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.