Trek 2021 - Frequently Asked Questions

Trek will provide opportunities for youth to strengthen testimonies, build unity, appreciate their blessings more fully, feel gratitude for the sacrifices of the pioneers, appreciate pioneer heritage, seek guidance to overcome challenges, serve others, and learn core gospel principles (e.g., faith, sacrifice, obedience, charity, and perseverance through adversity).

Yes! To ensure Trek will be fun, youth should bring 1) a good attitude, 2) a willingness to work, and 3) a desire to enjoy the experience! Youth will make new friends, experience miracles, and engage in activities that satisfy the purposes of Trek.

No. Trekkers will work, find value in doing hard things, and experience some of the hardships of the pioneers. That said, the experience will be worth it.

No. All Trek participants will be well-fed and hydrated. Recurring rest and hydration stops will occur while on the trail. Plentiful, healthy meals are planned for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks will be provided in between meals.

Trek will be as safe as possible. While Trek participants will be exposed to nature and the elements, leaders will keep youth away from hazardous situations (e.g., lightning, alligators, snakes, etc.) as much as possible. Leaders will anticipate and take precautions against dehydration, changing weather conditions, trail conditions, and wildlife encounters.

Masks must be worn by all participants at all times on Trek, except when eating or sleeping. Physical distancing measures will be implemented. Frequent sanitary practices, including hand washing and sanitizing, will be encouraged where practical.

On Thursday evening 10 June, a Trek social event will held at the stake center. On Friday through Saturday 11-12 June, Trek will be held at Trout Lake, several miles east of St. Cloud near the west end of Nova Road (Search 7RGJ+34 St Cloud, Florida in Google Maps). See the map under "Important Documents", above.

Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their youth to and from the stake center on Thursday 10 June (6:00pm drop-off; 10:00pm pick-up). Parents/guardians are also responsible for transporting their youth to the Trek drop-off point (Search 7RGJ+34 St Cloud, Florida in Google Maps) at Trout Lake on Friday morning at 9:00 am, 11 June. Parents/guardians are also responsible to pick up their youth at the pick-up point (Search 7RGJ+34 St Cloud, Florida in Google Maps) at Trout Lake on Saturday afternoon at 7:00 pm, 12 June.

The Trek schedule is described in a separate document located under "Important Documents", above. This schedule is a bit dynamic, so check back occasionally for updates.

Minimum age: youth that turned or will turn 14 in 2021 Maximum age: 18

All Trek participants will sleep on tarps under the stars Friday night. Families will sleep together in loose groups, with the males in one section overseen by the Pa, and the females in another section overseen by the Ma.

The Trek equipment list, located under "Important Documents" above, lists items each participant should bring on Trek.

Yes. The Trek registration form includes the question "Does the participant require a special diet?" Answer "yes" to this question and explain your youth's food allergies and dietary restrictions in the accompanying text box. The stake will provide food to meet your youth's nutrition requirements.

Yes. The Trek registration form includes several questions addressing your youth's medical needs and physical restrictions, including allergies, over-the-counter drug medication, and illness information. Answering "yes" to any of these questions will open a text box, where you can explain your youth's needs, concerns, and restrictions. Your youth's Ma and Pa will be confidentially notified of your youth's medical issues. Some youth have prescription medication. Taking this medication as directed by a doctor is the responsibility of the youth and their parents or guardians, not intrinsically the church leaders on Trek. However, if you'd like the Trek church leaders to take an active role in ensuring your youth take their medication, please specifically ask for this when explaining the youth's medical condition on the registration form. The stake will also accommodate any physical limitation your youth might have, so that your youth can actively participate in the growth experience that embodies Trek.

Yes. The stake will provide a medical staff throughout Trek. This staff will administer immediate aid to Trek participants as necessary.

No. Youth and parents/guardians must both consent to all of these items, giving consent for the youth to participate in Trek and receive medical treatment as necessary.

Adults register for Trek using the same form as the youth (cocoatrek.com/reg.html). Adults fill out the form as the participant. Adults are recommended to put a non-participating adult family member, friend, or neighbor as an emergency contact, but can list a participating spouse if the entire couple is participating in Trek. Since the online form requires both a participant and parent/guardian signature, the adult should sign both signature boxes.

No. The stake budget will cover Trek expenses for your youth.

Generally no, due to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19. However, waivers to this guideline may be possible. Please contact Doug Brumbaugh at ploxo25@gmail.com and explain in detail the reason for inviting the out-of-stake friend. Brother Brumbaugh will forward your request to the stake presidency for a decision.