"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..." -D&C 121:7-8

Friday, July 8, 2011

Packing List

All items should be brought to Bishop Excell's home on Saturday, July 9th before 8 p.m.

Each person will be allowed 17 lbs. of equipment/clothing to be packed in a 5 gallon bucket and 1 large heavy duty trash bag with bedding items. Please plan appropriately.

Personal Equipment List
Sack Breakfast and Sack Lunch for Monday
$10 for Dinner on Wednesday on our way home
5 Gallon Bucket and Lid (will be provided)
1 Warm Sleeping Bag (inside heavy duty garbage bag)
1 Old Blanket (inside heavy duty garbage bag)
1 Old Coat (inside heavy duty garbage bag)
1 Rain Poncho
1 Pair of Shoes to hike in (Don't buy new ones - they will give you blisters. Sturdy hiking, running or tennis shoes will work best.)
4-6 Pair of Sturdy Socks (A lightweight pair worn under a sturdy pair will help you avoid blisters.)
2 Sets of Underclothing
1 Small Handtowel
Comb or Brush
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
An old set of scriptures and your favorite church magazine
1 Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
Leather Gloves (to prevent blisters while pulling cart)
Permethrin (optional) - spray on clothes (not on skin) to prevent ticks - can usually be found at most outdoors stores

Bring with you the morning of Departure: 1 Ziploc bag with the following items
5 Band-Aids
Water Bottle - a 20-24 oz. bottle will fit best in your satchel that will be provided to you
Any prescribed medication
Small hand sanitizer or small package of Handiwipes
Small roll of Duct Tape (could be wrapped around a short pencil or dowel)
Chapstick
Small Sunscreen
Insect Repellant with Deet

MEN should bring:
1-2 pairs of wool, canvas, or cotton pants (not levi's)
2 long-sleeved shirts (cotton or flannel)
1 wide-brimmed western style hat (no baseball hats allowed)
1 pair suspenders
pajamas or sweats for sleeping

WOMEN should bring:
1-2 mid-calf length, long-sleeved dresses or 1-2 mid-calf skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses
1 bonnet or wide brimmed straw hat
1 pair of knee-length bloomers (can be made out of old cut-off pajama bottoms or hospital pants with elastic at hem)
1 apron
pajamas

Optional Items:
Camera
Pocketknife
Harmonica or other small musical instrument (No Ipods, MP3's or other electronic devices!)

Please arrive dressed in pioneer clothing. You will be wearing one set of clothing and the other set will be packed in your bucket.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Introducing our Trek Specialists

A huge THANK YOU to the following individuals for lending their expertise to ensure a successful Trek experience!

Support Crew Specialist: Kevin Sorenson
Enduring in Faith Award Specialist: Evan & Kathy Harrison
Activities Specialist: Nick & Jennifer Fullmer
Music/Square-Dancing Specialist: Ashley Baker
Camp Cook: Scott Cates
Transportation Specialist: Randy Stewart
Pioneer Clothing Specialist: Heather Canfield & Marsha Smith
Historical Specialist: Mike Summers & Jan Damron
Pony Express Specialist: Lonnie Braun
Photographer/Videographer: Traci Excell
Medical Specialist: Curtis Sandy
Trek Coordinators: Rick & Traci Excell

Ma's & Pa's:
Mike & Michelle Summers
Craig & Ashley Baker
Nick & Jennifer Fullmer
Randy & Kris Stewart
Dave & Heather Canfield
Brian & Bret Buchanan
Chris & Amy Williams
Steve & Holly Borgholthaus
Matthew & Ariel Beale
Doug & Janette Woolley

Monday, April 11, 2011

Pioneer Stories

Have you found an ancestor or other interesting pioneer for whom you will walk on trek? This is a great opportunity to step into the shoes of someone who experienced life on the trail and become more connected with the trek experience as you imagine what it must have been like for them.

Here are some great sites to help in your search for someone you can connect with:

http://lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch/1,15773,3966-1,00.html

http://www.tellmystorytoo.com/art_imagepages/image1.html

Once you have determined who you will walk for, please report to your Historical Specialist - Boys: Bishop Summers, Girls: Sister Damron

Monday, February 21, 2011

Why Will You Trek?

Why did they trek? The pioneers of long ago dug within themselves to discover a deep faith that would sustain their every step and allow them to valiantly face the trials that were before them.
Why do we trek? That faith and courage can be a great source of inspiration for us today. As we have the opportunity to step into their shoes for a few short days, may we find that faith to sustain us in our lives.
Why will you trek?

Friday, February 18, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for the trek? July 11-13, 2011

Who can go on the trek? All youth, ages 12-18, those graduating from High School in 2011 and working toward the requirements of the "Enduring in Faith" award, and those who will be 12 years old by December 31, 2011. Adult leaders serving in the Young Men’s/Scouting and Young Women’s programs will be invited to participate and assist. We apologize, but there are no exceptions to the age limits as there have been a limited number of permits issued. This will be an incredible experience and we would love to be able to take everyone in the ward, but since this is our Youth Conference, we are focusing on them and ask for your understanding in this matter. Please note, however, that this is an opportunity that is available to individual families at any time. If you would like more information regarding this, we'd be happy to assist.

Will there be requirements to go on the trek? Although it is not a requirement, it is highly recommended that all participants earn the “Enduring in Faith” award. This will help to prepare you mentally, physically and spiritually for the best experience possible. Requirements are listed under the posting: 'Enduring in Faith Award' and the awards will be presented the morning of our departure. When you have completed the requirements, return to your leader and your name will be posted on this blog on the right hand side. Congratulations to those who have earned this award!

Can I bring my cell phone so that my parents can contact me? There will be no electronic devices (no cell phones, i-pods, mp3 players, electronic gaming devices, etc.) allowed on Trek. We will have a couple of phone numbers of leaders made available for parents to contact their children in case of emergency.

How much walking will we do? We will walk and pull handcarts from 5 to 14 miles each day. It will be incredibly important to be in shape and to have sturdy boots/shoes. Start now to exercise and to break in your shoes. You will be glad you did!

What should I be doing now to prepare for the trek? The best thing you can do is to work on the requirements for the “Enduring in Faith” award. Some of them will take longer than others. Hopefully, you have already started to read a pioneer book. Exercising several times a week will also help. Remember that your trek experience will depend on how well you prepare.

What should I wear for the Trek? The pioneer clothing that we are asking you to wear will help put us in a proper mindset, gain further appreciation for our ancestors and create an unforgettable experience for all.

Girl’s are asked to wear a pioneer dress or skirt with a blouse, pantaloons, (can easily be made with hospital scrubs or pajama bottoms cut to just below the knee with elastic added) and a bonnet or straw hat. An apron or pinafore is also appropriate and helpful.

Boy’s are asked to wear loose fitting, cotton pants, (such as khaki’s or similar) a long-sleeve cotton shirt (plain color is appropriate or plaid is acceptable) and a pioneer or cowboy style hat. Please, no baseball caps.

It is very important that everyone have sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. It is suggested that two pair of socks are worn (a very lightweight, knee-hi nylon style worn under a regular pair) as this will help to prevent blisters and keep your feet happy!

When will I be assigned to a trek family? You will receive your Family Assignment the morning of our departure.

Can I wear contacts? The use of contacts is discouraged. The wind never stops blowing in Wyoming and the handcarts make a lot of dust. Plan now to have a pair of glasses you can use.

When do I need to return my Permission/Medical form? Please complete and return these forms to your youth leader or a member of the bishopric by June 20, 2011. These forms are required if you wish to participate. They will be distributed after our pre-trek hike in April or can be obtained from your youth leader or a member of the bishopric.

What will we be doing each day of the trek?
Monday: Travel to WY, spend time at Martin’s Cove, trek 3-4 miles, camp at Sage Camp.
Tuesday: National Historic Trail, Rocky Ridge, trek approximately 14 miles, testimony meeting, camp at Rock Creek Hollow.
Wednesday: Trek 6 miles near the Willie Center, travel home.

When do I need to have all of my personal equipment together? Your bucket (which will be provided and given to you at an activity in the near future) should be packed (weighing no more than 17 pounds – a packing list will be provided and made available on this site) and delivered to Bishop Excell’s home on Saturday, July 9, 2011. Your sleeping bag should be packed in a large garbage sack and delivered at that time also.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Enduring in Faith Award

Dear Participant,

As we look forward to our Pioneer Trek on July 11-13, 2011, we invite you to earn the ‘Enduring in Faith’ award in preparation for this great event. Earning this award will help to prepare you both physically and spiritually for the Trek as well as fulfill many requirements in the “Duty to God” and “Personal Progress” programs.

To earn this award, simply complete three activities in each area and have a leader or parent initial the completed activity. All requirements must be completed between January 18, 2011 and July 10, 2011. Awards will be presented the morning of our departure.

We encourage you to seek guidance from your Father in Heaven as you select activities to complete. From Him, you will find strength, guidance and direction. He loves you and knows your talents. He will help you “Endure in Faith” and gain appreciation for the opportunities you will experience on our 2011 Trek.

With Love,
Highland 7th Ward Bishopric
And Youth Leaders


REQUIREMENTS:

REMEMBERING THE PIONEERS
Complete 3

____1. REQUIRED: Choose a Pioneer whom you will walk for during Trek. Learn their story and be prepared to tell about the traits that you admire in this person. In what ways would you want to be like them?

____2. Learn a pioneer craft, skill, or art that was part of the life of pioneers. (Dutch oven cooking, knitting, rope making, weaving a rug, etc.)

____3. Watch any of the following movies: Legacy, American Prophet, Perilous Journey, Faith in Every Footstep, The Mountain of the Lord, An Ensign to the Nations (or any other movie depicting pioneer life and trials)

____4. Read one of the following books: Journal of the Trail, Fire of the Covenant, or another pioneer book as approved by your parents or leaders.

____5. Young Women: sew a skirt or bonnet that you will wear on Trek.

____6. Give a talk about the pioneers or a pioneer ancestor in Sacrament Meeting, YM/YW, or FHE.

____7. Go online to www.lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/pioneerstory.htm and read several of the different quotes of pioneers along the trail.

____8. Read D&C Section 121 to learn about a time when Joseph Smith had to Endure in Faith. What can you learn from his experience?


SERVICE
Complete 3

____1. Cook a meal without the use of a modern kitchen and share it with someone.

____2. Teach a lesson in FHE about pioneers.

____3. Participate in a family, class or ward service project.

____4. Visit the grave of an ancestor and clean it up.

____5. Volunteer at a hospital, center for the disabled, home for the aged, welfare center, or homeless shelter.

____6. Spend at least 3 hours giving service outside of your family.


FAMILY HISTORY
Complete 3

____1. Research to find the first member of your family who was baptized.

____2. Write your life history in 500 words or more.

____3. Earn the Genealogy Merit Badge.

____4. Visit the Family History Library.

____5. Spend 30 minutes online at www.familysearch.org

____6. Invite your grandparents or other senior citizens to share their childhood memories with you. Record what you learn.


TEMPLES & SPIRITUAL
Complete 3

____1. With the help of your parents, leaders or ward family history specialist, search the records to find an ancestor and submit his or her name for temple work.

____2. Participate in Baptisms for the Dead

____3. Prepare a FHE lesson on Patriarchal Blessings. If you have not yet received your Patriarchal Blessing, begin making plans to do so. If you already have your blessing, make a small copy of it to take with you on Trek.

____4. Place a picture of the temple in your bedroom.

____5. Pray morning and night for one month.

____6. Read your scriptures daily for one month.


PHYSICAL FITNESS
Complete 3

____1. Participate in our Pre-Trek Hike in April.

____2. Walk for a half-hour or more at least 4 days a week for one month.

____3. Run 3 miles in 30 minutes or less.

____4. Train for and walk or run in a 5K or 10K race prior to the Trek.

____5. Research why ‘hydration’ is important on the Trek.

____6. Read D&C 89. Improve your health by developing and implementing a regular fitness program for at least 6 weeks.

____7. Learn how to Square Dance at our activity in January.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

We Have Nothing to Fear from the Journey

"We cannot begin to understand the journeys made by those who laid the foundation of this dispensation until we understand their spiritual underpinnings. Once we make that connection, however, we will begin to see how their journeys parallel ours now. There are lessons for us in every footstep they took--lessons of love, courage, commitment, devotion, endurance, and, most of all, faith. Those 19th century pioneers to whom we pay special tribute never set out to be heroes, and yet they accomplished heroic things. That is what makes them Saints. They were a band of believers who tried to do the right things for the right reasons, ordinary men and women who were called on to perform an extraordinary work. At times, they gave in to their discouragement and allowed themselves to murmur and complain. But ultimately their faith in God and the man they sustained as their prophet and leader prevailed, and they righted their vision and attitudes along with their wagons. In the process they found joy amid the hardships and trials of the trek. No matter how difficult the trail, and regardless of how heavy our load, we can take comfort in knowing that others before us have borne life's most grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven for peace, comfort and hopeful reassurance. We can know, as they knew, that God is our Father, that He cares about us individually and collectively, and that as long as we continue to exercise our faith and trust in Him there is nothing to fear in the journey. Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise than to know that if we are faithful and true, we will one day be safely encircled in the arms of His love. He is always there to give encouragement, to forgive, and to rescue. Therefore, as we exercise faith and are diligent in keeping the commandments, we have nothing to fear from the journey." -M. Russell Ballard