We encourage the youth and the leaders to be as authentic as possible in their dress.  Here are some examples:

 

These are samples of pioneer clothing.  You can make  you own or purchase them.  Here is a site that offers pictured pioneer clothing for  purchase: click here.  Here is a link with helpful patterns: click here.

Betsy Lowe is available to visit units to help sew costumes. She has patterns for all aspects of the Pioneer outfit - both men and women.  For the men she recommends going to Good Will to get a 2 pair of trousers and 2 button down shirts (this way if they get stained or ruined you will not care).  I bought 2 pair of pants for $5.00 in 2009.  CHEAP!  

Please feel free to contact her at betsy4kids@aol.com if you have any questions.

Condition your feet!

CONDITIONING YOUR FEET FOR THE TREK*:    Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you wrong and that means foot pain and blisters.  Remember, your toes need room to expand, because your feet will swell a full shoe size as you walk on the trek. So be sure to bring only comfy trekking shoes.   Running shoes are the best bet for trekkers because they are specifically designed for cushioning, motion control, and support.  Keep in mind that hiking boots do not provide motion control features that many people need, and may be inflexible and heavy.  And they are certain to rub you wrong!  Since you  know that you will be trekking soon, try to do a couple of walks with your  trekking shoes and a light backpack. If, or when you feel hot spots forming, stop! Go home, rub your feet with rubbing alcohol and let them dry out. This should allow you to form calluses that can protect you on the trek. To physically prepare yourself for the trek, here are some general guidelines: Walk 4-5 times per week For 2-3 times per week, walk 2-3 miles, and 2 times a week, walk 4-5 miles About 4 times before the actual Trek, walk longer periods of time up hill.  *Handcart-trek.org

Trek Bucket = Your life for 3 days!

In preparation for Trek you will need a 5 gallon bucket WITH LID to put your things in.  These buckets will hold your supplies.  The handcarts are designed to hold this size so that the weight will be evenly distributed.

You may want to cover you lid with padding since your bucket will also serve as a camp chair.

You may be able to find a free bucket at your local bakery/grocery/Sam's Club, etc.  Frosting comes in these buckets.  Make sure to ask for the lid and make sure the lid fits.  

If you cannot find a free bucket, you may be able to find one at Lowes, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, etc. for a few dollars.

  

Sister Studer of the Louisville Stake made her bucket "fancy" by covering it with duct tape!

Notice that she put her things in plastic baggies?  Very good idea!

Trek...can't wait!

Preparation!

Hello!
Just a reminder to prepare physically and spiritually for the trek.  Refer to the guidelines on the January 5th entry.  It will be HOT in July.  Your body needs to prepare!  Hopefully you have already started!

How are you doing on your search for an ancestor or a pioneer story to share?  It's going to be fun to hear all of the stories!  Pray and read your scriptures daily so that you will be in great spiritual shape as well!

Here is a picture from the trek 4 years ago.  They are "Pressing Forward"

Hello all!  Here is a note from Betsy Lowe, who is our resource for clothing for the trek.  She will be able to provide resourses, pictures, patterns and ideas for what to wear on the Trek this year.

"Wearing modern clothing will not aid in feeling the spirit of the event.  I know personally, being dressed in clothes made for the occassion really added to the whole experience the last time we did this.  Here is a photo from the Louisville Trek in 2009.  Women are in full length skirts with blouse or shirt or dresses, bonnet, & apron; men have button down shirt, suspenders, pants and hat.  

It is greatly advised to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and have hiking (absorbing comfortable) socks - ones that pull the moisture away from the skin with wicking.  The youth and adults will probably walk at least a 1/2 marathon by the time it is all over.  "Pioneer Children sang as they walked and walked and walked and walked."  :)

I am available to visit units to help sew costumes.  I have patterns for all aspects of the Pioneer outfit - both men and women.  For the men I recommend going to Good Will to get a 2 pair of trousers and 2 button down shirts (this way if they get stained or ruined you will not care).  I bought 2 pair of pants for $5.00 in 2009.  CHEAP!  "