PROFILE OF THE IDEAL MA AND PA
Names for Mas and Pas need to be submitted to the Santa Barbara Stake by April 1, 2023.
Requirements:
1. Burning testimony of the Gospel.
2. Heart filled with love. Patient, and a good listener.
3. Good teacher/presenter (not afraid to speak with youth).
4. Physically able to walk 20-25 miles over a 3-day period.
5. Enthusiastic about the Trek.
6. Able to get the youth to follow instructions.
7. You would want your teenager to be in their family.
8. Complete a Live Scan as required by regional authorities prior to Trek. For detailed information on Live Scan, please review ALL of the following:
Requirements:
1. Burning testimony of the Gospel.
2. Heart filled with love. Patient, and a good listener.
3. Good teacher/presenter (not afraid to speak with youth).
4. Physically able to walk 20-25 miles over a 3-day period.
5. Enthusiastic about the Trek.
6. Able to get the youth to follow instructions.
7. You would want your teenager to be in their family.
8. Complete a Live Scan as required by regional authorities prior to Trek. For detailed information on Live Scan, please review ALL of the following:
- Leader Information Sheet, click here.
- Member Information Sheet, click here.
- To download form to be completed, click here.
- Outdoor experience and orientation.
EXPECTATIONS OF MAS AND PAS ON THE TREK
Your assignment as a Ma or Pa on the upcoming five-stake Pioneer Handcart Trek gives you an opportunity to influence a group of youth in a unique and far reaching way. Each Ma/Pa couple will have responsibility for a handcart and an 8-10 member "family" of youth. It will be a physically, spiritually, and interpersonally demanding experience.
Spiritual Preparation
You will be responsible for teaching the members of your "family" the lessons that can be learned from the Trek. There will be quiet time in camp and rest time along the trail for this activity with the youth.
1. We encourage you to prepare for this role through fasting, prayer, and scripture study.
2. Consider reviewing the history of the handcart pioneers.
Physical Requirements
Most of your job on the trail will be supervisory. You will not be pulling the handcart, nor will you be loading it. But, you must be sufficiently fit physically in order to perform certain demanding elements on the Trek such as:
1. Hiking up to 12 miles in a day (the second day);
2. Spending two nights sleeping on the ground, although you are welcome to bring a soft pad for comfort;
3. Not having constant access to food.
Along the Trail
You will not be involved in cooking food. That will be taken care of by a central commissary. You will be asked to help guide the youth in many aspects of the Trek such as setting up camp, loading, and pulling the handcart, and expanding their understanding of our pioneer ancestors. You will also have the opportunity to lead the youth in activities and discussions and train them in how to learn the lessons of the Trek. In all these areas you will receive training - both through a manual (see link below) and in ONE in-person training session of your choice to be held in 3 different locations. Hopefully the one closest to you works for your schedule, but feel free to come to any of them. The 3 scheduled trainings will be held:
Saturday, April 15, 2023 - 10:00 - 11:30AM at the Arroyo Grande Building (751 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande)
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - 10:00 - 11:30AM in Westlake Village (32165 Watergate Road, Westlake Village)
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - 3:00 - 4:30 PM at the Santa Barbara Stake Center (478 Cambridge Drive, Goleta, CA)
We thank you for your willingness to serve in this role which is vital to the success of Youth Conference. We know you will be greatly rewarded for your service. Please plan to arrive at the Trek site (Live Oak Camp) at 7:30 AM on Thursday, July 6th.
Ma and Pa Handbook
A very detailed handbook for Mas and Pas has been compiled. You can download this handbook by clicking HERE. We appreciate your willingness to be familiar with all the information that has been included. We feel reading and digesting this information will assist you in making your Ma and Pa experience a positive one for all.
Decorate a Pennant
Prior to Trek, you will be mailed a pennant. Please decorate one side of the pennant with your name and the other side with your assigned "Name of Christ". If you'd like, you can enlist youth in your Ward to assist in that decoration, or you can decorate it yourself. The youth in your Ward will not necessarily be in your "family", so although they may help you in decorating the pennant, it might not be the pennant of their family. IMPORTANT: Please remember to hold onto this pennant and bring it with you to Trek. Be prepared to discuss the meaning and significance of Christ's name and how it relates to us personally and as a community.
Personal Pioneer Story
Like the youth, you will need to bring a personal pioneer story to share. See the Youth Leader page for more information on the personal pioneer story.
Equipment List for Mas and Pas
You will be required to bring items for yourself as well as some items for your "family". Please download this list HERE for detailed information about what you will need to provide.
Ma/Pa Registration Form
Each Ma and Pa needs to complete a registration form. Click HERE for the link to that form.
Please contact Annie Simms at (805) 680-7373 [email protected]
or Alex Simms at (805) 680-7137 [email protected] for more information.
or Alex Simms at (805) 680-7137 [email protected] for more information.
