon or cotton pants (no jeans)
• 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 wide-brimmed western-style hat (no baseball or army hats allowed)
• 1 pair suspenders
• 1 set pajamas or sweats, extra long-sleeve for cold nights

WOMEN should bring:

• 2 mid-calf length, long-sleeved dresses OR 2 mid-calf skirts and 2 long-sleeved blouses
• 1 or 2 bonnets or wide-brimmed hat (with drawstring is beneficial)
• Pajama bottoms or scrubs to go under dress or skirts (leggings optional but might be hot)
• 1 apron
• 1 set pajamas or sweats, extra long-sleeve for cold nights
• Feminine hygiene supplies, cleansing wipes

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Camera (point-and-shoot cameras only)
• Personal scriptures
• Harmonica or other small instrument

The "NO" List:

• No food or candy
• No immodest clothing (see-thru when wet or dry)
• No swimming suits
• No shorts, mid-driffs, sleeveless tops
• No T-shirts (as outerwear)
• No jewelry
• No fireworks, matches, or lighters
• No electronic devices (no cell phones, iPads, iPods, kindles, etc.)
• No hatchets, sheath or butterfly knives
• No inappropriate materials or behaviors that are not consistent with the standards found in the For the Strength of Youth booklet

WHY A TREK?

Purposes of Handcart Trek Reenactments*

From 1856 to 1860, about 3,000 Latter-day Saints pulled handcarts across the American plains to gather in the Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers trekked more than a thousand miles through heat and cold; through mud, sand, and sometimes snow; and through rivers and over mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance.

Treks provide powerful opportunities for youth to:

· Strengthen testimonies 

· Build unity

· Do family history

· Learn and appreciate Church history

· Feel gratitude for the sacrifices of the pioneers and the heritage they provided

· Appreciate their blessings more fully 

· Seek and find guidance to overcome challenges 

· Focus on serving and rescuing others 

· Learn core gospel principles 

Treks that focus on gospel principles that the pioneers exemplified will have lasting impressions on the youth. Some of these principles are summarized as follows:

FAITH

Faith in Jesus Christ sustained Latter-day Saint pioneers as they entered the waters of baptism, journeyed to America, endured adversities, and helped build Zion. Pioneer treks can help today’s youth develop this same faith. Youth can also learn how to be modern pioneers as they establish faith-centered lives and traditions.

OBEDIENCE

In gathering to the American West, the pioneers were obeying the call of a prophet, Brigham Young. Today’s handcart treks can help youth learn the importance of obeying God’s commandments and following the teachings of His prophets.

CHARITY

The stories of the pioneers are replete with examples of people who showed charity to each other in the most adverse circumstances. In trek reenactments, youth have many opportunities to experience the blessings of giving and receiving charity.

SACRIFICE

Latter-day Saint converts made great sacrifices by leaving homelands, families, and friends to gather to Zion. When tragedy struck the Willie and Martin handcart companies in 1856, Church members made great sacrifices to rescue and care for these Saints. As youth participate in handcart treks, they will have opportunities to make sacrifices and to experience the blessings that come through sacrifice.

PERSEVERING THROUGH ADVERSITY

The handcart pioneers’ trek was arduous. Some of these Saints faced harsh winter storms; had inadequate clothing, shelter, and food; and suffered illness and death. Clinging to their faith in God and their vision of Zion, they persevered through the most daunting conditions. Treks can help today’s youth learn to persevere, turn to God in times of trial, and gain a testimony that He will help bear their burdens.

*Adapted From Hardcart Trek Booklet

It's Trek Time!

WELCOME TO THE 2019 Citrus Heights Stake Trek! 

We invite all young men and young women in the youth program to participate in the Citrus Heights Stake Youth Trek this year. It is a wonderful opportunity that only comes around every 5 years! You will grow in many ways to help you understand and appreciate our pioneer ancestors.