Preparation

Spiritual Prep:

• Having personal 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 listening skills.

Here is a list of books that will help you prepare spiritually for the pioneer trek.  These books are amazing!

• The Price We Paid By: Andrew D. Olsen
• Tell My Story, Too By: Jolene S. Allphin
• Journal of the Trail By: Glazier and Clark
• Ensign December 2006 Go and Bring Them In - pgs 40-51
• The Second Rescue By: Susan Arrington Madsen
• Through Deepening Trials By: Robert Moss
• I Walked to Zion By: Susan Arrington Madsen
• Remember By: Riverton Wyoming Stake
• Fire Of The Covenant By: Gerald N.Lund
• Handcarts to Zion By: Leroy R and Ann W Hafen
• Miracles of the Martin Handcart Company By: Joanne Mellor Felix-s
• Rescue of the 1856: Handcart Companies By: Rebecca Bartholomew and Leonard J. Arrington
• Sweet water Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story By: Heidi Swinton and Lee Groberg

Physical Preparation

Pioneer treks require physical stamina, which you 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. You should be prepared to walk three miles an hour and be capable of walking up to 5 miles a day while helping pull a heavy handcart over rough terrain.

The following are some general guidelines that you might consider:

1) Walk 4-5 times per week.
2) For 2-3 times per week, walk 2-3 miles; for 2 times a week walk 4-5 miles.

3) Walk uphill about 4 times, increasing the distance each time, before the trek