As Ward Youth Leaders, you can play a big part in getting the youth excited and prepared for the Trek! Your attitude and excitement will be contagious.
The following are some ideas for your mutual night activities...
- Dutch oven cooking
- Square dancing (Virginia Reel is a popular easy square dance)
- Learn about the pioneers. Read about the Willie & Martin Handcart Companies under "Pioneer Stories". Or you could watch the movies 17 Miracles and Ephraim's Rescue.
- Pick a pioneer to walk for. During the Trek, there will be many opportunities to reflect upon the experience of the early pioneers. Your pioneer can be, but does not have to be, related to you. Once you have decided upon your pioneer, gather stories or information about that person. When were they born? Where? How old were they when they came across the plains? What do they have i common with you? What are your differences? Try to get a feel for what this particular person went through and how it personally affects you.
- Go on a walk or hike
- Help girls make pioneer clothing (bonnets, bloomers, aprons)
- Encourage youth to do temple baptisms
- Make jam or dry fruit
- Shop for pioneer clothes at thrift shops
- Research pioneer or family history
- Create a cushion lid/seat for the 5 gallon buckets
- Work on a challenge, such as, Three Days of Sacrifice where you give up something that you enjoy for at least 3 days. Sacrifice was a big part of the pioneers' lives. They left everything behind to follow the prophet and move west. They left their families, friends, and homes to do what the Lord would have them do. In an attempt to understand what the pioneers experienced, give up something that is important to you. This will help you spiritually prepare for the Trek. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! (A few examples: If media is your weakness give up texting, Instagram, Facebook, Ipod/MP3 Player, TV, radio, video games, your cell phone. Perhaps your weakness is food. Try giving up chips, cookies, soda, ice cream, fast food,candy, chocolate or sugar.)
- Learn songs that embrace the Pioneer spirit. We recommend they be sung in your opening exercises for mutual and in opening exercises for Priesthood and Young Women's on Sundays. See "Trek Music" for a list of songs to sing or learn.
