Now reading your mind...
Ah, yes. Here are the answers to your questions:
How old do I have to be to attend Trek?
The Trek is for all youth 14-18 years old. Youth 13 years old may attend if they will be 14 years old by September 1, 2016. This includes youth who will graduate from high school this spring.
When is the registration deadline? What about new move-ins?
Registration will close May 15, 2016. We will accommodate new move ins as we become aware of them.
Are any electronics devices allowed on Trek?
To maintain the pioneer spirit, all electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players) are not allowed, so please leave them at home.
What are the requirements to participate?
All participants are required to register, youth and adult. The registration forms are available online. If you have not yet submitted a High Point Stake Standards & Activities Permission Form that includes medical information, this completed form is also required. Download it or get this form from youth leaders in your ward or branch and return it to one of them after you have filled it out completely.
How much walking will we do?
We will walk and pull handcarts 5 to 6 miles each day. It will be important to be in shape and to have sturdy shoes/boots. Start now to exercise and to break in your shoes. You will be glad you did!
Will we be required to wear Pioneer Clothing?
Dressing as pioneers has a tremendous impact on the spirit of a handcart trek. All who participate are required to dress the part. It need not be expensive to put together.
How do I get pioneer clothes?
Goodwill Industries stores and other thrift shops are a good resource. You can alter old clothing you already have or make your own. Ideas and instructions can be found on LDS.org at this link. Another example is at this link. You can also see other resources at the Pioneer Clothing page on this site.
Can I wear sunglasses?
Yes as long as they do not distract from the spirit of our Pioneer Trek.
How do I pack my personal items?
You should have a 5 gallon bucket with your name on it for your personal items. Your sleeping bag/bedroll is packed separately in a large sturdy plastic bag, also marked with your name. The items you will be carrying as you Trek should also be outside of your bucket.
When do I need to have all of my personal equipment ready and packed?
Bring your packed bucket with you on Thursday, June 23.
What type of sleeping bag should I bring?
The weather will be warm so you do not need a cold weather sleeping bag. You will want a sleeping pad or air mattress though.
How should my sleeping items be packed?
Your sleeping bag and pad, and small pillow should be placed in a sturdy plastic garbage bag, and marked with your name.
Transportation? Drop off and pick up points?
Transportation to and from Trek will be the responsibility of the wards. Bring youth to the Badin Lake Campground, Upper Loop, in Uwharrie National Forest. Schedule: Asheboro, Salisbury, Lakefield = arrive 8:30 AM; High Point, Welcome = arrive 8:45 AM; Colfax, Kernersville = arrive 9:00 AM on Thursday 23JUN16. Pickup after Trek at the same location, at 11AM Saturday 25JUN16.
Do I have to be a member of the High Point Stake to participate?
First preference will be given to High Point Stake youth and their non-member friends who live in Stake boundaries. As room permits, individuals outside Stake boundaries may be allowed to participate upon approval, on a case by case basis. The High Point Stake Permission/Medical form will be required.
Will I be able to choose a friend to be in my group?
Yes. Coordinate with your friend and include their name in the registration form.
Is there a list of things to bring?
Yes. Go to What to Pack.
What are we going to eat?
Trek participants will receive three full meals each day. All food will be planned and prepared by food specialists from the stake.
What if there is an emergency?
We will have medical personnel on site to handle any medical emergencies. All carts will have a first aid kit. Some leaders will have hand-held radios and cell phones for emergency contact. If family needs to contact a participant, contact information will be found on the Contact Us page.
Can my non-member friend come with me?
Yes. They will need to be interviewed by your bishop or branch president and agree to uphold the standards of the Church. The High Point Stake Permission/Medical form will be required.
Do I need to bring a tent?
The Ma’s and Pa’s will be gathering tents. They may ask you to bring a tent.
What bathroom and other facilities will be available? Drinking water?
The campsites have hot showers and flush toilets. We will have plenty of water at stations along the trails, and will provide portable toilet facilities at points along the trail to be determined.
What type of shoes should I wear?
Space is limited to two pairs of footwear. We suggest one pair be kept dry and the other used for wet situations. Change them accordingly to maintain a dry pair. Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots. Light wool socks will add comfort.
Can I bring my cell phone if I use it for scripture reading?
Electronics are not allowed on the Trek.
What is the terrain like?
Wooded, hilly, creeks and swampy areas. Camp is by a large lake
Is there an emergency evacuation plan in the event of severe weather, etc.?
Yes. We will carefully monitor the weather as it develops and respond accordingly
What are the sleeping accommodations at Trek?
Each Trek family will have three tents, one each for Young Men, Young Women, and Ma/Pa. We will camp in the same location each night; there will be no need to pack and move tents during the Trek.
Will water be available for showering, washing hair or for water activities?
Yes, although there may be long lines for the showers. There is a lake nearby.
Is make-up and perfume not allowed on Trek?
Perfume or anything else scented will attract mosquitoes and other biting insects. You may apply a small amount of makeup as long as it does not delay your family group.
Why is it strongly suggested that we wear glasses instead of contacts?
Heat, wind, and blowing dust will make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. You may wear contact lenses at your own discretion and risk.
How will youth be divided into families while on the Trek?
By the leaders of High Point Stake
What types of activities will participants enjoy while on the Trek?
- Pioneer games each evening
- Western dancing
- Reenactments of pioneer stories along the trail
- Women’s handcart pull
- Firesides, morning devotionals, family councils, testimony meeting
- Music