Spiritual Preparation
Pioneer treks require spiritual preparation. Suggestions include:
· Having personal and family prayer each day
· Listening to and heeding the Spirit
· Studying the Book of Mormon and other scriptures regularly, giving special attention to the gospel principles that can be taught on trek
· Listening to and heeding the Spirit
· Studying the Book of Mormon and other scriptures regularly, giving special attention to the gospel principles that can be taught on trek
· Going to the temple regularly
· Learning about Church history, ancestors, and the handcart pioneers
· Improving teaching and listening skills
Study an ancestor:
What were their life experiences and how did their faith help them overcome difficult challenges?
Why did the pioneers do what they did? Because they loved the Lord and were obedient, even when they didn't understand everything.
How can their story teach me today?
How does my faith in the Savior help me to overcome challenges and look forward to the future with faith and optimism?
Find out the needs of your particular trek family ahead of time.
Pray for your youth.
Pray to know how you can help them.
Pray to know how the trek will benefit them.
What are their struggles?
Use the scriptures and General Conference talks to answer the youth questions and for discussions.
Teach the Young Men to honor and respect the Young Women.
Teach Young Women how to honor and respect Priesthood holders.
Things to Consider:
Dare not to compare. Comparison is the thief of joy!
Everyone's circumstances are different.
Some Ma's and Pa's have more time than others.
Having a positive, happy attitude will make all the difference.
Use the Holy Ghost as your guide and follow through with promptings.
Your call to serve is from the Lord. Take it seriously. You can be an instrument in His hands.
Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven.
Do not run faster than you have strength.
Prioritize.
Keep the Lord first in your life and all things will work together for your good.
Challenge the Youth to Participate Wholeheartedly
It is important for the youth participants to be engaged in the Trek activity.
Be firm, yet understanding,loving and humble in helping the youth accept the Trek experience.
Your initial efforts as a family to establish family rules and procedures will assist in this
fulfillment. While you must not force the youth to do anything against their will, encourage
their participation and do not let them disrupt the experience of others.
It is important for the youth participants to be engaged in the Trek activity.
Be firm, yet understanding,loving and humble in helping the youth accept the Trek experience.
Your initial efforts as a family to establish family rules and procedures will assist in this
fulfillment. While you must not force the youth to do anything against their will, encourage
their participation and do not let them disrupt the experience of others.
Family Dynamics
Remember, all families do not need to be the same.
Each family will have its own personality and will develop at its own pace.
As you work together to understand the objectives of Trek your family will grow in strength.
Some families may appear to be more outgoing and lively, some will be more sedate
and reserved. You will need to guide your family development according to the personalities
of those in your family and with the assistance of the spirit. Take opportunities throughout
the Trek experience to understand the thoughts, feelings, and personalities of each individual
family member. Take opportunity to share your feelings and personalities with them
individually and collectively.
Remember, all families do not need to be the same.
Each family will have its own personality and will develop at its own pace.
As you work together to understand the objectives of Trek your family will grow in strength.
Some families may appear to be more outgoing and lively, some will be more sedate
and reserved. You will need to guide your family development according to the personalities
of those in your family and with the assistance of the spirit. Take opportunities throughout
the Trek experience to understand the thoughts, feelings, and personalities of each individual
family member. Take opportunity to share your feelings and personalities with them
individually and collectively.