Gear Needs To Be Turned In Saturday

Hey, Trekkers,

Your gear, except for a set of pioneer clothes and a few other personal items mentioned in previous posts, needs to be turned in on Saturday (tomorrow) between 5 and 7 pm. Take it to the Sorenson's. You'll see the big trailer parked outside their house.

We'll be leaving Monday morning 5:30 a.m. Meet in the church parking lot. Bring a sack lunch.

The Menu For Trek

Hi Trekkers,

Sister Ashman has finalized the menu and asked me to post it here. Look it over. If there are meals you simply cannot eat, come prepared with your favorite cold cereal as a substitute. Personally, I think the food looks amazingly delicious and nourishing. You can also bring your own snacks, but please do not bring things that have small wrappers. The missionaries have asked us to avoid this, as it litters up the area.

Monday Breakfast:  Eat before you come.
Lunch:  Sack lunch at Independence Rock (You need to bring a sack lunch from home to eat here).
Dinner: Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, chips, watermelon, scones and honey butter.

Tuesday Breakfast: Pancakes, eggs, sausage, watermelon, cantaloupe, tang, cocoa, milk.
Lunch: Sack lunches at Hancart Parking; sandwiches on rolls, oranges, chips, cookies
Dinner: Roast beef & brown gravy, potato pearls, potatoes, rolls, green salad, corn, cake, lemonade

Wednesday Breakfast: Breakfast casserole (eggs, bacon, sausage, has browns, cheese), grapes, left-over oranges, Tang, cocoa.
Lunch: Sack lunches on trail; bread sandwiches, carrot sticks, etc., Powerade to drink on the trail.
Dinner:  Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread, green salad, pies.

Thursday Breakfast:  French toast sticks, muffins, ham, strawberries, Tang, cocoa, milk.
Lunch: Sandwiches on rolls, etc.

Snacks every day: Licorice, trail mix, fruit snacks, granola bars, apple slices, chips and salsa, string cheese.

Things to Pack in a Separate Bag and Bring in the Car

Hi youth, parents, Ma's and Pa's, and visitors,

Trek is just a few days away and we're getting so excited! We can hardly wait to share the experience of reenacting the pioneer trek with you.

We need to have you pack a few things into a grocery bag or a tote bag, separate from your bucket or duffel and bring them with you in the vehicle you will be traveling in. These are the items to put in the bag:

• Pioneer outfit to change into (you can travel in street clothes!)
  
• Any medications you will need
  
• A small packet of tissues
  
• Lip Balm-- the ward is providing this, thanks to Sister VanDerHoeven
  
• Insect Repellant
• A pen to write with
  
• Your lunch, including something to drink
  

Most of these items are on the big packing list, and you don't need two of the items, you just need to have them on hand when we arrive at Martin's Cove and before we will go to camp.

Thanks!
Paul & Karen Dupaix

Some Important Items

Hi Youth and Parents and Ma's and Pa's and anyone else who happens by.

There are a few important things you need to be aware of.

First, I'm adding lip balm to the packing list. You need to bring lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15. Higher is better.

Also, anyone going on Trek needs to start drinking lots of water NOW. This will help your body adjust to drinking lots of water during Trek. You'll be glad you started now.  Please don't disregard this. It really is important.

Also, remember the TC Christensen fireside on Sunday at the stake center. I've heard some great reviews of the movie, "17 Miracles," and I expect great things from this fireside. You don't want to miss it. Families are invited, even if you're not attending Trek.

The Trek Schedule

Trek Schedule

EC 1^st Ward, July 11-14, 2011

Monday, 7/11/2011 Walk With Each Other

            5:30 a.m.        Leave church parking lot, travel to Wyoming.

            12:30 p.m.      Arrive at Independence Rock.

·         Eat Lunch

·         Change Clothes

·         Discuss Theme

·         Divide youth into handcart families

·         Pass out supplies

·         Decorate flags

2:00 p.m.        Arrive at Martin’s Cove.

2:30 p.m.        View Orientation Video at Trek Center. (camp crew head to campgrounds)

3:30 p.m.        Hike to & set up camp at Cherry Creek E. Campgrounds – 3 miles,   approximately 2 hours

6:00 p.m.        Dinner

7:00-8 p.m.    Square Dancing - Missionaries

7:30-9 p.m.    Ephriam Hanks (1 hour, provided by missionaries)

10:00 p.m.      Family prayer, bedtime.

Tuesday, 7/12/2011 Walk With the Handcart Pioneers

            7:00 a.m.        Wake

            7:30 a.m.        Breakfast & clean-up

            8:30 a.m.        Leave for Cove (2 miles) (camp crew packs up)

            10:00 a.m.      Cove walk –15 minutes in Dan Jones Cove, then the Cove Talk in Lower Cove (shaded). I think we can take 30 minutes there. Then, a quiet walk through Martin’s Cove and back to Handcart Parking.

            1:30                Sack Lunch at Handcart Parking.

            2:30 p.m.        Turn in Handcarts, Visit Visitor's Center

4:30                Leave for Willie 6^th Crossing

6:00 p.m.        Arrive at Willy 6^th Crossing, set up camp at Sweetwater Campgrounds

            6:30 p.m.        Dinner

            7:30 p.m.        Fireside

            9:00 p.m.        Family Group Activities

            10:00 p.m.      Family prayer, bedtime

Wednesday, 7/13/2011 Walk With the Savior

            7:00 a.m.        Wake

            7:30 a.m.        Breakfast & clean-up

            9:00 a.m.        Begin 10 mile trail walk.

·         Lunch on the trail

·         Women’s pull

·         Three river crossings (at the last one, they can play)

4:30 p.m.        (Or whenever we get back to camp)

                        Solo Time

                        Family Group Activities

            6:00 p.m.        Dinner

            7:00 p.m.        Pioneer (pony) Express

            8:00 p.m.        Testimony Meeting

            10:00 p.m.      Family prayer, bedtime.

Thursday, 7/14/2011 Walk With Me

            7:00 a.m.        Wake

            7:30 a.m.        Breakfast

            8:30 a.m.        Solo Time

            9:00 a.m.        Leave for Rock Creek Hollow

            10:00 a.m.      Arrive at Rock Creek Hollow

            10:30 a.m.      Pioneer Stories at Rock Creek (missionaries)

                        Pictures

            12:00 p.m.     Lunch, leave for Lehi.

Packing List

Hi, I'm putting the packing list here on the blog because I keep adding things to it and I want you to have access to the most recent version of the list. So, here it is:

PACKING LIST

Girls:

·         Light-colored, light weight dress or skirt (2) about ankle length

·         Light colored button-front long sleeved blouse if wearing skirt (2 or more)

·        Shorts, scrubs, leggings or pantaloons (long pantaloons will help keep ticks off) to wear under skirt

·         Sunbonnet or wide-brimmed hat

·         Apron (optional, but nice for staying cleaner)

·         2 pairs of socks for each day – not cotton! You won't necessarily wear both pair at once, but you can change part way through the day.

·         3-4 changes of underwear

·         Pajamas

·         Well-worn-in shoes or boots for walking

·         Water shoes for river crossings

·         Sanitary supplies

Boys:

·         White or cream button-front long sleeved shirt (2 or more)

·         Khaki pants like Dockers (2)

·         Wide-brimmed hat (NOT baseball cap), with chin strap to keep it on in the wind

·         Well-worn-in shoes or boots for walking

·         Water shoes for river crossings

·         3-4 changes of underwear

·         2 pairs of socks for each day—not cotton!

·         Pajamas

Everyone:
Dirty Clothes bag or kitchen garbage bag

Lip balm with at least 15 SPF NEW!! SUPPLIED BY THE WARD

·         Sack lunch for the first day
      Flashlight or headlamp

·         Sunscreen (the ward will supply)

·         Mess Kit (plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, spoon)

·         Rain coat or poncho with hood

·         Sleeping bag

·         Fleece bag liner or small blanket

·         Sleeping pad
Bungee Cord for keeping sleeping bag or pad rolled up

·         Insect repellant with DEET

·         Baby wipes

·         Deodorant

·         Small bottle of hand sanitizer (supplied by the ward)

·         Permethrin, sprayed ahead of time on clothing and gear to prevent ticks

·         Washcloth for spit baths if desired

·         Tooth brush

·         Tooth paste

·         Work gloves to protect hands while pushing/pulling handcart

·         Contact lens supplies if needed

·         Re-fillable water bottle or camel back

·         Camera (optional)

·         Scriptures

·         Journal

·         Pen

·         5-Gallon bucket with lid  or duffel bag

·         Camp chair

DO NOT BRING:

Cot

Electronic gadgets of any kind, including cell phones

Bad attitude

Makeup (okay, this is optional, but the girls won’t have time to put it on and they'll just sweat it off--and it attracts mosquitos!)

Cotton socks

Flip flops

Shoes that have not been broken in

Baseball cap

Update on the buckets, etc.

Hi Eaglecrest Saints,

Since we'll be bringing camping chairs to sit on for Trek, there's really no compelling reason to bring a 5-gallon bucket. So, if you haven't already purchased a bucket, you don't need to. You can pack your gear in a duffel bag instead. You still need to limit what you bring to what is on the list, but the duffel bags will work better inside the tents and packing into the trailer. You are still welcome to bring a bucket if you desire. One benefit of the buckets is that they are waterproof.

Youth, you will be happy to learn that you won't have to travel in pioneer clothing. We'll change once we get to Independence Rock.

I'll be posting the packing list here on the website as soon as I get a moment.

Parents, please fill out and return the registration forms and health form ASAP. Ma's and Pa's, you need to get a health form from us too.

Those who have taken sewing project bags home--THANK YOU!! You're awesome! I need to get them back as soon as you can finish them up.

Karen Dupaix

Bucket List

Hi Trekkers,

For the trek, each person going will need to purchase a white, 5-gallon bucket with a lid. This will be your suitcase and camp chair during our time in Wyoming. Ma's and Pa's may want to consider bringing one of those lid-opening tools with them...I'm just saying.

Chafing

Chafing happens when sweat and skin come together. Chafing commonly occurs in the crotch area, under arms and on thighs. It can make walking pretty miserable, but there are some excellent products that can reduce or eliminate chafing problems. Here are some products you can try to see what works for you:

• Sport Shield silicone liquid roll-on
• Body glide - looks like deodorant. Also good to prevent blisters on feet.
• Squeeky Cheeks Performance Powder
• SportsStick. Effective, but pricey
• Compression shorts. This might be a good option, since the girls have to wear shorts under their skirts anyway.

So, that gives you a few options. Be sure to bring some kind of protection if you even suspect you might be susceptible to chafing. You won't be sorry.

More on Clothing

What About Clothing?

When youth participate in sports events, they wear the uniform of their team. When they participate in trek, they wear pioneer clothing. The wearing of traditional pioneer clothing when participating in trek will add to the spirit and authenticity of the experience. However, the spending of excess money and time on obtaining such clothing is strongly discouraged. Many, if not all of the necessary articles of clothing can be found in one’s existing wardrobe or at the local DI.

All youth should bring two outfits.

Girls will need to wear a long sleeved, light colored buttoned-front blouse, a mid-calf to ankle length skirt and a sunbonnet. Long, floor-length skirts are too long for walking in and they tend to get stepped on. Skirts should not be heavy or dark, due to the hot weather. Cotton fabrics are best. They also should  look like something the pioneers may have worn. In other words, animal prints and glittery fabrics are not appropriate for trek. The girls can wear an apron if they wish, which will help them keep their skirts clean. They also must wear some kind of shorts under their skirts for modesty. This can be bloomers or bike shorts or whatever they have that will not be too hot under their skirts and will keep them modest.

Boys will need khaki (light colored) pants (like Dockers) and a buttoned-front, long-sleeved, light-colored shirt. A wide-brimmed hat is also needed for sun protection. No baseball caps.

Tee-shirts and jeans will not be allowed. Any youth showing up in tee-shirts or jeans will be given appropriate clothing to wear of the leaders’ choice and questionable fit.

All youth need to wear good walking or hiking shoes or boots. They need not look like pioneer shoes. These need to be well-broken in before trek. This is very important to prevent blisters. The trail is usually dry, but can be muddy, even in July.

Exciting Fireside Opportunity

We just received word yesterday that movie director TC Christensen (pictured above on the right) will come to our area to talk about the research he's done over the past two years into the personal stories of members of the Willie and Martin handcart companies. He has done this research in preparation for the upcoming movie he directed, 17 Miracles, which will be in theaters starting June 3. Brother Christensen will share his own experiences, as well as those of the pioneers he has researched.

We will be inviting the other wards in our stake who are also going on Trek this summer to join us in this fireside, which will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 7 p.m. in the Stake Center. Spread the word. This is going to be an amazing fireside!

You can read more about the upcoming movie here.

Tick Talk

Some years ticks aren't much of a problem at Martins Cove and Willey 6th Crossing, but other years they're a pretty big problem. We won't know what kind of year they're having this year until we get there, so we need to prepare for the worse case scenario. Ticks can carry some pretty nasty diseases and we want to prevent tick bites as much as possible.

Included in the packing list will be insect repellent. Please be sure the repellent is packed and used at Trek.

The missionaries at Martin's Cove told us about a product called Permethrin. It is an insect repellent for clothing and bedding. It is pictured at the left. There are other brands available. You spray it on clothing and let it dry. It will continue to repel ticks and other critters through 6 washings. This product is not to be sprayed on the skin; it is only for clothing and gear.

Please purchase this product, which is available at Cabella's and other outdoor supply stores. Spray all your clothing and sleeping bags/pads before coming on Trek.

TICK REMOVAL:

Dave McOmber has forwarded some information on tick removal that is useful for those of us going on Trek. It can be found here. Tweezers will be provided in the small first aid kit that each Ma and Pa will be given.

You Will Need Two Outfits

Dear Trekkers,

I don't know if it's been mentioned before, but everyone who is going on trek will need to bring two pioneer outfits. This is because you are likely to get dirty, sweaty and wet from river crossings. Please make sure you have two outfits lined up to bring. See other posts for clothing specifics, or feel free to email me with any questions.

Parental Permission and Medical Release Form for Trek

Here is a link to the official parental permission and medical release form. It's the same one we use for all of our away-from-campus youth activities.

All youth attending trek must have one of these forms completed and signed by their parent/guardian in order to attend trek.

So, here's what you do:

1. Print the PDF form from this church site: Permission and medical release form
2. Fill out the form, visit the doctor if necessary to ensure good health.
3. Get the form signed by a parent or guardian.
4. Return the form to Brother or Sister Dupaix before July 1st.

That's it. Simple, but necessary. Do it now. Don't wait because you can't go unless we have one of these forms for you.

Please note: other medical forms may be required, as deemed necessary by the trek committee.

Free Pioneer Clothing Patterns Online

Hi Trekkers,

I found some great patterns and other helpful information on this website:
http://www.mormontrek.net/Pack/PioneerPack.htm

Clothing does not have to be exactly period appropriate, but we want to have the same look.

Aprons are not required for our young women for trek, but they come in very handy and help to keep skirts clean.

Here's the direct link to the apron pattern
Here's a link to a sunbonnet pattern

If you would like to borrow a pattern for a sunbonnet (more traditional than the pattern above) and skirt, contact Sister Dupaix (krndpx@yahoo.com). There are four of these patterns circulating through the ward.

New Page - Fireside Hand Out

We had a great trek kick-off on Sunday, January 23rd. It was well attended and the Spirit was strong.

After the fireside, trek participants were given a three page hand-out with trek information. I have also made this hand-out available on this blog. Just look for the tab above the slide show with the appropriate title.

Thank you to all who  made our fireside a success. I am so excited for trek!

Hiking Boots & Shoes

I recently bought a pair of hiking boots at Big 5 Sports. They have some great sales on some good boots and shoes. It's a smart idea to buy them now because they're less expensive, since it's off-season for hiking. I paid $16 for my boots, which normally sell for $39.

We Have Ma's and Pa's!

Bishop Daniels has called seven couples (and they've accepted) to serve as Ma's and Pa's for our upcoming trek. They are as follows:

Brother and Sister Zitzman
Brother and Sister Pearson
Brother and Sister Kelly
Brother and Sister Burningham
Brother and Sister Sullivan
Brother and Sister Sorenson (Eric)
Brother and Sister Nelson (Sister Nelson is also helping with Family/Pioneer Ancestor Research)

Also on our trek committee are:

Bishop Daniels - Priesthood leader
Brother Taylor - Trail Boss
Sister Ashman - Food
Sister Daniels - Music
Sister H. Moore - Pioneer Stories
Brother & Sister Dupaix - Committee Chairs (Sister Dupaix is also the clothing specialist)
M. Taylor and B. Judd - youth representatives

I think that's it for now. More will come so stay tuned!

You Want Me to What??

I love to camp--in my trailer, with all the comforts of home. In it I have heat, running water, air conditioning, a soft bed, a stove, fridge, shower, table, etc. It's not really camping, but I love it.

So, why would someone like me be excited about four days of camping in the relatively primitive conditions during trek? It is a good question.

I am excited about trek because, even though I've never gone on one, I have talked to people who have. When these people talk about their trek experiences, they get this look in their eye that returned missionaries get when asked about their missions. Mostly what they say is, "It's an amazing, life-changing experience, well-worth any sacrifice to go." They don't usually go into many details, because spiritual experiences are often hard to put into words, but the feeling is definitely there.

I was privileged to go to Martin's Cove a few months ago for some trek training. That mini-trek experience was awesome. Sure, my air mattress wouldn't inflate and the wind threatened to blow the tent down, but that's not what I focus on. The feeling at Martin's Cove is kind of like the feeling of being in the temple. The veil feels thin and the place, although it looks like nothing special, feels like sacred ground. If you are sensitive to it, you can feel the spirits of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Gospel and for their posterity. I'm not talking about ghostly appearances. It's just impressions, feelings. You'll feel it too when you go and you'll know what I'm talking about. Ask anyone who has been there. They'll tell you the same thing.

What will make trek 100% better than trek training is I'll get to go with the youth--the same youth who have been saved through the whole history of the earth to come now because they have a work to do; a latter-day mission to perform. I believe that will make the experience of trek a life-changing experience and I am very much looking forward to it. So should you, even if it means giving up a few comforts for a few days.

Welcome to the Eaglecrest 1st Ward Pioneer Trek 2011 Blog!

Welcome to the blog! I am creating this blog as a means to keep everyone informed on trek information and also have a place to post pictures after the trek and so forth.

If you have any questions or want to have specific things posted on the blog, leave me a comment!

Trek is going to be amazing!