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.
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