Ma's and Pa's

Ma's and Pa's are the heart of Trek.  The Lord has chosen you to lead by example and by word.  We are very excited to have you as our Ma and Pa for this years trek!!

Basic Information

We will have planned  Ma and Pa hikes!!  

They will be help on April 23, 2022 and May 21, 2022.  Place is TBD.  

During the hikes,  we will be giving vital information about trek and preparing ourselves for the physical demands.  The times and places are TBD.

There will be a special First Aid Training that you will all need to attend.  April 14, 7pm at the Sinaloa building.

Below is information about the roles of  Ma and Pa. This information comes from the church handbook.  Please read all of this information and pray about how you can prepare to implement it on trek.  

   

Roles of Ma’s and Pa’s · 

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. · 

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. · 

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.

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. · 

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. · 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. ·

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. · 

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. · 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. 

 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. ·

 Keep track of participants. 

The Ma and Pa keep track of the youth in their group at all times. 

Preparation of Ma’s and Pa’s Spiritual Preparation Pioneer treks require spiritual preparation. 

Suggestions include: · Having personal and family prayer each day. · Listening to and heeding the Spirit. · Studying the Book of Mormon and other scriptures regularly, giving special attention to the gospel principles that can be taught on trek. · Going to the temple regularly. · Learning about Church history, ancestors, and the handcart pioneers. · Improving teaching and listening skills. 

“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 

Roles of Family Group Leaders 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 15 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, and no-trace camping and trekking.