Planning: The Key to a Great Pioneer Trek

I am looking for comments from those who have participated in Pioneer Treks.  What worked?  What didn't work?  Feel free to post your comments below.

Comments

[Janet]

My husband and I were involved in our stake's Pioneer Trek a couple of years ago. I was disappointed in several of the decisions made. We went to Martin's Cove and although there were many positive experiences throughout the week I would have done some things differently.

The following 2 things I would have changed:

1. The food was prepared & cleaned up by a staff of adults every meal with no pioneer recipes/foods included. Their idea was that if the youth heard that they would be eating only pioneer food they would not come. They also gave them koolaid in their water jugs on the handcarts and the Ma's and Pa's had treats/candy in their backpacks that they gave out along the trail. They never went hungry or thirsty.

2. The Women's Pull was maybe 45 seconds long. The men didn't stay with their families but walked behind talking with each other. When the pull was finished the Stake President pulled the young men aside and gave them a talk on chastity. The whole experience was so disappointing.

On a positive note.....

1. They did square dancing with a fiddler and a caller for over an hour. That involved everyone and was a lot of fun.

2. We had someone video the entire week and then made a movie of it to show at the closing fireside after we came home.

Because we were at Martin's Cove there were some restrictions. It was a good experience, but, after comparing it with my Treking experiences the youth did not get a true and authentic "Pioneer experience" like they could have. Much more could have been learned.

Janet

[Julie]

I have been on two treks as a Ma with my husband as Pa. Both have been great experiences, yet both have been different. I feel that the planning has to start at minimum a year in advance. We are going on our third trek this upcoming summer. We are very excited. Here are some ideas:
1. Start training ma's and pa's early and give them adequate information. In the training have them work together on projects.
2. Give the ma's and pa's a training trek where they get to experience the trek on a smaller version so they can help their kids. On the training trek have them practice their cooking skills. Our stake has us do the cooking and the support staff is never seen other than when the big brother and big sister of the day go to collect the food.
3. Make sure to focus on the spiritual aspect. Our women's pull is always one of the most spiritual experiences. Our first year was the best. Our stake had organized for some young men from another stake to come dressed in proper military attire from the time of the pioneers. They were playing instruments as they arrived at our break site. Prior to them arriving, during our break our aunts and uncles (trail walkers) started talking about some of the trials of the pioneers. As they finished they were talking about how men had to leave their families to go help others, perhaps they died, or they left to serve for their country who had abandoned them. At this point, the cavalry arrived. They then took all the men and left us women to fend for ourselves. We were nearing dusk and very tired. Some were crying, including some of the men. We were discussing how difficult it had been to pull the wagons with the men and how we didn't know how we would do it. Well, with the Ma's in the yoke and the girls on the ropes, behind, and one in the yoke, we pulled out. It was a struggle, but a very spiritual experience. There is no talking during our pull. Our stake chooses the most difficult part of the trail for our women's pull. Our girls are strong and they prove this not only to others, but most importantly to themselves. As we pulled up a very long and steep hill, as we came near the top, we saw that there was a short flat area and then another hill. At the top of the second hill, we saw our men. They were lined up upon the crest of the second hill, with their hats off in honor of us women. WOW, tears are flowing again as I write this. As we came upon the men, they had been instructed not to touch the wagons or to assist in any way. All they could do was provide encouragement through a rub of the shoulders, a push on the back, a squeeze, etc. Still no talking allowed. At the end of the pull, they moved us off to the left, through a field, and a steep lip. At this point, the men could assist again to help through this rough terrain. Suddenly, we could hear a harmonica and a violin in the distance playing "Come, Come, Ye Saints". Everyone was now crying like babies. The spirit was the strongest most of these kids had witnessed. We pulled into the field which overlooked the valley. What a sight. As everyone pulled into a circle with the violin and harmonica playing. We then joined together in singing. Even with over 400 people, you could barely hear anyone singing. It was so touching. Our stake president then bore his testimony as did our trail boss. We then split back into families and talked of the experience and our feelings. WOW!
4. Eat pioneer food, wear pioneer clothing, sleep under the stars, but have tarps to cover just in case. Make it as authentic as can be. Also, don't limit the water. This is very important. It will still be a struggle without limiting the water and food.

Hope this helps!

[Julie]

I have been on two treks as a Ma with my husband as Pa. Both have been great experiences, yet both have been different. I feel that the planning has to start at minimum a year in advance. We are going on our third trek this upcoming summer. We are very excited. Here are some ideas:
1. Start training ma's and pa's early and give them adequate information. In the training have them work together on projects.
2. Give the ma's and pa's a training trek where they get to experience the trek on a smaller version so they can help their kids. On the training trek have them practice their cooking skills. Our stake has us do the cooking and the support staff is never seen other than when the big brother and big sister of the day go to collect the food.
3. Make sure to focus on the spiritual aspect. Our women's pull is always one of the most spiritual experiences. Our first year was the best. Our stake had organized for some young men from another stake to come dressed in proper military attire from the time of the pioneers. They were playing instruments as they arrived at our break site. Prior to them arriving, during our break our aunts and uncles (trail walkers) started talking about some of the trials of the pioneers. As they finished they were talking about how men had to leave their families to go help others, perhaps they died, or they left to serve for their country who had abandoned them. At this point, the cavalry arrived. They then took all the men and left us women to fend for ourselves. We were nearing dusk and very tired. Some were crying, including some of the men. We were discussing how difficult it had been to pull the wagons with the men and how we didn't know how we would do it. Well, with the Ma's in the yoke and the girls on the ropes, behind, and one in the yoke, we pulled out. It was a struggle, but a very spiritual experience. There is no talking during our pull. Our stake chooses the most difficult part of the trail for our women's pull. Our girls are strong and they prove this not only to others, but most importantly to themselves. As we pulled up a very long and steep hill, as we came near the top, we saw that there was a short flat area and then another hill. At the top of the second hill, we saw our men. They were lined up upon the crest of the second hill, with their hats off in honor of us women. WOW, tears are flowing again as I write this. As we came upon the men, they had been instructed not to touch the wagons or to assist in any way. All they could do was provide encouragement through a rub of the shoulders, a push on the back, a squeeze, etc. Still no talking allowed. At the end of the pull, they moved us off to the left, through a field, and a steep lip. At this point, the men could assist again to help through this rough terrain. Suddenly, we could hear a harmonica and a violin in the distance playing "Come, Come, Ye Saints". Everyone was now crying like babies. The spirit was the strongest most of these kids had witnessed. We pulled into the field which overlooked the valley. What a sight. As everyone pulled into a circle with the violin and harmonica playing. We then joined together in singing. Even with over 400 people, you could barely hear anyone singing. It was so touching. Our stake president then bore his testimony as did our trail boss. We then split back into families and talked of the experience and our feelings. WOW!
4. Eat pioneer food, wear pioneer clothing, sleep under the stars, but have tarps to cover just in case. Make it as authentic as can be. Also, don't limit the water. This is very important. It will still be a struggle without limiting the water and food.

Hope this helps!

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