Your Trek Family

Roles and Responsibilities

·      You will be the leader of your family for 3 days. You will be responsible for 8-10 youth of varying ages, strengths, and backgrounds. As a family you will pull and push the handcart together, sweat together, eat, camp, laugh and cry together! You will enjoy these sweet relationships for years to come!

Enhance the spiritual experience

·      Perhaps your greatest responsibility is to love each youth as the Savior does and foster an environment where each participant will have the opportunity to feel the Spirit. Begin now to pray for the youth who will be a part of your family. This will be your greatest resource so that you can receive help and guidance when you need it. Prepare spiritually and seek the Spirit in all you do and say. One of the most important responsibilities is helping the youth benefit spiritually from the trek. Music, stories, testimonies, expressions of love, and family discussions help create an environment in which the Spirit can teach and inspire youth.

Build unity

·      The Ma and Pa strive to help members of their group become unified and develop supportive friendships. They ask group members to stay together rather than join with other groups. To help build unity, the Ma and Pa model in their relationship the skills they hope the youth will acquire or increase. They work together in harmony, support one another, and have fun together.

Set expectations

·      As the trek begins, the Ma and Pa discuss expectations with their group. For example, they could explain the importance of working together to make the trek experience beneficial for everyone. They help the youth understand that this doesn’t happen automatically but will require the efforts of each person. Another expectation to discuss is the importance of showing courtesy and respect to each other. 

Keep things positive 

·      The Ma and Pa set a good example of being positive. They should be loving, humble, and firm, while also having fun. Be positive, encouraging and enthusiastic. If one or more youth are detracting from the experience of others, the Ma and Pa counsel with them. Most treks have challenges, but the Ma and Pa can help the group face them positively and prayerfully. 

Use Music Effectively

·      Music can be an effective tool in teaching. You will have many opportunities to sing. Music can help set the tone and change the mood quickly and effectively. Learn and make up silly songs as a family to keep things fun and upbeat.

Challenge youth to participate wholeheartedly

·      The Ma and Pa make every effort to help the youth in their group become engaged in the trek. Rather than doing most of the work themselves, they help all youth work together and make contributions. The Ma and Pa encourage youth to step outside of their comfort zones, although they must not require them to do anything against their will.

Allow Youth to Grow 

·      Allow youth to show their creative skills as they work together to solve problems.  Give them time to figure things out and develop their potential.

Be there

·      The Ma and Pa are present for the entire trek and walk with their group the entire way. They seek to understand the thoughts, feelings, and personalities of each group member. They talk with and listen to the youth individually and as a group. 

Be flexible 

·      Some families are outgoing and lively, while others are quiet and reserved. The Ma and Pa guide their group’s development according to the personalities of those in the group, with the assistance of the Spirit. 

Lead family discussions

·      The Ma and Pa encourage youth to share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences. They encourage group discussions in formal and informal settings, such as mealtimes, campfires, and devotionals. The Ma and Pa also share their own experiences, talk about their own feelings, and testify of truth. 

Maintain hydration and encourage safety (See Medical Information)

·      The Ma and Pa ensure that all group members (including themselves) drink plenty of water. They also encourage youth to be safe and to protect themselves from injury and illness. They observe each of their youth to ensure that they are not sick or unduly struggling. If any questions or concerns arise, they contact a member of the medical team immediately. 

Keep track of participants

·      The Ma and Pa keep track of the youth in their group at all times 

Study & Know the Pioneer Stories

·      Find your own pioneer ancestors or hero to study about and walk for. Think about how their example or faith can influence your own life. Be prepared to share with the youth how they have impacted your faith and actions. 

Prepare Physically

·      Trek requires physical stamina. Begin exercising regularly if it is not currently part of your lifestyle. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short time. Ma’s and Pa’s should be prepared to walk 3 miles an hour and be capable of walking up to 8 miles a day while pulling a heavy handcart over rough terrain. Set a weekly goal and start now! 

You might consider: Walking 4-5 times per week. Increase mileage each week.

Prepare Spiritually

·      Pioneer Trek is like going on a mission. It requires spiritual preparation. 

To be effective leaders additional effort is vital to bring our lives in tune with the Spirit. Here are some suggestions:

·      Personal and family prayer each day - pray for your trek family

·      Pray to listen to the Spirit- follow promptings

·      Read from the Book of Mormon everyday

·      Additional scripture study

·      Draw closer to your spouse

·      Seek to serve and love one another

·      Pray for increased unity in your marriage and family

·      Attend the temple regularly

·      Study and memorize The Living Christ

·      Improve teaching and listening skills

We hope as a couple you will take time to review the materials in this Handbook in detail and seek the guidance of the Lord as to things you may need to know and understand to best fill this role. We pray for your strength, stamina, patience, and inspiration to be guided in all that is to come. 

We are so grateful for your willingness to serve. Trek could not happen without you!