05/21/2016
Preparation Programs: Please work with your young man or young woman on the preparation program for them (link below). The more they are prepared, the better experience they will have.
Physical Fitness: We will be walking around 20 miles over 3 days, with most of it coming on the first two days. If your youth is not exercising regularly, now would be a great time to start. They can start with walking and then try to do more each week – it is never too late to start. They should wear the shoes that they are planning to bring to trek so that they can identify any problems with them before they arrive.
Footwear: Having proper footwear is critical for the trek. Blisters are the most common medical problem from the last trek. Many adults and leaders had severe painful blisters that were as big as baseballs. Blisters can be avoided by wearing shoes that are good fitting and comfortable for them but are sturdy enough to be walking on a rocky road for 8-10 miles in a day. They should spend time walking in them prior to trek. Please do not send your youth to trek with a new pair of boots that they have never worn. If available, the ideal footwear for most would be comfortable athletic shoes or hiking shoes that they have been wearing over the past few months. Proper socks are also very important for foot protection. We recommend 4 pairs of thick non-cotton socks. You may also want to try sock liners , which are a tighter, thinner sock that is worn underneath a thicker sock. A pantyhose can also be a cheap alternative to a sock liner.
Chaffing: Chaffing can be painful and is quite common. A product like Body Glide can be used to prevent it- which is not on the packing list, but can be included.
Items to pack: Please follow the packing list (link below) and remember that everything but a coat and sleeping bag goes in the 5 gallon bucket. There will be an individual check at the trek site to remove items that are not allowed.
Pioneer Clothing – Pioneer clothing will be worn at the time the youth are dropped off until they come home. Thrift stores like Deseret Industries and Goodwill are good places to find inexpensive clothing. There is additional clothing information on the page: https://www.facebook.com/walkbesideme2016/?fref=nf
Link to church videos on trek preparation: https://www.lds.org/callings/church-safety-and-health/training-and-video-resources/trek-safety?lang=eng&_r=1
Link to Preparation Programs and Packing List: https://www.facebook.com/notes/walk-beside-me-gilbert-greenfield-stake-trek-2016/registration-docs-and-preparation-programs/252306875115009
Trek choir practices: All are welcome to come and sing. Practices will be on June 5,12, and 19 at 7pm at the stake center.
Trek Fireside: Youth should come dressed in their pioneer clothing, June 26, 7pm in the stake center.
Leave for Trek: July 13 – Come dressed in pioneer clothing.
