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Revised August 2016 This Handcart Trekking Handbook is specific to WYOMING MORMON TRAIL MISSION MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES Church sponsored trekking site: Handcart Trek Reenactments Guidelines for Leaders https://www.lds.org/locations/schedule-mormon-handcart-historic-sites?lang=eng&_r=1

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Page 1: WYOMING MORMON TRAIL MISSION · This applies to all trek groups: stakes, wards, and families. ... We have no trash facilities. 5 SIXTH CROSSING On-Site Trail Rules Be mindful that

Revised August 2016

This Handcart Trekking Handbook is specific to

WYOMING MORMON TRAIL MISSION

MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES

Church sponsored trekking site:

Handcart Trek Reenactments Guidelines for Leaders https://www.lds.org/locations/schedule-mormon-handcart-historic-sites?lang=eng&_r=1

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Revised August 2016

HISTORY

Table of Contents

HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

MARTIN’S COVE ........................................................................................................................................................ 1

SIXTH CROSSING ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Trek Itineraries……………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………4

Martin's Cove Trail Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Sixth Crossing Trail rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES Campground Rules……………………………………………………………………………… 7

SAGE CAMPGROUND RULES .................................................................................................................................... 9

PREPARATION AT HOME ........................................................................................................................................ 10

SUGGESTED TREK ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................. 12

Pack It In, Pack it Out…………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16

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HISTORY

MARTIN’S COVE The special atmosphere that exists at Martin’s Cove is not due to the facilities or Martin’s cove itself but it is the

faith, obedience, sacrifice, and charity of the people of the Martin Handcart Company who passed through here that

make this place special.

Review their journey from Chimney Rock to Martin’s Cove:

Date – 1856 LOCATION

October 3 9 miles west of Chimney Rock, 580 miles from Salt Lake Valley

October 4 2 miles west of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska

October 8 Arrive at Fort Laramie

October 17 Deer Creek, personal baggage reduced to 10 pounds for adults and 5 pounds for children;

some baggage burned

October 19 Last crossing of the North Platte River. First snow storm. There were 14 people who died

that night.

October 23 Arrive at Bessemer Bend near Red Buttes; 10 miles from last crossing of North Platte River.

Leaders decided to camp for six days so people and animals could rest. They were hoping for

food, hoping for a rescue, hoping for a miracle. Josiah Rogerson recalls “six to eight and more

deaths” each day. He helped bury 18 in one morning.

October 25 Flour rations reduced to 8 ounces per adult and 4 ounces per child

October 28 Express riders Joseph A. Young, Dan W. Jones, and Able Garr arrive at Bessemer Bend camp.

October 29 Leave Bessemer Bend and camp near Rock Avenue

October 30 Camp at Willow Springs

October 31 Meet rescuers with wagons and some provisions at Greasewood Creek

November 1 Camp at Independence Rock

November 2 Cold wind brought storm clouds and a large snow storm. Near dusk arrive at Fort Seminoe

west of Devil’s Gate. Snow was deep and terrible cold. Not enough room for all in the

buildings at the fort.

November 4 6 below zero, rescuers decide to move handcart people into a protected area a few miles

northwest of the fort. The place now called Martin’s Cove. This area provided some

protection from the wind and a good supply of firewood. They had to cross Sweetwater

River to get there.

November 5 Temperature is recorded at 11 degrees below zero for two days. During their time in the

cove flour rations were reduced to 4 ounces for adults and 2 ounces for children. At the fort

men were unloading freight from Hodgetts and Hunt wagons which would be left at the fort

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with 20 men to guard it. During their stay in the cove historians believe there were not quite

as many as the 56 believed to have died at Bessemer Bend.

November 9 The storm breaks and the handcart company leave Martin’s Cove. However, there was not

enough space in the wagons for everyone to ride.

November 10 In anticipation of additional supplies flour rations increased to 8 ounces per adults and 4

ounces for children. Ephraim Hanks meets the company and dispenses buffalo meat

November 13 Meet three relief wagons, the first wagons to arrive other than those of the initial rescuers.

November 16 Meet Anson Call’s group of 10 relief wagons. Flour rations are increased to 16 ounces for

adults and 8 ounces for children. Martin Company crosses Rocky Ridge.

November 18 Arrive at the last camping place on the Sweetwater (Redick Allred’s camp), where there are

finally enough wagons for everyone to ride.

November 19 Crosses South Pass

November 23 Arrive at Fort Bridger

November 30 Arrive in Salt Lake

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SIXTH CROSSING The special atmosphere that exists at the Sixth Crossing site is not due to the facilities or the site itself but it is the

faith, obedience, sacrifice, and charity of the people of the Willie Handcart Company who passed through here that

make this place special.

Review of the Willie Handcart Company from Fort Laramie to South Pass:

Date – 1856 LOCATION

September 30 Camp near Fort Laramie

October 2 Parley P. Pratt and other eastbound missionaries visit the company

October 4 Flour rations reduced from 16 ounces to 12 ounces per adult

October 15 Pass Independence Rock and Devil’s Gate; flour rations reduced to 10.5 ounces for men, 9 ounces for women and older children, 6 ounces for younger children, and 3 ounces for infants

October 19 Leave Sweetwater River at Fifth Crossing, to meet it again 16 ½ miles at the Sixth Crossing.

Just past Ice Spring a snow storm with a shrill wind began. The company stopped to wait it

out. Meet express riders near Ice Slough who tell them several wagons loaded with flour,

onions, and clothing and bedding are within a day’s drive. The express riders continue on to

look for the Martin company. The Company arrives at Sixth Crossing at dark; nearly out of

food.

October 20 Captain Willie and Joseph Elder travel 27 miles before they find Grant’s rescue company.

October 21 At 8:00 in the morning Captain Willie and Joseph Elder retrace their trail with Captain Grant’s rescue company to reach the camp at Sixth Crossing.

October 22 Travel 10 miles and camp at the base of Rocky Ridge. It is a bitter cold night

October 23 Make a brutal 16 mile trek over Rocky Ridge during a blizzard; some don’t reach camp until almost dawn

October 24 Bury 13 people in a common grave

October 25 Arrive at the last camping place on the Sweetwater (Reddick Allred’s camp)

October 26 Cross South Pass

October 31 Meet 10 supply wagons west of Green River

November 2 Camp at Fort Bridger

November 8 Camp a mile east of Little Mountain

November 9 Arrive in Salt Lake

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TREK ITINERARIES To view trek modules visit:

https://www.lds.org/locations/schedule-mormon-handcart-historic-sites?lang=eng&_r=1

MARTIN'S COVE Trail Rules

Walking single file promotes reverence for this sacred site.

Take your time.

Vignettes may be given in most places on the trail, with the exception of the trail above Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater and through the Cove to the Monument.

Always leave the trail clear for others. We are a public access trail under a BLM permit in these locations.

Musical numbers are allowed at Daniel W. Jones Amphitheater or Sweetwater Amphitheater, but not beyond there as you walk to the cove.

The walk through Martin's Cove is a reverent experience.

Absolutely no climbing on the rocks or sand hill at Martin's Cove.

You are responsible for your own medical issues.

This is home for deer, antelope, rabbits, rattlesnakes, etc. Please enjoy our wildlife, but do not disturb, feed or harm them. We are the visitors.

Picnicking is permissible in designated areas. No picnicking in the Cove or on the trail above Handcart Parking.

Pack it In! Pack it Out! This applies to all trek groups: stakes, wards, and families. We have no trash facilities.

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SIXTH CROSSING On-Site Trail Rules

Be mindful that ALL requests from missionaries MUST be followed! It is the responsibility of your group’s priesthood leaders to ensure that all of the following are adhered to by all of your participants.

Once on the trail, do not deviate from your assigned trail without approval of Trek Supervisor.

During spring high water, we may need to modify and/or change trails. The mission president will advise when the Sweetwater River is deemed passable for river crossings. At that time, it will then be the decision of your priesthood leaders to proceed with the crossing.

The 10 Mile Trail has three Sweetwater River Crossings (designated as 1st, 2nd & 3rd Crossings). The 6 Mile Trail has one Sweetwater River Crossing location; one at the Toll Bridge.

Your first water crossing should be silent to allow your group to feel the Spirit.

Your group leaders should come prepared to address your youth with talks, testimonials, stories, etc. that

will help them to learn and appreciate the faith, obedience, sacrifice and charity of those who helped establish the restored gospel. We have found that group leaders are especially in-tune with the Spirit in knowing what to and how to share with your youth.

It is preferred that your youth and leaders provide the talks. If necessary missionaries are available to provide talks for: the Willie Account, Men’s Call Out/Women’s Pull, Water Crossing, Pioneer (Pony) Express, Ephraim Hanks, Levi Savage, and Jens & Elsie Nielson re-enactment. Please schedule in advance. Missionaries are not available to tell stories at the Sage Campground.

The starting of the Willie Account can be shared on View Ridge and the conclusion told in the Willie

Meadow or the whole story can be told in the Willie Meadow, but may also be given during/following NHT-Rocky Ridge Orientation in the campgrounds.

Vignettes and appropriate music are permitted. Please be mindful that other groups are utilizing the trail

and keep it short.

There are two Men’s Callout/Women’s Pulls. o Long Pull: located near View Ridge. o Poison Springs’ Pull: Available on the 6 or 10 Mile Trail. It is located near the Poison Springs’

restrooms and is .24 miles long with a 95’ climb. The above locations may also be utilized for the Jens & Elsie Nielson re-enactment. There is no drinking water available on the trail, except at Lower Meadow – by the Willie Meadow. We

recommend that you carry 1 gallon of water per individual on your handcarts. There are four restroom stops on the trails. One at Poison Springs, one before the Willie Meadow, one just

after the Willie Meadow, and one just after the third River Crossing.

Toilet paper is provided. Trekkers should be prepared with a few rolls of toilet paper for emergency

purposes.

There are no tables or benches provided along the trails. Trekker buckets can be utilized for sitting on. Please make sure all litter is picked up prior to your departure from your lunching area. Typical areas for lunching on the trails are:

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o On the 10 Mile Trail and 6 Mile Trail, lunch is taken at the Willie Meadow or the Two Gates

restroom area. o Lunches should be prepared prior to trail departure and taken with trekkers on handcarts.

Please leave all gates as you find them. When in doubt, close them.

Do not climb on fences or gates. Only one medical and/or one support vehicle from your group is allowed to travel on any authorized site

roads beyond your campground. Support vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

Please check with the Campground Host and Base Station to get permission and for detailed instruction if support people want to catch up with your group on the trail to listen or participate in events. Event locations should be accessed via walking the trail. They should walk not drive to their desired location.

The only vehicles allowed on the trails are medical vehicles and mission service vehicles. No vehicle

travel without base approval.

You are responsible for your own medical issues. Handcarts may be utilized to bring the individual off the trail to a road access point. If the medical emergency necessitates the use of a vehicle, your medical vehicle is allowed on the trail. This is the ONLY time a vehicle is allowed on the trail. If the individual is not accessible by your vehicle, our Rover may transport the individual to your vehicle. You remain responsible for taking care of the emergency.

This is home for deer, antelope, rabbits, rattlesnakes, etc. Please enjoy our wildlife, but do not disturb, feed

or harm them. We are the visitors.

Do not disturb or feed the cattle or horses owned by local ranchers.

You are responsible for handcarts that are assigned to your group. If you break them on the trail, you must bring them in. (Duct tape is an effective temporary fix.)

A bill will be sent to your stake, ward or group to cover the repairs for damage to handcarts, campground, restrooms, etc.

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MORMON HANDCART HISTORIC SITES

Campground Rules

Be mindful that all requests from missionaries MUST be followed!

It is the responsibility of your group’s priesthood leaders to ensure that all of the following

are adhered to by all of your participants.

Unload and park only in designated areas. Whenever possible there will be someone to direct you. Please

do not block roads, trails, or gates at any time.

DO NOT drive any vehicles into the campgrounds. You may use your issued handcarts to assist with

loading and unloading of gear. In some campgrounds, we provide handcarts for moving your equipment.

NO SEMIS. Semis are not allowed at the campgrounds at any of our sites.

Recreational Vehicles (RV’s, campers, camp trailers, pop-up tent trailers, motor homes, toy-haulers, any

type trailer with living quarters, etc.), no matter what their intended use (sleeping, cooking, medical,

hauling gear, etc.) are not allowed to be parked at any of the campgrounds, including at Sage and Rock

Creek Hollow. If used for unloading they are allowed 60 minutes to unload and then must be moved out

of the campground area into the areas where they are permitted. At Rock Creek Hollow RV’s may camp at

the bus parking area. However, they are still subject to quiet hours for generators, which is 10 p.m. At the

Sixth Crossing sites, parking for these types of vehicles may be up to 2.5 miles away from your

campground. At the Martin’s Cove site, parking is 8 miles away. Better yet, plan on having all of your

group’s participants enjoy the total pioneer experience and do not bring these types of vehicles.

DRONES are not allowed. This is a BLM restriction.

Do not climb on the campground fences or gates.

We cannot transport people, equipment or other items for your trek in our Rovers. This includes musical

instruments, food, props, ice, or trekkers. These must be transported in your assigned handcarts. It may be

necessary to check out an additional handcart to transport your special equipment.

Do not wash dishes, hair, feet, or teeth, near the water faucets or hand-pump water wells. The wells are

shallow and surface water seepage can contaminate the drinking water. Take water back to camp in jugs,

buckets, etc. Use this water to fill water bottles for cooking, for washing, brushing teeth, etc. Go at least 50

feet away from the pump.

No pets or horses are permitted. Only service animals will be allowed.

No bicycles, ATV’s or large screens for showing videos will be permitted.

No casual use of boom boxes, tape players, CD players or IPods. Upon approval, these items may be used

for appropriate musical numbers for devotional purposes, etc.

Camp in your assigned area. You may rearrange the picnic tables and/or benches ONLY in your assigned

area. When you break camp, they must be returned to their original locations.

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Use only the fire rings assigned to your group. Fires are only to be in the fire rings provided. Do not

remove the fire rings. Do not dig holes for fires or for cooking purposes, i.e. for Dutch Oven cooking, etc.

Obey fire ban if issued.

Put out all fires that are unattended during the day or night using water only – not dirt or sand.

Do not put your food garbage in the fire rings; however, you may burn burnable items.

Firewood is not provided. You must bring your own. During a dry year, all open fires or charcoal use may

be prohibited. EXCEPTION: No open fires or charcoal are permitted in Sage Campground.

Please ask your Campground Host where to stack unused firewood.

You are responsible for keeping your campground clean during your stay. Paper and plastic items can

easily be blown away by the wind.

You are responsible for removal of your own trash. Remember, “Pack It In and Pack It Out”. Leave

your area clean, including no trash in the fire rings (i.e. orange peels, apple cores, pop cans, etc.). We do not

have trash service. During a fire ban (even a partial ban) there is no burning of trash in the fire ring.

Use only your assigned restrooms. It is your group’s responsibility to keep all restroom facilities clean. Do

not throw any debris in the toilet as it will clog the cleaning hose of the vacuum truck. Your assigned

restrooms must be cleaned prior to your leaving camp. Contact Campground Host if supplies are needed.

Please keep all restroom doors closed to keep out the critters, snakes in particular. Close the toilet lids to

reduce odor.

Watch out for snakes! If you see one, advise an adult leader or missionary. LEAVE THE SNAKE ALONE!

This particularly pertains to Martin’s Cove, but a few have been spotted near the Sage campground.

Consider collapsing your tents if you leave the campground. The wind can come up quickly and strong.

Quiet time is 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All generators, refrigerator units, etc., must be shut off or, if applicable,

moved away from camp to a spot designated by the Campground Host.

Be considerate of other groups. No early morning wake-up calls or lights-out signals over a sound

system or by bugle, siren, air horn, etc.

Do not disturb or feed the wildlife or cattle and horses owned by local ranchers. If a gate is closed, close it

after you.

Square dancing instruction and music should be provided by your individual groups. No square dancing

is allowed at the Sage or Rock Creek Hollow campgrounds. Please be mindful that it is the

responsibility of your group's leaders to gather your youth at the appropriate time to participate in the

square dancing.

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SAGE CAMPGROUND RULES All requests from missionaries must be followed.

Priesthood leaders are responsible for ensuring that their trek group is trained on and adhere to the following:

SPECIFIC TO SAGE: Quiet time is 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All generators, refrigerator units, etc., must be

shut off or moved away from camp to the Hudson-Atlantic City Road staging/bus unloading area.

You may have two camp support vehicles parked in the food/support parking area, the remainder of your vehicles are to be parked in the upper parking area.

Open fires and charcoal are NOT allowed. Propane cooking is permitted.

No overnight camping is permitted at the Hudson-Atlantic City Road staging/bus unloading area either on the ground, in tents, cars, trucks, campers, or support trailers.

GENERAL: NO RV’s are permitted (motorhomes, campers, toy haulers, pop-up tents, camping trailers, 5th wheels, etc.)

Be considerate of other groups. No early morning wake-up calls or lights-out signals over a sound system or by

bugle, siren, etc.

Do not drive in the campgrounds.

There is one hand-pump water well. Do not wash dishes, hair, hands, feet or teeth near hand-pump water wells. The wells are shallow and surface

water seepage can contaminate the drinking water. Take water back to camp in jugs, buckets, etc. Use this water to fill water bottles, for cooking, for washing, etc. Go at least 50 feet away from the pump.

There are vault toilets. Please keep doors closed.

Toilet paper is provided, but you will want to bring a few emergency rolls with you.

No bicycles, ATV’s, horses or pets.

No firearms, fireworks, smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Do not feed or disturb the wildlife, cattle or horses.

Always protect the wildlife by storing food, toiletries and trash in a secure manner. Watch for snakes! If you see one, advise an adult leader or missionary. LEAVE THE SNAKE ALONE!

Pack-it-In, Pack-it-Out! Please review your Campground Checkout List before leaving for details regarding cleaning the restrooms and the campground. Allot time for these tasks when scheduling your departure time.

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PREPARATION AT HOME

Establishing your Goals and Objectives

Wherefore stand ye in hold places and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come;

for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. (D&C 87:8)

I make a plea, go in a spirit of reverence and respect,

and know that you are walking on hallowed ground. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 1997)

By selecting Martin’s Cove and/or Sixth Crossing and Rock Creek Hollow for your youth trek, you have selected to

have a spiritual experience in HOLY PLACES, rather than a recreational experience.

Remember, this Trek is for the youth of Zion. We are only the support group.

Start a physical conditioning program for youth and adults

Walk. Depending on our itinerary, you could walk 5 to 15 miles per day. Remember the altitude here is

nearly 6200 feet, and near 7000 feet at Rocky Ridge.

Break in a good pair of shoes (two pair would be preferred.)

Get used to being outside. Bring clothing and potions such as sun screen, wind, rain, snow, heat and cold.

The days could be very warm; the nights could be very cold.

Plan your activities. Don’t plan too much. Leave enough time for the spirit to work

Select activities from the list in this booklet (plan, study, include the youth.)

Promote bonding among the youth.

Testimony meetings (both at home and while you are here)

Eliminate idle time (“solo time” is not idle time)

Include the youth in all planning (no surprises when you arrive.)

Set your rules in advance and include the youth in preparing this list.

Some examples:

Wear period clothing for the entire trek.

Bring scriptures and provide study time.

No MP3 or CD players.

No footballs, Frisbees, etc.

Cell phones for leaders only (for emergency use only, get away from the world)

No electronic games, iPad, tablets, etc.

This is your trek – Include everyone and plan ahead for those who have special needs:

Wheelchairs cannot be pushed on the trail to Martin’s Cove. We do have handcarts that are adapted for a

wheelchair to go in. The wheelchair handcart is the only handcart allowed from handcart parking into

Martin’s Cove.

Rickshaws are available at handcart parking to transfer the person into to go into the cove area.

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The injured or handicapped should be included in all possible activities. This will help promote special

bonding.

Please reserve wheelchair handcarts and rickshaws in advance.

Bring your own medical personnel and supplies.

Attend the temple just prior to coming.

Youth can do baptisms for the dead.

Adult leaders, an endowment session.

To get their families sealed was a driving force for these early saints to come to Zion as soon as possible.

Study, read and learn what happened here in 1856

Journals

Books about the Martin and Willie handcart companies

Assign everyone a name from the Martin, Willie, Hunt, Hodgetts, or Rescue Company or other family name

Provide these prior to arrival in order to allow time to research the names and know who they were and

what happened to them.

Tell your family group about this special person sometime during the trek.

Other preparations prior to coming on your Trek

Learn the pioneer songs and the songs of the trail

If you are going to square dance, learn the dances (The Virginia Reel and Oh Johnny Oh)

Check and verify your reservations as well as your missionary speakers.

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SUGGESTED TREK ACTIVITIES Possible locations for stories or reflection: Martin Handcart site

Veil Crossing Bridge

Handcart Parking

Dan W. Jones Amphitheater, Lower Cove Amphitheater, Sweetwater Amphitheater (These must be

scheduled in advance.)

Foot Bridge

Sixth Crossing, Rocky Ridge, and Rock Creek Hollow

Willie Meadow (Must be scheduled in advance.)

Rocky Ridge – Lower Monument – Upper Monument

Rock Creek Hollow – memorial, grave site (Must be scheduled in advance.)

Remember Rock – Here you may consider using messages of the First Presidency

Other Suggestions:

Have someone from your group learn the stories beforehand and present them (be sure they are accurate)

Divide into small enough groups that all can hear

Allow for the noise of the Wyoming winds

The missionaries would be happy to present the stories if you are not prepared to do so.

Pull Handcarts along the Trails

To and from the campgrounds

To and from Handcart Parking

To and from the Visitors’ Center

Around Sixth Crossing Trails – 4, 6, or 10 mile

Pull Handcarts through the Sweetwater River

The river could be only a foot deep or it could be waist deep….you might consider spare shoes and clothing

Handcarts can be pulled through the river when the water is below the wheel hub

Walk through Martin’s Cove

You will need to be prepared both physically, but more importantly, MENTALLY

Reverent walk through the cove

Go in family groups

Remember, it is not what you will see or hear, but what you will feel!

Walk to Devil’s Gate

Trail starts at Veil Crossing Bridge.

One mile round trip (handcarts are left at Veil Bridge)

Tour Visitors’ Center at Martin’s Cove or Sixth Crossing

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View displays

Hear stories

Video room

Testimony Meeting – the following locations may be used:

Sweetwater and Dan Jones Amphitheaters - must be scheduled in advance

Amphitheaters at campgrounds must be scheduled in advance

Rock Creek Hollow amphitheaters - must be scheduled in advance

Around the fire rings at campsite

Testimony Meetings are not allowed on BLM property.

Speakers for Firesides (Locations other than campsite fire rings must be scheduled in advance)

Speakers can be in amphitheaters at the campgrounds

Speakers can be around fire rings in the campgrounds

Firesides are not allowed on BLM property.

Men’s Callout/Women’s Pull

Suggest having young men called on missions, colonization, or remind that women often left to fend for

themselves when the men had died, and leave the sisters to pull the handcarts

Talk to YM/YW separately about priesthood/womanhood

This is to be a spiritual and reverent event. There should be NO cheering or teasing.

This experience is the most successful when it is done in silence.

Square Dancing

Must be in campground square dance area

Schedule in advance, even if bringing own caller and music. NOTE: there is no electricity in campground

Learn the dances prior to arrival (good winter activity)

Remember, there may be 600 to 800 other campers in your area; be courteous.

Quiet Time is 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. (No generators!)

Solo Time

Have parents write a personal letter to their youth before the trek, to be opened during solo time. Parents

are encouraged to include in their letters an experience of an ancestor that had faith.

Priesthood leaders or Ma’s and Pa’s should give youth good instructions on how they can use their solo time as this activity can create an atmosphere to strengthen their testimonies and ponder the activities.

Provide paper, pencil, and an envelope for the youth to write a letter to themselves. Address the envelope to themselves and held by the Bishop to mailed to them in five years. Youth can also write in their journals about what they have gained from trek or read a specific chapter in the scriptures.

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Assign Everyone a Pioneer Name

Provide name prior to trek

Provide everyone with a name tag (should be wind and waterproof)

Provide name from the Willie, Martin Handcart Company, Hunt or Hodgetts, or a rescuer

Provide everyone with a history of the name they are assigned or help the youth with the research on this

person. This is a lot of effort, but it is well worth it.

Have everyone tell about their person sometime during the trek.

There is to be no type of identification of someone who died on the trail (no white arm bands, no white

clothing, and no rejoining of the dead on the trail.)

Journals

Provide everyone a small journal prior to start of trek.

Include quotes from President Hinckley, some of the pioneers and/or some of the rescuers.

Include blank paper for recording thoughts.

Possibles Bag

Early trappers carried them; backpacks have replaced them today.

They were a pouch made of animal skins/leather and carried over the shoulder.

Everything needed to survive was carried in them; these items were never left on the horse where they

could be lost.

Powder, balls, caps or flint, knife, needle and thread, dried fruit, jerky, etc.

Include thoughts for the day or other inspirational material in addition to physical survival items.

Music

Make hymn books for everyone to be used on the trek. (could be part of journal)

Use both inspirational and pioneer songs.

Practice these songs during the winter; know them when you get here.

Bring pioneer musical instruments for around the camp fire.

Flags

Martin's Cove & Sixth Crossing assign the color for the flag for each Trek Group, including Day Trips, and

must be on the front handcart.

The flag holders on the handcarts hold ¾ inch PVC pipe, schedule 40 strength. Trek group flag poles are

to be no longer than 3.5 feet.

Flags can be pennant style, or rectangular, no larger than 2'X2'.

Page 17: WYOMING MORMON TRAIL MISSION · This applies to all trek groups: stakes, wards, and families. ... We have no trash facilities. 5 SIXTH CROSSING On-Site Trail Rules Be mindful that

15

Due to our inability to dispose of trash, we ask you to . . .

Please leave the area cleaner than you found it.

Do not leave your trash in dumpsters along the highway, rest areas,

service stations, motels, etc.

Take all of your trash home with you or to a local landfill.

Call for Information:

Riverton: (307) 856-6785

329 N. Smith Road. 8:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Turn east on Park St. (between “Loaf and Jug”

and “Pizza Hut”. Go thru stop sign and continue. The road will become a dirt road and the landfill is at the end

of the road.

Lander: (307) 332-7040

52 Beebe Rd. 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Turn onto highway into Lander. About 4 miles before

Lander there will be an animal shelter and a sign that reads “landfill”. This is Beebe St. Turn left and drive to

the landfill.

Sand Draw (307) 856-3019

Public Landfill – 28.5 miles down Hwy 135, towards Riverton on left side of road. Hours ar 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.,

Tuesday through Saturday.

or contact: trashmatters.org

Rawlins: $4.50 per 100 lbs

3001 Gun Club Road

Rawlins, WY 82301 Monday – Saturday 8:00 – 5:00