Trek Policies Deseret Land and Livestock e

Trek Policies
Deseret Land and Livestock
801-386-2979
e-mail: dlltreks@agreserves.com
Please share these rules with your trek committee so everyone is aware of DL & L procedures.
Please pay special attention to underlined and bold type.
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Communicate with committees so everyone is aware of DL& L procedures. Remember RETURN AND
REPORT
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Trek Leaders need to trek with their group and be aware of what is going on with the trek. Let someone
else do support.
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All trek groups are required to send representatives to attend a route review. Scheduled in May or
early June. The trail boss and no more than 4 other people should attend. You should bring a vehicle that
wi11 accommodate the missionary couple and the four people from your group
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Lead vehicle please Call from Coalville or Park City to let us know you are on your way. (About 30-45
minutes out).
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At time of route review let the missionaries know the number of people in your trek group and whether
they are coming by bus or car and the number of each.
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Please, NO horses, mountain bikes, dogs, firearms, ammunition, knives, sheath knives, round nosed
shovels fireworks, fishing equipment or ATV's are allowed on ranch property. No digging allowed.
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All participants must be committed for the entire time of the trek there are no mid-week arrivals or
departures except Stake Presidents/Special Speakers and hoedown callers. Groups are not allowed to
have visitors arrive during the week. No exits from the property for ice, groceries, gas etc.
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Recommend 8-10 youth with a Ma and Pa for each handcart
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No meager meals i.e. broth or Y.t pound of flour. What do you want the youth to remember? Being
hungry and miserable or the spiritual experience of trek.
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Leaders should bring radios for communication. Cell phones may not work at all locations. Youth are not
to bring cell phones, i-pods or other electronics.
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Trek leader needs to walk with the kids.
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Support vehicles and handcarts MUST yield to all other traffic.
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Leave all animals alone.
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Be Flexible. Routes may be changed due to weather conditions, cattle or wildlife.
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Treks must camp at the site designated by the missionaries-and remain there.
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Bring warm coats, sleeping bags with an extra blanket. It does get cold here at night. Tents or tarps, a
flashlight, raingear, warm coats, a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes in your buckets. Also bring
hat, sunscreen and lip gloss. It gets hot during the day and the sun is strong here at 7000 feet.
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Polly-wool socks wick better than cotton. Knee high nylons and socks over them or two pair of socks help
prevent blisters.
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Trek group is to stay together on trail.
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Stop every 30 minutes for drinks and snacks.
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Hydration: Each person should bring a water bottle. No tin cups. Water bottles allow trekkers to drink
while trekking. Each person should drink about 32 oz each hour.
Songs on the trail:
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Use music as much as possible. It really invites the Spirit.
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Singing and music help the work get done a lot faster and is more fun.
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Encourage families to sing and participate in songs whenever the occasion arrises.
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Babies on trek: (optional)
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Have a baby for each familyu.
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Have youth leaders tell story of your new arriabal; [use an actual babies that were born or traveled in the
handcart companies.]
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Baby must be cvarried at all times, they cannot ride in the handcart.
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Treat this little one as if they were actual babies.
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At night baby wiiJ need to sleep with the family member. Never leave the baby alone.
Support:
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Speed limit on the ranch is 25 MPH - at all times.
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All vehicles that are not acting as traveling support must remain at the trek's beginning point.
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Support vehicles should stay close together while traveling from one location to another.
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All support vehicles must remain in camp once they get there; with the exception of the water buffalo
when water is needed.
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Each tow vehicle needs a 2 5/16" ball hitch. Hitches need to be about 18"-20" from the ground. We
strongly recommend 3/4 ton 4X4 to pull the water buffalo and the port-a--johns. Put vehicles in 4-wheel
drive and leave it there while on the ranch.
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Support trailers should not be longer than 25 feet.
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No semi's, duel wheel vehicles or triple axles on support route.
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Up to 6 support vehicles are allowed for the first 250 people, I vehicle for each 50 thereafter. Example: 1
for water buffalo; 1 or 2 for port-a-john; 1 for medical; 2 for food and support
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Vehicles must stay on roads or as directed by the missionaries
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Water Buffalos:
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DO NOT unhook water buffalo from your truck on the route. It is prone to tip backwards.
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T-Chlor will be provided to p ut in water buffalo. Add the specified bottle for your size of water buffalo
as directed by your missionary.
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Additional water and T-Chlor may be obtained at the Trek Center.
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Bring 4 buckets to put under water spigots on the water buffaloto catch water. This keeps the area from
getting muddy. Use this water to wash faces, feet, or soak neck coolers etc.
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Water buffalo goes to each potty stop. Make sure you consider the water needs for those in camp for
cooking, etc.
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We have a 200 gallon tank that can be strapped in the back of a pick-up truck. On a first come basis.
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Water is for cooking and drinking and washing dishes. Bring basins to wash dishes in.
hygeine. No hair washing. We need to conserve water.
Not personal
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Return Water Buffalo empty to the trek center. The valves should be closed after the buffalo is emptied.
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At end of trek empty water buffalo and drop off where you fill up.
Handcarts
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All carts must follow missionary and trail boss. Do Not cut comers or go off trail.
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Do not run with carts, or stand, ride, sit or lean on handcarts. Youth may ride on handcart when
medically necessary.
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Do not drop the pull bar, it might break. Lay it down gently.
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Leave NO TRACE, on handcarts; no tape, string, carving, writing etc.
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We recommend each handcart have atleast a 12'X30' tarp to put in handcart. Put buckets in handcart, fold
tarp back over the buckets. When you stop for a break, pull the tarp up over the handle of the handcart, to
form shade for the kids. Make sure water jugs are easily accessable.
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How to put tarp in and make shade.
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Each handcart should have 2 five gallon jugs one for water and/or Gatorade.
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Pack handcarts centering the weight over the axles.
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Have a Trash bag on each cart for aU trash.
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Have a first aid kit in each handcart
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Each family should have consecrated oil with them.
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We have handicap handcarts available for wheeJchair bound youth. You wi11 need to supply the wheel
chair and tie-downs.
Port~a~johns
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Port-a-john trucks may not unhook or go back for another port-a-john.
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Consider what you are going to do for port-a-johns for camp staff ... i.e. use potties from boats or RV's.
We have two 2-seat port-a-johns trailers that rent for $100 each. First reserved first served. Or PCS in
Evanston 888-417-9314 will rent 2 port-a-johns on a trailer, and will deliver it to the gate at the beginning
of your trek and pick it up at the gate at the end.
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Assign your families to clean the port-a-johns night and morning. They stay a Jot cleaner when the
youth help maintain them.
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Disposable Gloves for port-a-john drivers
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Plug port-a-johns and insure that the doors are all fastened before each move, unplug before each use.
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Spray port-a-johns with a mixture of 1 part Simple Green and 10 parts water and ~ cup clorox. Spray
inside port-a-johns: walls, ceiling, floor, etc each time you unplug. Stir anytime waste get above the blue
water. This will keep odor down.
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Air Freshener: The best thing we have found is dryer sheet. Tape one or two inside each port-a-john each
day, or use paperclips and attach to the screens. See Pleasant Potties for more ideas.
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Bring a stir stick: Stirring really helps with the odor.
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TP Rolls: Put duct tape or rubber bands on TP rolls or remove the TP rolls and place in a bag before you
move port-a-johns.
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Bring plenty of TP. (suggest about 1 roll per person)
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Bring an empty laundry deterent bottle for washing hands. Tie a bar of soap in a nylor sock to handle.
Place on a small table near the potties. Put another bucket on the ground to catch the water so no mud
puddles form. Or bring bucket with spigot or hole and golf tee,
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Bring plastic bags (Wal-Mart, etc) to put in trashcans in each port-a-john for trash.
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All feminine products and garbage must go in garbage bags-not in port-a-johns. Nothing in port-a-johns
except that which passes through the body and toilet paper. Anything else will have to be removed by
you. Bring a grabber to fish items out of the Port-a-johns
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Tie large garbage bag to rail of each port-a-john trailer.
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Park Port-a-johns where missioinaries direct you to park the port-a-johns. Pull all steps and ramps down.
If you have questions ask missionaries.
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Cowgirl Stops/Cowboy stops Each handcart should have a tarp, neat sheet, or sheet for Ma's and Pa's to
hold up for potty breaks. You might consider a bucket with a toilet seat attached for the girls to use.
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Ziploc bag and TP for Cowgirl Stops/Cowboy stops. Must put used TP back in Ziploc bag and throw in
trash bag
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At the end of the trek, please remove all the plugs and place them nasty side up inside on the ground under
the trailers. Remove all toilet paper and trash.
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Check for trash inside tank.
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Medical:
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Each group should have at least one medical person for each 50 to let( people in your trek [one per 100
minimum, one per 50 remmended]
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Know how to get to hospital. See incident report page for map.
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Head medical person will be provided with a sealed envelope with the code to the gate enclosed. If medical
person needs to take someone out to the hospital, when missionaries are not available, they may open the
envelope. If opened a Medical Incident Report is required to be filled out and returned to the missionaries.
This envelop includes a map to Urgent Care and the hopsital. DO NOT Share the code!
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Medical personal need radios to stay in contact with trek leaders.
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Make sure you have a medical form from each person, so medical personal are aware of anergies,
medication etc.
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Some of the medical team should walk with the trekkers. Have one medical person drive the medical
vehicle so they can treat and care for trekkers who need to be taken to camp.
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Hydration: Each person should bring a water bottle. Not tin cups. Water bottles allow trekkers to drink
while trekking. Each person should drink about 32 oz each hour.
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Train Ma's and Pa's to treat blisters and how to recognize dehydration.
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Duct Tape: Use duct tape to tape hot spots and to hold mole skin on. "DUCK'' tape brand does not hold
when it gets wet. Check your duct tape to be sure it will stick when wet.
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Band aids: fabric bandaids stick better between toes and on feet where it will get moist.
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Zofar oral disolving tablets help with early dehydration.
Camp:
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No base camps. Each night you will camp at a different campsite.
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Camp where you are assigned to camp! And once in camp stay in camp! No driving around on the ranch
or hiking in the hills.
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Consider tin plates or Frisbees for plates. Line plates with foil. Wad foil up in a tiny ball when finished
with dinner. It will cut down on your trash and there is minimual washing of dishes.
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Bring a Oat nosed shovel to move cow patties out of campground. No round nosed shovels. No digging.
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No transporting of rocks into the meadows.
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All cooking must be at least 12 inches off the ground. This includes propane, Dutch ovens and charcoal
No fires allowed on the ground including propane heaters.
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Fires are allowed in campsites when conditions are safe but must be at least 12 inches off the ground.
We have some stands and fire barrels available for use. First come, first serve. Bring enough wood for
your fires. You must remove all extra fire wood.
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Bring metal trashcan to put ashes in. You must take the ashes home with you. Do Not put ashes in the
dumpsters. DO NOT bury ashes. this is a no trace camping area.
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We have dumpsters for your use. Please conserve space. Consider crushing boxes and taking them home
to recycle boxes. Cut both ends out of cans and crush flat. ... Space is limited.
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No trace camping, in camp or on the trails. No banana or orange peels, apple cores, or candy
wrappers, etc in camp or on the trail. Perform a walk through sweep of camp before leaving to ensure all
trash is picked up.
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You will need your own sound system for firesides. If missionaries are calling the hoedown please
bring a CD player and a microphone.
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Let missionaries lrnow if you want them to call hoedown, do a mall delivery, tell stories i.e. Ephraim
Hanks, Harvey Cluff, etc.
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Let missionaries lrnow at your route review of any special needs you have and how missionaries might
assist you.
End of Trek:
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At end of trek, if you wish you can order lunch from Evanston. Subway and Pizza Hut and Dominoes
will deliver it to the gate, or you can send someone out to pick up lunch.
Trek Handbook can be located on line at http://www.handcarttreks.com/DLLIDLLindex.html. and at
http://www.deseret landand Iivestock.com/Documents/DLL%20Trek%20Leaders%20Handbook%202009 .pdf
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Resources Provided:
Handcarts:
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The bed of a handcart is 4 feet wide, 5 feet 1ong and 18 inches deep. Each handcart also has a 20
foot rope that is fastened to the front so that all participants can help pull at the same time. The
weight of equipment loaded into the individual carts should not exceed 400 lbs. Family size is
recommended to be no more than 8 youth with and Ma and Pa. The handcarts will be located
where the groups start the trek, staging.
Handicap handcart for wheelchair bound youth. You must provide the wheel chair and tie-
down straps.
Port~a-johns
and Water Tank on Trailers:
The portable toilets and water tank trailers will need to be towed by participant-provided vehicles.
They require a three-quarter ton 4x4 truck with a 2-5/16 ball hitch set 18-20 inches off the
ground. The dirt roads are slick in wet weather and a set of tire chains is advisable. Drivers should
be experienced at driving trailers with heavy loads in all kinds of weather.
Each portable toilet trailer is up to 24 feet long. Each trek group will have 1 portable toilet for
every 25 people. Trekker groups will need to provide, the toilet paper, a method for hand washing
-soap in a nylon sock and a bucket with a hold for a golfT, or spigot- hand sanitizer, and garbage
bag.
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The water buffalo tank is 500 gallons and typically, a group of 250 people wi11 use a tank a day.
The water buffalo can be refilled at the Trek Center. The ranch has a limited supply of water and
conservation an absolute necessity. Fill only large containers from the water buffalo, use basins or
buckets for washing and rinsing dishes, but no Dl" hair washing from this source.
The port-a-john and water tank drivers will pick up trailers at the staging areas at the beginning of
the trek and will return the port-a-johns to the same location at the end of the trek. The water
buffalos need to be returned to the trek center at the end of the trek. Port-a-john drivers will
remove the plugs, all toilet paper and garbage sacks after groups use them at staging before
departure so the port-a-johns are ready to be cleaned and pumped.
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THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Youth Handcart Trek Guidelines
For more information about this topic, call the Risk Management Division:
0 1-801-240-4049
0 1-800-453-3860, ext. 2-4049 (toll free in the United States and Canada)
This fact sheet provides information to help stake presidencies and bishoprics safely organize and conduct handcart trek
activities for stake and ward members.
Introduction
Pioneer handcart treks for youth are a local option. Stake presidents and bishops decide whether handcart treks will be held in
their area. The following guidelines are provided for stakes and wards that choose to hold a trek activity.
Handcart treks require significant planning and supervision to achieve meaningful purposes with minimal risks. Stake
presidents and bishops should share these guidelines with all leaders who will be involved in the trek.
Leadership
Stake presidencies and bishoprics are responsible for and approve all trek plans. They may delegate specific responsibilities for
planning the trek activity to qualified leaders, who work under their direction.
Planning
Handcart treks require extensive preparation and may take up to a year of planning. All plans should follow Church policies as
outlined in Handbook 2: Administering the Church, chapter 13 ("Activities") and chapter 2 I ("Selected Church Policies and
Guidelines").
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For a trek activity to be successful, leaders must be well trained and prepared. Where possible, a training trek for leaders is
reconunended. Leaders should ensure that parents are informed about trek activities.
As an alternative to holding handcart treks at Mormon Trail sites, leaders are encouraged to consider convenient sites on public
or private land. When such sites are used, leaders should obtain the necessary approvals and ensure that the rights and property
of others are respected.
In addition, leaders should give careful attention to the following:
1. Spiritual development. Church activities should strengthen testimonies and foster personal growth. Leaders should ensure
that the trek provides participants with opportunities to apply gospel principles and feel support in living them.
2. Physical preparation. Handcart treks require physical stamina; thus, each participant should be encouraged to eat healthy
food, exercise regularly, and get sufficient rest before the trek. Doing these things will enhance the experience for each
participant.
3. Physical and mental challenges. Some adults and youth who participate in the trek may have physical or mental challenges
such as diabetes, blindness, advanced pregnancy, Down syndrome, obesity, or depression. Leaders should make
preparations to accommodate any special needs for food, medication, equipment, supervision, or safety for these
individuals.
4. Age recommendations. Youth under age 14 usually do not participate in trek activities (see the guidelines for youth
conferences in Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 13.6.14).
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5. Adult leadership. For strenuous youth activities, there should usually be at least one adult for
every ten youth.
6. Adequate food and water. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death. Each
handcart should carry adequate water for the participants. Leaders should make sure that youth
take frequent breaks to drink water and that nutritious food is provided throughout the trek. Food
should be stored, prepared, and served safely to prevent foodbome illness. Chickens, turkeys, or
other live animals should not be killed during treks.
7. Adequate clothing and shelter. Participants should avoid wearing wet clothing, which can cause
body temperature to drop rapidly and can result in hypothermia. To prevent sunburn, participants
should wear sunscreen, long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats or bonnets, and sunglasses. To prevent
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blisterst participants should wear appropriate shoes that fit and are broken in, and socks that do not
absorb moisture. They should bring extra clothing and camping gear that are appropriate for cold
nights, wind, and rain.
8. Appropriate sanitary facilities. For groups larger than 15 people, trailer-mounted portable toilets
should be provided and maintained in a sanitary condition. For small groupst human waste may be
buried in biodegradable containers. Camps should be set up at least 100 feet from any stream or
open water. Wastewater should be disposed of at least 200 feet from water sources. Trek groups
should carry out all trash and refuse and leave camping areas cleaner than they found them.
9. Local camping and fire regulations. Leaders should know in advance any local camping and fire
regulations for the areas where they will stay. They should also know how to contact law
enforcement and emergency services.
10. Travel costs and distance. Leaders should follow the guidelines for activities and travel as
outlined in Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 13.2.8 and 13.6.24.
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Safety
Leaders should take all necessary precautions to ensure that participants are safe throughout the trek
activity. Leaders should focus on preventing illness or injury and on being prepared to provide treatment
if necessary. Safety precautions should include the following:
1. All youth participating in the trek activity should complete a Parental or Guardian Pennission and
Medical Release form (33 81 0). All participating adults should provide necessary infonnation about
medical conditions. Leaders should be aware of any participants who have special needs.
2. Licensed health care professionals should be present and available for the entire trek. At least one
physician or other skilJed health care professional should participate in each trek activity. In addition,
one nurse or emergency medical technician {EMT) is recommended for every 50 to 100 participants.
3. Sufficient first-aid supplies should be available to treat dehydration, heat stroke, sunburn, blisters,
exhaustion, insect or snake bites, and severe allergies. Supplies for intravenous rehydration should also
be available. All adult leaders should be trained to monitor the hydration and general well-being of
participants.
4. Leaders should prepare a written emergency action plan in case of severe weathert lost youth,
accidents, or other threats.
5. Leaders should have a reliable and tested emergency communication system, such as a way radio and
cellular phone.
6. Participants should have continual access to emergency vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles with
four-wheel drive and air conditioning.
7. Leaders should be aware of the hazards associated with handcarts and ensure that they are well
constructed and able to safely carry trek supplies.
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Resources
Information on constructing or renting pioneer handcarts is available at www.handcarttreks.com. This
website also has information about handcart treks held on Church-owned properties. Other helpful
resources include the Young Women Camp Manual (34573) and Boy Scouts of America's Guide to Safe
Scouting.
Updated No1•ember 1010
G~tide/i11es,
Yo11tlt Handcart Trek
0 2007 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. English approval: 10/07. 36838
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