Newsletter’s Purpose:
The Purpose of this newsletter is to let all parents, leaders and youth know everything they need to know to get prepared for the upcoming handcart trek in July. Please read all of the sections below and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Stake Young Men & Women Presidencies
Message from the Stake President:
In the very northerly reaches of the ‘North America North East Area’ of the Church, we on occasion wish our youth could partake of some activities we have only read about. In some ways we changed that when we began bringing the ‘Especially for Youth’ programs to this area. A year ago we received a call from the Bangor Stake inviting us to participate in a ‘Youth Hand Cart Trek’ in the summer of 2011. This was one of those activities we wished our youth could do but never had the scale to bring to our area. There is something about our past as a people that shapes who we are and who we may become. Understanding what and why would cause thousands of people from all nations and walks of life to sacrifice all for this faith in God and His prophet is the moving cause for this trek. Joseph Smith quoted it as such; “Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation”. Your youth look to you for your example and encouragement to help them discover for themselves what sacred gift moves the children of Israel in so great a cause. We solemnly request that you help them discover the blessings of faith and testimony in the 2011 Hand Cart Trek.
- President Pattison
Clothing Requirements:
Over the next few months we will be preparing for our pioneer trek. A very important part of this is the clothing & footwear that will be necessary for you to have. The clothing can be purchased (second hand shops), borrowed or made. The earlier you start thinking about this & gathering things the easier it will be. The most important part of your clothing will be the footwear. This should be sturdy running shoes (good comfortable sneakers).Hiking boots are not recommended, as they are not flexible & can be quite heavy.
Men’s Clothing:
Two shirts, loose fitting, narrow neck band ,no collar, mostly light plain colors, stripes or plaids are ok too. Choose a larger size than your regular fit, with long sleeves.
Two pair of pants also loose fitting. Probably cotton would be the best. Can be blue, black, gray, brown, but beige or tan would be best. One pair suspenders. One hat straw or felt wide brimmed. NO BALL CAPS.
Women's Clothing
2 long dresses, Or 2 skirts &2 long sleeved blouses. The length of the skirts or dresses should be above the ankle maybe to mid calf so you don't trip when pulling the cart. You will also need an apron & bonnet (these will most likely be made at your ward or branch level.)
Dressing in the pioneer clothing will have a tremendous effect on the spirit of the trek, so let’s do our best to get the costumes & play our part so we can make this our best experience ever.
Tips to get you ready:
- Remember, the trek experience is an authentic one. You will not have canned pop on the trek. If canned or bottled pop is a habit for you, we encourage you to "dry up" for at least a week before the trek.
- Did You Know that your feet can swell a whole shoe size as you walk the trek? That is why it is so important to wear only comfy trekking shoes.
- Start preparing for the trek NOW by taking daily walks. Start by walking 15 minutes 3 times a week. After a month, increase your walks to 30 minutes 3 times per week.
Fun Pioneer Games:
Try this one out at home or at mutual.
Fruit Pass
Equipment needed: 1 orange or apple for each team, teams of equal numbers.
The first person holds the fruit with their chin and passes it to the next person who must “gather” it with their chin. First team finished passing to every member is the winner.
The Trail of Faith Award:
In an effort to help our youth become physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared for the upcoming handcart trek, the Stake Young Men's and Stake Young Women's Presidencies have been working together to make an achievement program known as the Trail of Faith. By meeting a number of requirements, each member who completes the program will receive the Trail of Faith Award. We hope that by participating in this program, the handcart trek will become more than just a long, difficult hike. Those who earn their Trail of Faith award will have come to know intimately the struggles and faith of those pioneers whose footsteps they will be recreating. They will gain a greater understanding of the importance of family history and temple work as they come to know those who have come before them. They will know the blessings that come with proper nutrition and exercise. Their testimony will be strengthened as they come to know their Savior, Jesus Christ.
While earning the Trail of Faith Award is not required to participate in the handcart trek, we encourage all members of the stake, especially the youth and their adult leaders, to work for this award. A number of the goals for the Trail of Faith Award will also satisfy Duty to God and Personal Progress requirements. We promise that all who complete the Trail of Faith program, regardless of whether they are able to attend the handcart trek, will be edified and uplifted by the experience. More information about this exciting opportunity will be made available shortly through Young Men's and Young Women's leaders.
Pioneer Stories:
An important way to help the youth prepare for the trek is to help them understand the experiences of real pioneers. Below is the story of Tamar Loader from the Martin Handcart Company.
The story is told that Tamar Loader was very much grieved when she left England because she had been unable to convert her sweetheart and he remained in England. One night, while on the plains, after much grieving, she had a dream. The next morning she told her mother that she had dreamed that her sweetheart came and stood beside her and he seemed so real. But he was not alone, another man was with him who was wearing a slouch hat and walked with a limp. In the dream the sweetheart finally faded away but the other man remained. When she first saw Thomas E Ricks in the rescue party, she took her mother by the arm and said, “Mother, that’s the man” When they arrived in the valley she was put out in the home of Thomas E Ricks. He tried to marry her off to eligible young men in the community, but without success. There was no doubt in Tamar’s mind who she should marry. The next spring Thomas E Ricks asked for her hand in marriage.
Important Information:
Dates: July 27th – 30th
Ages: 14 +
Location: Lincoln, Maine
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