Going on Pioneer Trek was an experience that changed my life. I never had an opportunity to go when I was younger but if you do you should take it. It can be a bit overwhelming to prepare for though. I hope some of these Pioneer Trek tips help you have an awesome time!
pioneer trek tips
prepare physically
Going into trek I thought, “this won’t be a big deal, I’m used to walking while pushing the double stroller”. And even though as a Ma, I barely even pushed the handcart, it was still really exhausting! When you’re on trek, you’re in the hot sun all day. The walking is stretched out and you can’t even fully relax when you are taking a break because you don’t have a comfortable seat–and there probably isn’t any shade to cool off in anyway!
prepare spiritually
This is really as much of a spiritual trek as a physical one; PLUS you’re supposed to be helping your kids to have a spiritual experience too! So much pressure, right? The Mas and Pas in our Stake had SIX meetings prior to trek, one a month. Not only did those meetings help us be prepared in other ways, but they also shared great stories and experiences from real pioneers that really helped us to feel the spirit. I only read one book to help prepare, I Walked to Zion by Susan Madsen, but it was a good one and I really recommend it. It also provided a great base for our devotionals we had to plan.
a picture is worth a thousand words
Don’t forget your camera (maybe even a video camera!) and take pictures of everything! At one point I said to my four daughters, “I’m surprised none of you brought cameras.” Almost simultaneously they all said, “we didn’t think we could”. So sad! For most people this will be a once in a lifetime experience, you’re going to want it on film! I told all my kids that if they gave me their emails I would send them some photos. So keep in mind you might not just be taking pictures for yourself, but for your whole “family”! The hubby and I are also so glad we brought our small video camera. It was so fun taking video on the trek and asking our kids questions about what they were experiencing.
it’s sew simple
Remember when I shared my travel first aid kit? Well, Thankfully, and as I figured, I never had to use any first aid items for my family. But I did use my sewing stuff! On the very first day a fellow mom told me she had lost a button. My needle and thread came to the rescue and I thought, “I thought for sure I wouldn’t need that”. Then the second day one of my girls ripped her apron and I was able to help out again! I kind of chuckled to myself about being prepared… and then ripped my apron the last day! I was so glad I brought some sewing stuff, and it didn’t take up any extra room.
keep it clean
I know every trek trail is different, but ours was DUSTY. We were filthy and I was so thankful I had brought facial wipes and a thick stack of baby wipes because they definitely came in handy. A bandanna to cover your face while walking was also nice.
be comfortable
I couldn’t decide if I wanted to wear my hiking boots, which I’ve had since 8th grade (I guess my feet haven’t grown in 15 years) and were definitely broken in and sturdy; or my running shoes, because they were so lightweight and I knew my feet were really use to them. I decided the day before to take my running shoes and I was so glad. Sure, by the end of each day my feet were a little sore, but they were better by the next morning and I never got a blister! Two other extra comforts I really recommend have to do with your 5 gallon bucket-bring a small cushion for seating on, and invest in a screw top lid. Lastly, if I ever went on trek again I would definitely bring a small spray bottle to help keep cool.