Frequently Asked Questions

1. WHERE ARE WE GOING ON TREK? We are going to the Mormon Handcart Historic Sites at Martin's Cove, Wyoming. We will camp near the Willie Visitor Center in the Cherry Creek Campground. On Friday we will break into families, visit Independence Rock, report to the Historic sites to receive our handcarts, trek to Veil Bridge and then trek to our campground where we will set up camp. Saturday we will trek at Martin's Cove and cross the Sweetwater River. These are all very sacred places because of the faith, obedience and sacrifice of the pioneers that traveled this trail. 2. HOW ARE WE GETTING THERE? WHAT IS THE COST? We will be traveling by chartered motor coach buses, with comfortable seating, DVD player and TV, and restroom facilities. The only cost is the $40.00 registration fee which should be paid to your ward. All food and transportation will be provided by the Stake. 3. WHO CAN GO ON TREK? Every youth in our Stake who is currently in high school is invited to attend. Our goal is to have every eligible youth come to Trek. If you have any questions, check with your Bishop. 4. HOW FAR ARE WE TREKKING? The trek will be approximately 15 miles long. We will trek 3 - 4 miles on the first day and 9 miles on the second day. Our third day is Sunday where we will be walking to church, but without our handcarts or gear. Along the way, we will take opportunities to have activities, firesides, and historical reenactments to learn about our pioneer heritage and the events at Martin’s Cove, Sweetwater Crossing, Veil Bridge, and Devils Gate. 6. CAN I BRING MY CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONICS? Please leave all electronic devices home. You will be able to better feel the spirit, and have a more meaningful pioneer experience if you are not distracted by technology. There is no electricity, no cell service, and items will become full of dust. Please do not bring: Valuables such as jewelry or watches Denim Pants or Levis, Baseball caps New shoes or flip flops Perfume, lotion, hairspray (these attract bugs) Games, frisbees, playing cards, magazines, or any other distractions from the modern world. We will be transformed into the year 1856, and have an amazing experience as we leave all the worldly influences behind. 7. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO WEAR? We will be wearing pioneer clothing for the entire trek. Part of the experience of trek is leaving the modern world behind and learning to appreciate the devotion and sacrifice of the pioneers. Wearing pioneer clothes creates a great atmosphere that brings a special spirit to the trek. Wards will assist youth in gathering, borrowing, and making pioneer clothing. Thrift stores are also a good resource. Be prepared for some warm and cold temperatures. Check the packing list in this packet for more details. 8. WHO WILL I BE TREKKING AND CAMPING WITH? We will be trekking and camping with our stake. We will organize into handcart groups of about 8 - 10 youth per handcart. You will have a Ma and a Pa that will care for your family. At night we will camp together as trek families with girls and boys sleeping in separate tents. The activities and meals will be held together as a Stake. 9. WHO WILL I BE TREKKING FOR? Each participant will trek for one of the pioneers from the Martin & Willie Handcart companies. We also encourage each youth to research a family ancestor to trek for as well as the pioneer that will be assigned to them. Resources will be provided to each ward to assist the youth in participating in their own family history research. Engaging in this family history work will bring a great spirit to Trek and will make the experience more meaningful to you. We encourage you to learn all you can about your ancestor and share those stories with your group on the Trek. More information is included in this packet. 10. WHAT KIND OF BUCKET DO I NEED AND WHERE DO I GET ONE? You will need a 5 gallon bucket and a secure lid. We are working on getting pricing from various hardware stores so that sturdy buckets can be purchased at a low price. You may already have a sturdy bucket or know someone who will give you one. We will be providing each youth with a sturdy, screw on lid that is waterproof and can be easily taken on and off.