Welcome
You were chosen to serve because of your great love for the Lord and your deep and abiding testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know you have a love for the youth in your ward, our stake and the church. You were carefully prayed about, pondered over and recommended by your bishop to our Stake Presidency – who also prayed and sought the Lord’s will regarding your selection. As a Ma and Pa you will help set the tone for the entire trek experience for the youth you lead in your family. Your positive influence can change the hearts and lives of our youth. For some youth, it will be a unique experience to have a Ma and Pa bound by temple covenants guiding personal and family decisions. Your example and your ability to remain positive through opposition will build and fortify the youth in your care. We thank you for accepting this responsibility.
Roles of Ma’s and Pa’s
Enhance the spiritual experience. The Ma and Pa prepare themselves spiritually and seek the Spirit in all they do and say. One of their 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.
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 group members 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.
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. 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. Opposition will present itself in many forms aimed at you personally and at the youth in your care. For some, the physical aspects of the trek will be a trial. For others, it will be social or emotional. Still others will struggle spiritually as they learn to feel the Spirit that will most certainly attend us in the many sacred places we visit. Please ensure that you follow the guidance and guidelines provided by our Stake Trek Leaders in your preparations – they are there for your protection and the protection of the youth you are responsible for.
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 group members 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. 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.
Physically Prepare. Pioneer treks require physical stamina. This stamina can be developed through obedience to the Word of Wisdom, eating wholesome foods, and participating in regular exercise aimed at the specific physical requirements of the trek itself. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time – for you – or for our youth. Each person should be able to walk three miles on level ground in 60 minutes without undue stress and be capable of walking up to 15 miles a day while pulling a heavy handcart over rough terrain. Most participates will benefit from improving their physical fitness before trek.
The following are some general guidelines that you should consider to get yourself and the youth in your family ready for trek:
- If needed, start slow by walking one mile a day for a few weeks – walking 4-5 times per week
- Increase your distance by half a mile each week thereafter until you are able to walk three miles in an hour, 4-5 times a week.
- A month before trek, add uphill climbs of at least a half mile to your walks.
- In the month or two before trek, take a day with your youth each week to walk the three miles in an hour together. This way you will know if any of your youth are not properly prepared and still have time to help them prepare.
- Take a day or two with your youth to walk at least 10 miles together before trek. Again, this will let you know if you or any of the youth you are responsible for may need some additional preparation to be ready for this day on the trek.