Frequently Asked Questions...but really just a bullet list of answers to un-asked questions.

1. You can contact Sis. Stauffer or Bro. Toone with any questions. Find our information on the Tools app, or email PennCovePioneerCamp2026@gmail.com.

2. This is not a youth activity like most Pioneer Treks. This is a ward-level family-centered event. This is a unique arrangement that we have made with Ensign Ranch and are trying out for the first time. We'll need your help to make it a success.

3. You do not have to decide now whether or not to attend, but we would like you to fill out the interest survey now. By May/June we will need a firm idea to finalize food arrangements and campsite reservations. A formal signup will occur at that time. For now, between February, March, and April we are gathering interest and ensuring it's reserved on your calendar.

4. This is a "Pioneer Camp" because if you are unable to or not interested in the "Trek" part, you can still come enjoy all the wonders of camping with your family and friends of Penn Cove ward and experience and learn about Pioneer life as well.

5. Between February and August 2026 there will be various meetings and activities to help prepare everyone for this event. For example, there may be an activity to sew dresses for those who are interested. Most of these activities will be optional. A few may be strongly encouraged.

6. Pioneer attire will be strongly encouraged, but not required. If you show up in street clothes we may share our aprons, suspenders, bonnets, and hats with you to help you fit in with the Pioneer vibe. Especially for those participating on the day and a half of "Trek" we will strongly encourage standard Trek rules regarding no electronic devices (except for pictures). The more authentic, the better.

7. A full list of what to bring will be provided later. The official handbook provides a good idea of what to expect, but our trek will be smaller-scale.

8. Full families are encouraged to come and participate together and pull a wagon together as the early Pioneers would have done. We recognize that there are also unique circumstances and we will strive to accommodate all your family's needs. For example, if only your teenage son can attend, we will find a family to adopt him for the trek or even for the full event. Keep in mind that this is a family-centered activity and not a youth camp, so there will be no "youth leaders" - only other parents caring for their own children. Talk with Maren or Nathan about your situation.

9. All food will be provided by the ward, with the exception of Wednesday and Saturday afternoons during arrival/departures. There will be gluten free options for all meals. Let us know of any other special dietary restrictions you may have. To experience the full trek experience on Thursday/Friday morning food will be hearty, but not plentiful. You will be well hydrated and healthy, but will likely not have a full belly. Friday evening will be a all-you-can eat feast!

10. All tent campsite reservations will be provided by the ward. Families will need to provide their own tents and sleeping gear. There are separate cabin or RV trailer reservations that you may arrange directly with Ensign Ranch at your own expense. These spots will not be at Riverbend with all the tents, but will be a few minutes away by vehicle.

11. There are porta-potties at Riverbend campsites that will be used as "base camp." During the trek experience there will be a truck pulling a special porta-potty trailer ahead of us along the trail. So every few miles, or whenever needed really, facilities will be available. No business in the woods on this Trek.

12. The handcarts will be provided by Ensign Ranch. The carts will be packed mainly with food and water, but also tarps and sleeping gear. They will be heavy, but not impossible. A family with young children can accommodate and pack lighter, or ask another family to carry their water, etc. Or, in the spirit of accommodation, some families may join together and share a cart together. We will determine exactly how many carts and what travel arrangements exist in the weeks just prior to the event.

13. The terrain will be mostly along the powerline clearing and in wooded trails. It will be hot, but not unbearable and there will be plenty of shade. The path is rather steep uphill to get from the river to the powerline trail. Depending on the participants and interest, there would be opportunities for "women's pull" (only women/girls pull while men/boys watch and pray, simulating the hardships of widows) and a "water rescue" crossing (men carry all the women/girls across the river).

14. This can be a very spiritual experience, and will largely depend on the parents to make it so. Every meal can be a time for devotional and scripture study. Hymns can uplift and encourage throughout the day. In the months/weeks leading up to the event, families can study and even adopt/inherit the lives of ancestors or other pioneers to live out their experiences. Object lessons abound and tender mercies will be evident for those who seek them.

15. See the official church resources and guidebook for leaders for additional official information about Pioneer Trek purposes, planning, and details.