This experience can become a powerful and meaningful spiritual experience. You will work with youth who are among the very finest and most able spirits ever sent to earth. These youth will face some of the most difficult physical and emotional challenges of their young lives. Being called to work with youth can be demanding. It is difficult to plan activities that are attractive and fun but still reflect worthy and meaningful purposes. You will find that this conference can successfully bridge the sometimes awkward gap between fun activities and meaningful goals. We say, “can” because even though it has been done many times in the past, having it occur this time will depend partly on the time, effort and prayers you and other leaders spend preparing for success. This conference is not an experiment; please have confidence in the outline. When it calls for a “teaspoon of salt” don’t dilute it, omit it, substitute it, or cut it in half. The handcart pull and stress introduced on the first day/night might be considered a “teaspoon of salt,” but when combined with the other ingredients and blended with love, they are indispensable parts of the experience. Likewise the menus may seem limited or boring, but they have been tried and tested, and are necessary to the purposes and desired outcomes of the conference.
The DV Stake Pioneer Trek is designed to provide each individual with a personal experience by teaching specific principles that each youth can apply to their life. Many of these principles are taught through experience and symbolism. It is by design that we generally don’t discuss many of the events or conditions of the trek before they actually occur.
When the participants are pulling the carts they will repeatedly ask: “When are we going to get there?” “When do we eat?” etc. The Ma’s and Pa’s will answer, “I am sorry, I don’t know.” The participants don’t know when they are going to stop. This is similar to our Father’s association with us as mortals. We really don’t know what life has in store for us. He doesn’t normally tell us what will happen to us tomorrow or next year. At times, it is better that we don’t know. Of course, it is difficult to think of “eternal principles” when you are hungry and tired so we will wait until the most difficult part of the trek is over to draw the parallels or analogies. Through the symbolism of the experience and group discussion during the week, the youth are able to understand various aspects of the plan of salvation on a more personal level.
Your most important responsibility will be to love the youth. Your spiritual preparation-having personal and family prayers, scripture study, putting your life in order, serving others and attending the Temple- is of utmost importance. This will help you to be in tune with the spirit so that you can receive help and guidance when you need it.
