FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Trek?
The Trek is a special Multi-Stake Youth Conference where youth experience a 3-day re-enactment of a pioneer handcart trek.
What is the purpose of Trek?
The Trek will help us appreciate the faith, obedience, perseverance, sacrifice of early Mormon pioneers and connect to how we need the same attributes in our lives today. We will learn to build strength and community. The Trek will truly help us to connect to Christ as we involve him in our lives.
What will we do on Trek?
We will push and pull handcarts just as the pioneers did. We will sing, dance, camp, eat great food, learn, make new friends, and have lots of fun. We will exercise faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. We will feel the spirit and come closer to the Savior.
What is the theme for the Trek?
Connections: Past to Present; To Each Other; To Christ.
When is the Trek?
The 3-day handcart Trek will be July 6 - 8, 2023.
Is there a cost to go on Trek?
Your Stake will cover the cost for those participating in the Trek.
Who can go on Trek?
All youth turning 14 to age 18 in 2023, graduating seniors included.
Where is the location for the Trek?
The Trek will be held on a private ranch in the mountains outside of Santa Barbara. Check-in and pick-up will be at Live Oak Camp located off State Highway 154 (see About).
What are the requirements to go on the Trek?
All who participate must complete the Registration Form and the Medical Form (Registration Forms). Youth must also sign the Standards of Dress and Conduct Form. You must be physically able to walk 25 miles (parts of the Trek will be strenuous) over a 3-day period.
How much walking will we do?
We will push and pull handcarts for at least 25 miles over 3 days. It is important to be in shape and have good, broken-in walking shoes.
How can I best prepare for Trek?
Physical, mental, and spiritual preparation is important for a meaningful and successful Trek experience. Reading about pioneer history, and studying the Book of Mormon will be very helpful (How to Prepare). Walking frequently in the shoes you will wear on Trek will add to your comfort.
What do I wear on Trek?
You will wear pioneer clothing. ALL participants, youth and adults, must be in pioneer clothing (What to Wear).
When do I need to have my pioneer clothes?
Plan on having your pioneer clothing one month prior to Trek.
What do I take on Trek?
Please refer to Packing List which outline our equipment and clothing requirements.
What about food on Trek?
You will need to eat a good breakfast at home the morning of the Trek. Bring a nutritious lunch with you to eat on the first day. Water, food, and snacks will be provided for the remainder of the Trek. DO NOT bring any other food items. If you have any special dietary restrictions, please be sure to indicate that on your registration form and you will be given instructions regarding how to address them.
Can I wear contact lenses?
The use of contacts is discouraged due to possible windy or dusty conditions. Eyeglasses are preferred. If you must wear contacts, bring a sturdy pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Can I bring personal electronic devices or a camera on the Trek?
NO personal electronic devices such as cell phones, no smart watches, ipod/MP3 players, iPads, or gaming devices allowed. A non-cell phone camera is allowed. Photographers will be on the Trek documenting the experience. Cell phones and electronic devices will be stored for the duration of the Trek.
How will we be organized for pulling handcarts and camping?
Each youth will be assigned to a "family" consisting of youth from throughout the various Stakes and an adult Ma and Pa. As a "family", you will have a handcart to transport your belongings. You will camp with your family on tarps. 7-8 families will be organized into a Company which will function under the direction of a Company Couple.
What medical assistance will be available?
Each Company will be accompanied with 2 medics as they walk during the day to assist with any immediate medical concerns (i.e. blisters, heat issues, etc.) The camp medical tent will be staffed with licensed nurses and/or physicians, as well as mental health professionals.
Can I come to Trek late and leave early?
NO. You must arrive and leave as scheduled.
Can family members/friends come visit "trekkers"?
NO. Only registered participants are allowed on the ranch.
Further Information:
No children under 14 allowed in camp at any time
No extra vehicles allowed
No bike riding allowed
No quads allowed
The Trek is a special Multi-Stake Youth Conference where youth experience a 3-day re-enactment of a pioneer handcart trek.
What is the purpose of Trek?
The Trek will help us appreciate the faith, obedience, perseverance, sacrifice of early Mormon pioneers and connect to how we need the same attributes in our lives today. We will learn to build strength and community. The Trek will truly help us to connect to Christ as we involve him in our lives.
What will we do on Trek?
We will push and pull handcarts just as the pioneers did. We will sing, dance, camp, eat great food, learn, make new friends, and have lots of fun. We will exercise faith, sacrifice, and perseverance. We will feel the spirit and come closer to the Savior.
What is the theme for the Trek?
Connections: Past to Present; To Each Other; To Christ.
When is the Trek?
The 3-day handcart Trek will be July 6 - 8, 2023.
Is there a cost to go on Trek?
Your Stake will cover the cost for those participating in the Trek.
Who can go on Trek?
All youth turning 14 to age 18 in 2023, graduating seniors included.
Where is the location for the Trek?
The Trek will be held on a private ranch in the mountains outside of Santa Barbara. Check-in and pick-up will be at Live Oak Camp located off State Highway 154 (see About).
What are the requirements to go on the Trek?
All who participate must complete the Registration Form and the Medical Form (Registration Forms). Youth must also sign the Standards of Dress and Conduct Form. You must be physically able to walk 25 miles (parts of the Trek will be strenuous) over a 3-day period.
How much walking will we do?
We will push and pull handcarts for at least 25 miles over 3 days. It is important to be in shape and have good, broken-in walking shoes.
How can I best prepare for Trek?
Physical, mental, and spiritual preparation is important for a meaningful and successful Trek experience. Reading about pioneer history, and studying the Book of Mormon will be very helpful (How to Prepare). Walking frequently in the shoes you will wear on Trek will add to your comfort.
What do I wear on Trek?
You will wear pioneer clothing. ALL participants, youth and adults, must be in pioneer clothing (What to Wear).
When do I need to have my pioneer clothes?
Plan on having your pioneer clothing one month prior to Trek.
What do I take on Trek?
Please refer to Packing List which outline our equipment and clothing requirements.
What about food on Trek?
You will need to eat a good breakfast at home the morning of the Trek. Bring a nutritious lunch with you to eat on the first day. Water, food, and snacks will be provided for the remainder of the Trek. DO NOT bring any other food items. If you have any special dietary restrictions, please be sure to indicate that on your registration form and you will be given instructions regarding how to address them.
Can I wear contact lenses?
The use of contacts is discouraged due to possible windy or dusty conditions. Eyeglasses are preferred. If you must wear contacts, bring a sturdy pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Can I bring personal electronic devices or a camera on the Trek?
NO personal electronic devices such as cell phones, no smart watches, ipod/MP3 players, iPads, or gaming devices allowed. A non-cell phone camera is allowed. Photographers will be on the Trek documenting the experience. Cell phones and electronic devices will be stored for the duration of the Trek.
How will we be organized for pulling handcarts and camping?
Each youth will be assigned to a "family" consisting of youth from throughout the various Stakes and an adult Ma and Pa. As a "family", you will have a handcart to transport your belongings. You will camp with your family on tarps. 7-8 families will be organized into a Company which will function under the direction of a Company Couple.
What medical assistance will be available?
Each Company will be accompanied with 2 medics as they walk during the day to assist with any immediate medical concerns (i.e. blisters, heat issues, etc.) The camp medical tent will be staffed with licensed nurses and/or physicians, as well as mental health professionals.
Can I come to Trek late and leave early?
NO. You must arrive and leave as scheduled.
Can family members/friends come visit "trekkers"?
NO. Only registered participants are allowed on the ranch.
Further Information:
No children under 14 allowed in camp at any time
No extra vehicles allowed
No bike riding allowed
No quads allowed
