Roles and Guidlines of Ma’s & Pa’s
You were called because of who you are--your character and testimony as well as your talents
and abilities. You will lead and help the youth of your ward on a memorable,
once-in-a-lifetime experience.
and abilities. You will lead and help the youth of your ward on a memorable,
once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Your Trek Family. You will be assigned young people with whom you will spend the entire 3 days.
These young people will vary in backgrounds and strengths. However, they will all dress
similarly, have the same possessions, and will probably smell the same as well
(it's not that bad, though).
You will have a handcart in which to place your belongings and those of your family.
As a family, you will prepare, travel, work, play, eat, and pull and push the handcart together.
Take advantage of the next few weeks/months before Trek to meet as families and encourage
necessary preparations. Together establish family rules and guidelines and begin a spirit of
cooperation and caring for each other.
Theme, Goals, & Vision
Theme: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME”
-Philippians 4:13
Goals - The goals of our Youth Conference/Trek are:
covenants motivated early members to follow the Prophets.
2. Study the doctrines and principles that influenced early members to come west,
despite tremendous hardship, and loss.
3. Study the Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon.
4. Help our youth understand what it means to “Come Unto Christ” and
“Walk in all the ordinances of the Lord,” and to help them discover the promises
made to them as they keep their own covenants with the same determination as the
early saints.
5. Provide a choice opportunity for Bishoprics and youth leaders to develop a stronger
relationship of trust with their youth. Though stake activities are also planned,
much emphasis will be given to developing ward unity with the Bishopric, leaders,
and youth.
Vision of Trek
Pioneer Trek is designed to provide an individualized experience, in a family setting,
and it does this by teaching general principles that each youth can apply to his or her life.
Many of these principles are taught through symbolism and analogy. It should allow all
participants the opportunity to come to Christ more fully and also to be like Christ in how
they work together and act toward each other.
and it does this by teaching general principles that each youth can apply to his or her life.
Many of these principles are taught through symbolism and analogy. It should allow all
participants the opportunity to come to Christ more fully and also to be like Christ in how
they work together and act toward each other.
Trek participants are given the opportunity to face and overcome a very difficult task--
the Long Handcart Pull. During it they must pull a heavily laden handcart up a mountain
(or over a great distance). Part of the challenge comes as they are asked to pull with people
they don't really know, and part of it comes later, when they are asked to pull the handcart
farther than they ever thought they could. They are given the chance to see the power of
seeking our Heavenly Father's help, and the power of serving others. With this new
knowledge, they can return to their families and homes with the courage to make changes
in their own lives.
the Long Handcart Pull. During it they must pull a heavily laden handcart up a mountain
(or over a great distance). Part of the challenge comes as they are asked to pull with people
they don't really know, and part of it comes later, when they are asked to pull the handcart
farther than they ever thought they could. They are given the chance to see the power of
seeking our Heavenly Father's help, and the power of serving others. With this new
knowledge, they can return to their families and homes with the courage to make changes
in their own lives.
Your Duties
You have many responsibilities, not the least of which is to ensure that the overall Trek
experience is completed safely and without any serious incident. In accomplishing this
objective you will need to work closely with your captain (Bishop) and your stake leaders.
However, perhaps your greatest responsibility is to foster an environment where each of
our youth participants individually will have an opportunity to experience the Spirit. We
have provided several opportunities through the course of Trek for you to facilitate
interactions with the Spirit. In approaching this general responsibility, you need to
remember that this requires more than a casual effort. It is important for you to seek for
your own revelation regarding creating opportunities for the Trek participants to feel the
whispering of the Holy Spirit.
experience is completed safely and without any serious incident. In accomplishing this
objective you will need to work closely with your captain (Bishop) and your stake leaders.
However, perhaps your greatest responsibility is to foster an environment where each of
our youth participants individually will have an opportunity to experience the Spirit. We
have provided several opportunities through the course of Trek for you to facilitate
interactions with the Spirit. In approaching this general responsibility, you need to
remember that this requires more than a casual effort. It is important for you to seek for
your own revelation regarding creating opportunities for the Trek participants to feel the
whispering of the Holy Spirit.
Guidance to Consider
Study and Know the Pioneer Stories
Find your own Pioneer Hero and study his/her life. Strongly encourage each family member
to find, study, and prepare to present their own pioneer story, ideally one of their ancestors.
Think about how this person's example of faith has had an impact on your faith and your actions.
If you sacrifice the time to truly learn about individual pioneers, when you share their stories
about their lives on the trail and what they did once they reached the valley the youth will
feel the Spirit. Remember, you can have a Pioneer Hero and your own Ancestor Hero;
the youth may not have their own Pioneer Ancestor but will have an ancestor who had
the pioneer spirit and left an incredible legacy. Ma's & Pa's will need to work with your families
to ensure each youth is studying, learning, and preparing to share their pioneer story.
Be a Good Example
Find your own Pioneer Hero and study his/her life. Strongly encourage each family member
to find, study, and prepare to present their own pioneer story, ideally one of their ancestors.
Think about how this person's example of faith has had an impact on your faith and your actions.
If you sacrifice the time to truly learn about individual pioneers, when you share their stories
about their lives on the trail and what they did once they reached the valley the youth will
feel the Spirit. Remember, you can have a Pioneer Hero and your own Ancestor Hero;
the youth may not have their own Pioneer Ancestor but will have an ancestor who had
the pioneer spirit and left an incredible legacy. Ma's & Pa's will need to work with your families
to ensure each youth is studying, learning, and preparing to share their pioneer story.
Be a Good Example
Each of you must know that your first responsibility is to set an example to all in your family.
As a result you can provide an example of how an ideal family unit should function. The rest of
this section may give you some ideas about how you can achieve this objective. Lead out in your
example to read and teach from the Doctrine and Covenants. Encourage your family to read
the Doctrine and Covenants.
Strive to be an Effective Teacher
You will not be able to teach everything during Pioneer Trek.
It is, therefore, important for you to focus on a few things that you might teach during the
brief time that you have with your trek family. First of all, remember that teaching is always
more effective where there are strong substantive relationships. Therefore, it is important for
you to work hard to establish a meaningful relationship with all members of your family.
Do not play favorites; strive for equity with all family members.
Remember that substantive relationships are not necessarily based on being "their best friend"
or a "cotton candy" approach to friendship, but on genuineness, true interest, effective
listening, and being there when they need you. Second, it is important to rely on sound
doctrinal principles when you teach. The combination of effective relationships and doctrine
can have a powerful impact on individual lives. As you approach the teaching opportunities
you have, please consider the following:
It is, therefore, important for you to focus on a few things that you might teach during the
brief time that you have with your trek family. First of all, remember that teaching is always
more effective where there are strong substantive relationships. Therefore, it is important for
you to work hard to establish a meaningful relationship with all members of your family.
Do not play favorites; strive for equity with all family members.
Remember that substantive relationships are not necessarily based on being "their best friend"
or a "cotton candy" approach to friendship, but on genuineness, true interest, effective
listening, and being there when they need you. Second, it is important to rely on sound
doctrinal principles when you teach. The combination of effective relationships and doctrine
can have a powerful impact on individual lives. As you approach the teaching opportunities
you have, please consider the following:
Be effective at asking and answering questions
Elder Eyring has said that this is at the heart of all learning and teaching. He said,
"The Master answered and sometimes chose not to answer questions in his ministry.
The most effective questions invite inspiration. Great teachers ask those.”
That may take just a small change of words or inflection in the voice.
Here is a question that might not invite inspiration: How is a true prophet recognized?
That question invites an answer which is a list drawn from memory of the scriptures and the
words of living prophets. Many students could participate in answering. Most could give at
least a passable suggestion and minds would be stimulated.
"The Master answered and sometimes chose not to answer questions in his ministry.
The most effective questions invite inspiration. Great teachers ask those.”
That may take just a small change of words or inflection in the voice.
Here is a question that might not invite inspiration: How is a true prophet recognized?
That question invites an answer which is a list drawn from memory of the scriptures and the
words of living prophets. Many students could participate in answering. Most could give at
least a passable suggestion and minds would be stimulated.
But we could also ask the question this way with just a small difference:
'Have you ever felt that you were in the presence of the prophet'? That will invite individuals
to search their memories for feelings. After asking you might wisely wait for a moment before
calling on someone to respond. Even those that do not speak will be thinking of spiritual
experiences that will invite the Holy Ghost. Then even if no one speaks, they will be ready to
bear quiet testimony of your witness that we are blessed to live when God has called prophets
to guide and teach us."
'Have you ever felt that you were in the presence of the prophet'? That will invite individuals
to search their memories for feelings. After asking you might wisely wait for a moment before
calling on someone to respond. Even those that do not speak will be thinking of spiritual
experiences that will invite the Holy Ghost. Then even if no one speaks, they will be ready to
bear quiet testimony of your witness that we are blessed to live when God has called prophets
to guide and teach us."
Use of Journals
Each participant should bring or be given a journal wherein they can record those things they
are feeling and learning. Elder Richard Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve has effectively
taught a basic premise for recording spiritual experiences in journals: "I will seek to learn by
what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down things I learn and I will do them.” During the
course of Trek there will be times provided wherein the participants can write in their journal.
You should help to provide them a framework that will help them be most effective in this
effort. For example, a journal entry might consist of at least one sentence with each of the
following questions: What did I do? What did I learn? What did I feel?
How will I apply what I have learned?
Elder Scott further expanded on the scripture in D&C 8:2. "I will tell you in your mind and in
your heart by the Holy Ghost." He taught that: "An impression to the mind is very specific.
Detailed words can be heard or felt and written as though instruction were being dictated.”
He then taught about communications to the mind and heart by saying, "Communication of
the heart is a more general impression. The Lord often begins by giving impressions; where
there is recognition of their importance and when they are obeyed, one receives more capacity
to receive more detailed instruction to the mind. An impression to the heart if followed is
fortified by a more specific instruction to the mind." As our youth begin to understand these
concepts, they will become better at recording what is important in their journals. Journals
help us remember what the Lord has taught us. This theme is repeated several times in the
Book of Mormon. We need to remember both what we feel and what we see and hear.
The raw history is also important to remember.
It is also important in your experience with our Trek participants not to over teach.
The above are some general guidelines that you might utilize and apply appropriately
as the Spirit dictates.
your heart by the Holy Ghost." He taught that: "An impression to the mind is very specific.
Detailed words can be heard or felt and written as though instruction were being dictated.”
He then taught about communications to the mind and heart by saying, "Communication of
the heart is a more general impression. The Lord often begins by giving impressions; where
there is recognition of their importance and when they are obeyed, one receives more capacity
to receive more detailed instruction to the mind. An impression to the heart if followed is
fortified by a more specific instruction to the mind." As our youth begin to understand these
concepts, they will become better at recording what is important in their journals. Journals
help us remember what the Lord has taught us. This theme is repeated several times in the
Book of Mormon. We need to remember both what we feel and what we see and hear.
The raw history is also important to remember.
It is also important in your experience with our Trek participants not to over teach.
The above are some general guidelines that you might utilize and apply appropriately
as the Spirit dictates.
Use Music Effectively
Music can be an effective tool in teaching. You will have many opportunities to sing during
Pioneer Trek. Included in this training manual are several fun songs to use while you are on
the trail. Also Wards and families should select hymns to use on the trail and in camp.
There will be those times such as morning devotional or "contemplation reflection" settings
where these songs can be used effectively.
Pioneer Trek. Included in this training manual are several fun songs to use while you are on
the trail. Also Wards and families should select hymns to use on the trail and in camp.
There will be those times such as morning devotional or "contemplation reflection" settings
where these songs can be used effectively.
Love Your Trek Family
As with your own family, it is important for you to uniformly love every member of your
family. Be vigilant against favoritism. Look for positive attributes in each member and seek
for opportunities to reinforce them. Each participant is unique and your responsibility will
be to give the love and support each person needs to overcome their own personal challenges.
For some the challenge is pulling the handcart, for others it is offering a hand of support to
someone in need. Your love for your Trek family will be your greatest resource.
family. Be vigilant against favoritism. Look for positive attributes in each member and seek
for opportunities to reinforce them. Each participant is unique and your responsibility will
be to give the love and support each person needs to overcome their own personal challenges.
For some the challenge is pulling the handcart, for others it is offering a hand of support to
someone in need. Your love for your Trek family will be your greatest resource.
Guide Your Family throughout the Trek
You will guide the family throughout the Trek. You will lead by giving responsibility to the
youth and supporting them in those responsibilities: family prayers, family scripture study,
group hugs, discussions, assignments, meals and activities.
youth and supporting them in those responsibilities: family prayers, family scripture study,
group hugs, discussions, assignments, meals and activities.
Listen With Both Your Mind and Heart
Someone once said, "Seek first to understand and then to be understood.” It is difficult for
people to listen to you if they do not feel you are listening to them. By watching and listening
you will know what each member of your family needs to strengthen themselves spiritually.
You will know when it is time to offer a helping hand or to let him/her struggle on their own.
Effective listening requires not just hearing, but observing body language, interactions with
others, and other things that might tell you really what is going on in their mind and heart.
people to listen to you if they do not feel you are listening to them. By watching and listening
you will know what each member of your family needs to strengthen themselves spiritually.
You will know when it is time to offer a helping hand or to let him/her struggle on their own.
Effective listening requires not just hearing, but observing body language, interactions with
others, and other things that might tell you really what is going on in their mind and heart.
Have Fun
You should help your family have fun as well as have a good experience. Be positive and
enthusiastic. Smile and encourage your family members in even the most challenging tasks.
At the same time, make it fun.
enthusiastic. Smile and encourage your family members in even the most challenging tasks.
At the same time, make it fun.
Gap-Fillers
There will be gaps in the schedule. Use gap-fillers and games to keep things interesting.
Bring pioneer stories or experiences from your own family histories and share them with
your family. (See Gap Fillers Post for examples).
Bring pioneer stories or experiences from your own family histories and share them with
your family. (See Gap Fillers Post for examples).
Be a Resource to Your Family
To the family you are a resource, not a servant. If you find yourself running around
gathering wood, fixing meals, and washing dishes--something has gone wrong. Your job is
to help the young people by letting them help themselves. You should let the older youth
help the younger, encourage friendships, even assign older youth as family youth leaders and
let them organize the family members. They should load the handcart and prepare the meals.
You should never be working alone. Help your family to shoulder their responsibilities.
gathering wood, fixing meals, and washing dishes--something has gone wrong. Your job is
to help the young people by letting them help themselves. You should let the older youth
help the younger, encourage friendships, even assign older youth as family youth leaders and
let them organize the family members. They should load the handcart and prepare the meals.
You should never be working alone. Help your family to shoulder their responsibilities.
Allow Creativity
Allow the young people to show their creative skills. More often than not, they will find a new
and better method for accomplishing the goal. When you tell them exactly how to do
everything, step-by-step, or when you do everything for them, you are depriving them of the
opportunity to grow and discover. You might be surprised to find how much easier and more
rewarding your job becomes when you shift responsibility to the young people and
allow them to develop their potential.
and better method for accomplishing the goal. When you tell them exactly how to do
everything, step-by-step, or when you do everything for them, you are depriving them of the
opportunity to grow and discover. You might be surprised to find how much easier and more
rewarding your job becomes when you shift responsibility to the young people and
allow them to develop their potential.
Create Unity in Your Family
Remember that family unity is the goal. When looking back on Trek, your family members should remember the family unity rather than remember just Ma or Pa. Another of your
duties is to establish and maintain love and unity among your fellow Ma's and Pa's, the
Leaders of the Camp of Zion (The Stake Presidency), the Company Leader (Bishop &
Bishopric), and other stake Trek Committee and support staff. They all have a very
challenging job. Consult with them and the other leaders when you are not sure what to do.
Every incident, problem, challenge and idle moment can be turned into something very
positive and meaningful for the young people and yourself. You have a great resource
available to you to do this--the family. You are the key!