MA AND PA MANUAL
The following information is also contained in the “Handcart
Trek Reenactments: Guidelines for Leaders” document available on lds.org.
Family Organization
The trek chairperson(s) works with other trek leaders to
assign each young man and young woman to a “family” of 8 to 10 members,
depending on the number of youth and the availability of handcarts. Leaders
seek inspiration as they assign youth to trek families. Each family should
have a variety of ages and physical abilities. Families should also have a good
balance of young men and young women. They are led by a “Ma” and “Pa.”
Calling and Roles of
Family Group Leaders (“Ma’s” and “Pa’s”)
Priesthood leaders consider the calling of family group
leaders (“Ma’s” and “Pa’s”) very carefully and as directed by the Spirit. These
adults will help set the tone of spirituality and unity that is essential in
making the trek successful. They should be able to relate to youth and teach
effectively. They also need to be able to make the time commitment and have the
stamina to participate fully in the trek.
Roles of Ma’s and
Pa’s
1.
Enhance
the spiritual experience. The Ma and Pa prepare themselves spiritually and
seek the Spirit in all they do and say. One of their most important
responsibilities is helping the youth benefit spiritually from the trek. Music,
stories, testimonies, expressions of love, and family discussions help create
an environment in which the Spirit can teach and inspire youth.
2.
Build
unity. The Ma and Pa strive to help members of their group become unified
and develop supportive friendships. They ask group members to stay together
rather than join with other groups. To help build unity, the Ma and Pa model in
their relationship the skills they hope the youth will acquire or increase.
They work together in harmony, support one another, and have fun together.
3.
Challenge
youth to participate wholeheartedly. The Ma and Pa make every effort to
help the youth in their group become engaged in the trek. Rather than doing
most of the work themselves, they help all group members work together and make
contributions. The Ma and Pa encourage youth to step outside of their comfort
zones, although they must not require them to do anything against their will.
4.
Set
expectations. As the trek begins, the Ma and Pa discuss expectations with
their group. For example, they could explain the importance of working together
to make the trek experience beneficial for everyone. They help the youth
understand that this doesn’t happen automatically but will require the efforts
of each person. Another expectation to discuss is the importance of showing
courtesy and respect to each other.
5.
Keep
things positive. The Ma and Pa set a good example of being positive. They
should be loving, humble, and firm, while also having fun .If one or more youth
are detracting from the experience of others, the Ma and Pa counsel with them.
Most treks have challenges, but the Ma and Pa can help the group face them
positively and prayerfully.
6.
Help
the family youth leaders (“big brothers” and “big sisters”). If the family
has youth leaders, the Ma and Pa support them in fulfilling their
responsibilities. These responsibilities could include helping lead the family
in games, devotionals, meal preparation, and problem solving.
7.
Be
there. The Ma and Pa should be present for the entire trek and walk with
their group the entire way. They seek to understand the thoughts, feelings, and
personalities of each group member. They talk with and listen to the youth
individually and as a group.
8.
Be
flexible. Some families are outgoing and lively, while others are quiet and
reserved. The Ma and Pa guide their group’s development according to the
personalities of those in the group, with the assistance of the Spirit.
9.
Lead
family discussions. The Ma and Pa encourage group members to share their
thoughts and feelings about their experiences. They encourage group discussions
in formal and informal settings, such as mealtimes, campfires, and devotionals.
The Ma and Pa also share their own experiences, talk about their own feelings,
and testify of truth. Suggestions for leading discussions are provided on page
12.
10. Maintain hydration and encourage safety.
The Ma and Pa ensure that all group members (including themselves) drink plenty
of water. They also encourage youth to be safe and to protect themselves from
injury and illness. They observe each of their youth to ensure that they are
not sick or unduly struggling. If any questions or concerns arise, they contact
a member of the medical team immediately.
11. Keep track of participants. The Ma and
Pa keep track of the youth in their group at all times.
“I wish to remind everyone . . . that the comforts we have,
the peace we have, and, most important, the faith and knowledge of the things
of God that we have, were bought with a terrible price by those who have gone
before us. Sacrifice has always been a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The
crowning element of our faith is our conviction of our living God, the Father
of us all, and of His Beloved Son, the Redeemer of the world.” —President
Gordon B. Hinckley “Our Mission of Saving” Ensign, Nov.1991, 54
Preparation of Ma’s
and Pa’s
Spiritual Preparation
Pioneer treks require spiritual preparation. Suggestions
include:
1. Having
personal and family prayer each day.
2. Listening
to and heeding the Spirit.
3. Studying
the Book of Mormon and other scriptures regularly, giving special attention to
the gospel principles that can be taught on trek.
4. Going
to the temple regularly.
5. Learning
about Church history, ancestors, and the handcart pioneers.
6. Improving
teaching and listening skills.
Physical Preparation
Pioneer treks require physical stamina, which leaders can
develop by obeying the Word of Wisdom, eating a healthy diet, and exercising
regularly. Physical preparation cannot be completed in a short period of time.
Ma’s and Pa’s should be prepared to walk three miles an hour and be capable of
walking up to 10 miles a day while
pulling a heavy handcart over rough terrain.
Basic Skills
Ma’s and Pa’s should have the following skills or consider
learning them: fire building, knot tying, rain protection on the trail and in
camp, outdoor meal preparation, basic first aid (see pages 21–24), and no-trace
camping and trekking (see page 25).
Suggestions for
Leading Discussions
Both formal and informal discussions can help youth ponder
the trek experience and the gospel in their lives. For a formal discussion, the
Ma and Pa could gather their group and sit in a circle. The Ma or Pa could
share a pioneer story, ask one of the youth to share a story, or share thoughts
about an experience from the day. The Ma and Pa could then ask questions to
start the discussion. These questions should invite reflection and
introspection. Questions could include:
What
parallels do you see between your own life and the experiences of the pioneers?
In what
ways are you a pioneer?
How do you
feel about the trek so far?
What are
you learning from this experience?
What
challenges do the youth of the Church face today?
How can learning about the
experiences of the pioneers help you face your challenges?
How can the
decisions you make now affect your future?
How can your decisions affect other
people?
How can they affect the generations
that come after you?
To conclude, someone could share scriptures that are
relevant to the discussion, and then the Ma, the Pa, or one or more of the
youth could share their testimonies.
If the Ma and Pa struggle to get the discussion started,
they could begin at a point in the circle and invite each person to respond to
a question. The Ma and Pa could then follow up with questions that encourage
further discussion and application. Everyone should be encouraged to share, but
no one should feel required.
The Ma and Pa listen carefully to what each person says and
give reinforcement. Youth should know that their ideas are heard and valued.
Generally the Ma and Pa should do more listening than talking.
The Ma and Pa ensure that participants do not criticize,
judge, or blame others. If negative feelings about others are expressed, the Ma
and Pa let the group know that the intent of discussions is for individuals to
share insights and feelings about themselves—and about others if those feelings
are edifying.
EQUIPMENT TO BRING
The following information is from the stake trek committee:
Each Ma and Pa must bring supplies for their family's use, outlined in the
equipment list (click here for the equipment list). Start collecting these items immediately
. We want you to borrow them from families in your ward and from
your friends. We do not want you going out and purchasing these items.
CAMPING AND FOREST
REGULATIONS
It is important to remember that we are guests on forest
land. The forest has been protected by the government for our use and
enjoyment, and we must make sure that we don‘t damage it in any way. Our
responsibilities include learning proper fire-building techniques, disposing
properly of waste, and using the land wisely.
1. Garbage bags are provided for the removal of trash.
Before a camp can be vacated, it must be inspected for trash, fires, etc. Some
of the trash may have been left by others, but we should remove it before
leaving. Do not burn any plastic products.
2. Portable toilets are provided for staff and participants
and are furnished with toilet paper. If there is no possible way to use the
toilets then appropriate care must be taken to properly bury any waste
products. No waste or paper is to be left exposed-everything must be buried.
3. No trees are to be cut down under any circumstances. Use
dead wood found on the ground for fires and scatter unused wood when finished.
Do not cut any branches or boughs off the trees for bedding, shelter or other
uses. We should leave the forest land in better shape than it was when we
arrived.
4. Dig a pit for your campfire. Make sure the fire is
completely out before bed and leaving camp. The fire is not out until you are
sure the last spark has been extinguished. Sprinkle-do not pour water on the
embers. Turn logs and sticks and drench both sides. Stir the ashes with a stick
until everything is wet, extinguished, and cold. Feel the sticks and coals to
make sure they are cold, even those that are deep down. Make sure no roots are
burning. When everything is cold and wet, cover the spot with dirt and bury the
wet ashes. Try to make the spot look natural as if you‘d never been there.
PULLING HANDCARTS
As you might expect, this is one of the most important parts
of the Trek. It gives the youth the opportunity to experience physical hardship
first-hand, thereby coming to appreciate their pioneer ancestors more. Pulling
the cart fosters unity in the family.
There are some important rules and suggestions that you
should remember concerning this aspect of Trek. Among them are:
1. The
family should remain together. Youth should not switch back and forth between
carts.
2. The handcarts are very heavy when loaded. They
weigh 300 pounds alone. Advise your family members to stay away from the wheels
as they walk. THEY SHOULD NEVER RUN WITH THE HANDCART. No one is allowed to
ride in the cart at any time. If someone is seriously ill, you should contact
the Trailboss or Medical Specialist.
3. Always be aware of where your family members
are. Count off before you start pulling the handcarts after a break. It is a
good idea to pray or read a scripture at each break as well. You will set the
tone of your family this way.
4. You should only stop when the trailboss
indicates that it is time for a break. The whole handcart train will stop
together and start together.
5. Keep the tarps and bags away from the wheels.
6. Avoid jarring the carts by going over large
rocks or into holes.
7. Avoid pulling the handcarts sideways on a
hill. Go straight up or straight down. If all the weight of the handcart is
shifted to one wheel, it will break.
8. Whenever
you stop for breaks, each cart needs to be pulled as far as safely possible to
the side of the trail to allow passing vehicles. And always make sure that
someone puts rocks behind the wheels so that the cart doesn’t roll backwards.
Encourage the youth to get water and use the restroom if needed so the trek is
not delayed later.
DEVOTIONALS
As a Ma or Pa, you will have the opportunity to conduct
devotional time with your family morning and night. It is an essential part of
the Trek experience, and can have a significant impact on the youth. Usually,
you will follow the same general guidelines for each session. As you
participate in the Trek, keep in mind the events and how they relate to gospel
principles. Devotionals are an excellent time to try and foster reflection in
the youth. Remember that the youth should have their agency and not be forced
into a situation where they feel they have to share their feelings. We want
them to remember the spirit rather than leave feeling embarrassed or mad
because they were forced to talk. During these devotionals we want you to talk
about what they have experienced during the day. What things touched them? Make
parallels to things they experienced that day on the trek to things they are
going through in their lives today. Use scriptures and personal experience to
teach the youth. We also want you to share your favorite pioneer stories with
them. This will give them an understanding and appreciation for what our
pioneers went through to build the true church in which we enjoy today. The
devotionals only need to be about 10 minutes long.
