Find answers to your trek related questions

What are the dates for Trek?

Thursday, July 13 – Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Is there a permission form?

Yes! All youth going on trek need to come with a signed permission form. Here’s the LINK. Please print this form, have a parent fill it out, and bring it with you to trek.

What is the cost per youth to participate in the Trek?

The cost is $25 per youth coming on Trek. Each participant is responsible to purchase or borrow their own pioneer clothing and supplies. A 5-gallon bucket with lid is required to hold personal items.

​Where is the location for Trek?

Trek will take place about 19 miles east of Sonora on highway 108 and about 6 miles southeast from Long Barn in the Stanislaus National Forest. The elevation is about 5700 feet. For detailed driving directions, click HERE.

Who can go on Trek?

All youth turning 14+ in 2023, including graduating seniors, are invited (and strongly encouraged) to participate. Non-member friends that reside within the stake boundaries are also invited. Many Manteca Stake YM/YW Leaders and support personnel have also been invited. All trek personnel have been approved through the Bishops and Stake Presidency.

What do you mean by Ma & Pa?

Mas & Pas are awesome married couples in our Stake who have been given the assignment of leading groups of youth on the Trek. Each Ma & Pa will have 10-12 youth assigned to their "Trek Family" for the duration of the Trek.  The youth will not be able to choose who their Ma & Pa are for the trek or the other members of their family. 

Can I choose which family I will be in or the Ma & Pa I will be with during the Trek?

No. Prayerful consideration will be given to which family each youth will be assigned to.  If parents feel an unusual exception should be considered, that request can be made through the ward Bishop who will discuss it with the stake leadership.  One of the great benefits of Treks is that they give youth a chance to become acquainted with other youth in a very special way.  The friendships made during this week will become some of their most cherished. 

Will there be requirements to go on Trek?

Yes. Everyone who goes on the Trek will be required to register online by the deadlines. This information can be found under REGISTRATION. We highly recommend that you prepare yourselves physically and spiritually. All other requirements can be found under PREPARATION.

How much walking will we do?

Plenty! We will walk and pull handcarts each day, as much as 5 miles per day.  It is very important to be in shape and to have sturdy running shoes/hiking boots that are well broken in and have a good tread. Start now to exercise and break in your shoes.

What should I be doing now to prepare for Trek?

Learn about those who crossed the plains in the 1850s. You can read some of these pioneer stories under INSPIRATION on this website.  Exercising through the next few months is important and you will need to prepare your Trek clothing.  Remember that your Trek experience will depend on how well you prepare.

Am I responsible for getting my own pioneer clothing? When do I need to have it ready by?

Yes. See the Trek Packing Lists and Clothing Resource Guide Plan to have your pioneer clothing ready at least one month prior to the Trek.  We recommend that you start to collect (borrow, sew or purchase) your clothing as early as possible.

Is there a list of things I need to bring and can’t bring?

Yes! Here’s a link: in English and en español

Can I wear contacts?

The Trek site can be windy, dirty and dusty. If you must wear contacts, have a sturdy pair of sunglasses on hand to protect your eyes. It would be wise to bring a pair of your regular glasses as well. Plan now to bring travel-size containers of solution. (Remember, 17 lbs. only in those buckets!)

Where can I find the required 5 gallon bucket?

These can be purchased at local Hardware stores or through online preparedness sites.  If you are having trouble locating a bucket, please see your Ward Trek Coordinator.

When do I need to have all of my personal equipment together?

Your bucket (which will be your luggage and seat), supplies, and sleeping bag should be gathered, packed and ready to go to by the bucket check date coordinated by your Ward Trek Coordinator. You will need to have all your personal equipment, be dressed for the Trek, and ready with your small backpack that holds your essential items: lip balm, sunscreen, wipes/hand sanitizer, water, and sack lunch the morning we leave. There will be a final weigh in for buckets and a final check before we load everything and depart that morning.

I have a physical limitation and exercise is very hard for me.  Can I still attend Trek?

During registration each person will have the opportunity to inform the medical committee of any physical conditions and limitations, including current medications, so that appropriate Trek plans can be developed for those individuals.

Should I bring over-the-counter medications with me?

Over-the-counter medications are dispensed as needed at Trek by the medical staff.  Trek participants don't need to bring Tylenol, Motrin, etc. with them.

I have a health condition that limits what I eat; can I still attend Trek?

During registration each person will have the opportunity to inform the food committee of any food allergies, diabetic, or other medical conditions so that appropriate meal plans can be developed for those individuals.

How will we get to and from the Trek site?

We are traveling by carpool to and from the trek site. Our location is about 2 hours away and our parking is limited. Your Ward Trek Coordinator will be arranging a meeting time and location for the morning of Thursday, July 13. Your Ward Trek Coordinator will also arrange for a ride home in the afternoon of July 15. The Ward Trek Coordinators are responsible for the coordination of transportation of the youth, their buckets and sleeping bags to and from the Trek site.

Can I come to the Trek late or leave early?

No. If you attend the Trek you must go and come with the main group in the carpools.

Can I bring my cell phone?

No. There is no cell phone coverage where we will be. No electronics will be allowed on the Trek. We ask that they be left at home. Buckets will be inspected at check in.  All electronics and other items not allowed at Trek will be confiscated and returned when Trek is over.

What if my cell phone is my alarm clock or camera?

You will have no need for an alarm clock. Our trek is carefully scheduled and you will be woken up every morning. Trek photographers and videographers will be available for the duration of trek. There will be plenty of pictures taken! If you still feel you need your own camera we would suggest a digital camera or a disposable one.

What are the sleeping accommodations at Trek? 

At the end of each day the handcarts will be “parked” at the camping site. The females will sleep in one designated area; the males will sleep in a different area. There are Trail Hands assigned as overnight security so that everyone is safe and where they need to be at all times.

What types of meals will be served?

Trek participants will receive three full meals each day. All food will be planned and prepared by Food Specialists from our stake.

Will there be bathroom facilities on the trail?

Portable bathrooms will be available approximately every 3 miles of trek and at each campsite.

Will water be readily available for drinking to prevent dehydration?

Yes. Trek participants need to have their own water bottle to keep with them at all times. All participants will be required to drink water along the trail to prevent dehydration. Each handcart will have a 5-gallon water container to re-fill their personal water bottles.

Will water be available for showering, washing hair, or for water activities?

Water will not be available for showering or washing hair.

I hear we're having a dance at Trek; will this be anything like our usual youth dances?

You will be dressed differently.  The music will be different.  The dances will be different.  But the purpose is the same!  Since the early days of the Church, dance has played an important part in the Church’s social activities. Music and dancing will both play important roles at Trek!

Who is the emergency contact during trek?

If there is an emergency and you need to contact a youth or adult who are on trek, please contact Celeste Brown at (209) 814-7616. Trek staff will be checking in with her each day to relay emergency messages to those on trek.

Other Questions?

If you have additional questions, please email the Trek Committee at mantecastakeyouth@outlook.com. We will do our best to answer them promptly.