"Your body is an amazing gift from your Heavenly Father. He gave it to you to help you become more like Him. Having a body gives you increased power to exercise your freedom to choose. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ can help you see your body from God’s perspective. And that makes a big difference in your choices about what to do with your body and how to care for it."  For the Strength of Youth 

Trek families will be pulling and pushing a handcart through various terrains for up to 16-20 miles over the course of 4 days (broken into smaller lengths each day). When you are prepared you will be surprised at what you can accomplish. 

● decide what shoes you will wear and begin breaking them in now. Prepared feet, proper shoes and socks, will make all the difference in your trek journey (refer to clothing page for shoe & sock info)

● begin a personal fitness program that at minimum includes simple walking, or other fitness activities gradually increasing distance and difficulty.  

● regularly push yourself to do hard things

Questions to Consider: 

How will physically preparing for trek help me honor my body as a sacred gift from God?

How can physically preparing for trek help me to resist temptation and face the challenges of daily life?

"Caring for your body includes caring for your mental and emotional health." (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide to Making Choices. Pg 29)

Despite their many differences in language, culture, and nationality, the early pioneers shared one thing in common, a testimony of Jesus Christ and the restoration of His gospel (Ballard). They learned to overcome these obstacles to work together in unity and to build friendships and community. Like the pioneers you too may have different life experiences, cultural backgrounds, interests, or family situations. Trek is an opportunity to:

● strengthen your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ

  and how His atonement can give you strength and 

  peace as you act in faith. 

● associate with other youth who share your beliefs and

  develop new friendships, unity and a sense of 

  belonging as you work, play, learn, and pray together.

● engage in activities that will bolster your self-esteem 

  and increase your confidence. 

On the first day of trek you may not know all the youth in your trek family, but you will know many of the youth in your company. For some, meeting new people can be exciting, for others, it can create an initial sense of anxiousness. At the conclusion of His earthly ministry, the Savior taught, “love one another; as I have loved you … by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35) Considering this, come prepared to be inclusive and open to new friendships and look for opportunities to serve those around you. We want you to know that the Lord is aware of you. He is aware of your excitement and concerns and is ready to help. We encourage you to turn towards Him and prayerfully consider ways you can prepare emotionally and socially for trek. 

Questions to Consider:

How can I plan now to help strengthen, minister to, and help unify my trek family?

How will preparing emotionally and socially for trek help me to learn to persevere, and turn to God in times of trial, and gain a testimony that He will help bear my burdens?