Prepwork

We suggest that you begin walking / hiking 3 times a week, at least 1-2 miles each time. As your cardiovascular endurance increases, it would be ideal to increase your time and
distance. Over the next several months work towards walking 3-5 miles at one time, at least
once during the week. Grab a friend and take a walk, jog or hike or participate in a sport.

We encourage everyone who goes on trek to wear pioneer style clothing, but we don’t want it to be a burden. There are many resources to make this
requirement achievable. Now is the time to begin your search for the clothing you will need.
For more details about clothing requirements plus some great ideas and resources for pioneer
clothing, visit the Pioneer clothing webpage.

Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you wrong and that means foot pain and blisters.  Hiking boots will work but running shoes seem to work best. The most important thing is to break your shoes in before trek. When you do your practice walks and hikes mentioned above, wear the actual shoes you plan to wear on trek. It’s better to find out now if they will work for you than on trek.

If you haven’t spent a good amount of time outside and in the heat, the sudden change can be very hard on your body and may be a disaster waiting to happen. Your body needs time to adapt. Take the opportunity before trek to spend time
outdoors in various kinds of weather but especially in the heat so you can become acclimated to these conditions. Also, increase your daily water intake and perhaps eliminate soda from your diet.

Make your pioneer trek more meaningful by learning about the Mormon Pioneers. Why did they leave their homes? What did they hope for? What challenges
did they face? How do their experiences encourage you?

In addition to learning about the pioneers, take time to search out your own ancestors and family history. They don’t have to be pioneers to have inspiring stories that will help and lift you.

To easily find stories on the Family Search site, go to https://stories.familyfoundapp.com  Log in with your Family Search username and password. This app will compile your family stories in one place. Decide on a story that is meaningful to you and plan on walking for that ancestor.

As you study your family history, decide on one of your ancestors, whose story is meaningful to you. Dedicate your Trek to that ancestor.

The theme for Trek is the 2023 Youth Theme “Finding Strength in Christ.” Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”

Kind of a no-brainer but attending church is great spiritual preparation.

Keep up your daily prayers or begin daily prayer if you have been neglecting
them. Talk to God. Seek His guidance, help and counsel.

Perhaps re-read the scriptural passages that deal with the various
“exodus” experiences in the history of God’s people from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the
Doctrine and Covenants.