Ma and Pa Preparation

 

Preparation of Mas and Pas 

Spiritual Preparation -Pioneer treks require spiritual preparation. Suggestions include: 

· Having personal and family prayer each day. 

· Listening to and heeding the Spirit. 

· Studying the Book of Mormon and other scriptures regularly, giving special attention to the gospel principles that can be taught on trek. 

· Going to the temple regularly. 

· Learning about Church history, ancestors, and the handcart pioneers. 

· Improving teaching and listening skills. 

  Physical Preparation -Pioneer treks require physical stamina, which leaders can develop by obeying the Word of Wisdom, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time. Ma’s and Pa’s should be prepared to walk three miles an hour and be capable of walking up to 15 miles a day while pulling a heavy handcart over rough terrain. 

Treks are physically demanding. Participants should be physically fit enough to safely hike the distances involved, unless they have a limiting disability. Each person should be able to walk three miles on level ground in 60 minutes or less without undue stress. Taking practice hikes and preparing to walk uphill will also be beneficial. Many participants will benefit from improving their physical fitness before a trek. For more information and videos for getting in shape go here: 

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/church-safety-and-health/trek-safety?lang=eng  

 

and here:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/church-safety-and-health/get-in-shape?lang=eng

 

Basic Skills- Ma’s and Pa’s should have the following skills or consider learning them: 

fire building, knot tying, rain protection on the trail and in camp, outdoor meal preparation, basic first aid (see below) and no-trace camping and trekking (see below). 

 Suggestions for Leading Discussions 

Both formal and informal discussions can help youth ponder the trek experience and the gospel in their lives. 

-For a formal discussion, the Ma and Pa could gather their group and sit in a circle. 

-The Ma or Pa could share a pioneer story, ask one of the youth to share a story, or share thoughts about an experience from the day. 

-The Ma and Pa could then ask questions to start the discussion. These questions should invite reflection and introspection. 

-Questions could include: · What parallels do you see between your own life and the experiences of the pioneers? · In what ways are you a pioneer? · How do you feel about the trek so far? · What are you learning from this experience? · What challenges do the youth of the Church face today? How can learning about the experiences of the pioneers help you face your challenges? · How can the decisions you make now affect your future? How can your decisions affect other people? How can they affect the generations that come after you? 

-To conclude, someone could share scriptures that are relevant to the discussion, and then the Ma, the Pa, or one or more of the youth could share their testimonies. 

 

If the Ma and Pa struggle to get the discussion started, they could begin at a point in the circle and invite each person to respond to a question. 

The Ma and Pa could then follow up with questions that encourage further discussion and application. 

Everyone should be encouraged to share, but no one should feel required. 

The Ma and Pa listen carefully to what each person says and give reinforcement. 

Youth should know that their ideas are heard and valued. Generally the Ma and Pa should do more listening than talking. 

The Ma and Pa ensure that participants do not criticize, judge, or blame others. 

If negative feelings about others are expressed, the Ma and Pa let the group know that the intent of discussions is for individuals to share insights and feelings about themselves—and about others if those feelings are edifying. 

 First Aid Kit

Sample Basic Kit Each handcart family should carry a basic first aid kit. The following items are suggested:

· Antiseptic wipes

 · Moleskin

· Bandages

 · Antibiotic ointment

· Hand wipes

· Scissors

· Baby powder

· Feminine products

· Sunscreen

· Tweezers

No-Trace Camping and Trekking

 No-trace camping and trekking means leaving minimal impact on the environment. Some guidelines include:

· Minimize the impact on vegetation, such as plants, trees, and even weeds. Stay on the trail and in other designated areas.

· Minimize the impact on land.

· Minimize the impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

 · Minimize the impact of campfires by using alternatives to fires or by using low-impact fires, where fires are permitted.

· Dispose of waste properly and avoid littering of any kind.

Trek groups must provide a method for carrying their trash during the trek and carrying it out when they leave. At each campsite and along the trail, groups should make a final sweep before leaving the area and remove all food, signs, papers, and other litter. Trek groups should leave camping areas cleaner than they found them.