Family Participation Information

Download Family Participation Application
(to be mailed)

A unique opportunity is available for a limited number of families to join the Mormon Trail Handcart Trek that takes place April 26 through August 27, 2010. Families who apply for participation in the trek will be research subjects in an on-going project by BYU faculty and students that focuses on how “wholesome recreational activities” strengthens families. Along with being part of the daily handcart trek, participants will be involved in research methods that include in-depth interviews, observations, and journaling.

Family participants are invited to join the trek for a week at a time beginning on a Sunday and ending the following Sunday. Sundays are non-travel days and facilitate an opportunity for families to more easily transition into the trek company and to spiritually benefit by being included in Sabbath day worship on two Sundays. If desired, families may apply for multiple weeks. Due to the logistics involved with this type of event, applications will only be considered for those who can participate for the entire week. No applications for partial week participation will be accepted.

All meals and support services are provided. All trek participants will tent camp each night. No accommodation is available for RV use. Expect to walk and help pull handcarts (approximately one per 10 people) from 15-25 miles per day.

Space is limited to 80 spots for families, and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for Family Participants will be available March 1, 2009.

Family Makeup

For research purposes a family is considered to be two of more people with at least one parent and child (age 18 and under) living in the same household.

Due to the focus of this program, college-aged young adults may only apply for a full term, either spring or summer or both. College-aged young adults are not permitted to sign up on a week-by-week basis even as part of a family.

Fees

• Ages 13 and up: $265 per week
• Ages 4-12: $225 per week
• Ages 3 and under: Free

(College-aged young adult fees are approximately $2000 per term which includes tuition.)

Three nutritious meals per day will be provided by professional caterers traveling with the company. Meals from Sunday evening through the following Sunday lunch are included. Special food requirements cannot be met and are the responsibility of the participants.

Fees also cover the costs of porta-potty rental and maintenance, water equipment, transportation of gear, supplies, and people on the trail, handcart construction, camping fees, BLM permit fees, special events, medical personnel and supplies, emergency communication equipment, and religious education instruction. No program fees are used for the salary of faculty or student workers. A small portion of the fees pays for program overhead.

Fees do not cover transportation to and from the trek, personal items or snacks, showers, or laundry.

All fees, paid in full for all family members, must be made by check and accompany the application. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Your check will be deposited upon meeting your scheduling request. If your scheduling request is unavailable, your check will be returned to you.

Cancellations

Cancellations may be made before April 12, 2010 (2 weeks before the trek begins) for a full refund minus a 20% administration fee. Due to the complexity of the trek, cancellations cannot be refunded or scheduling changes accommodated after the trek begins on April 26, 2010.

Transportation to the Trek

Families are expected to provide their own transportation to the first Sunday campsite. Personal vehicles of the participants will remain at that site until the following Sunday. At that time, the participants will be shuttled back to their vehicles. Every effort will be made to find safe and secure parking for your vehicle. BYU, however, is not liable for any loss of property or damage to your vehicle at any time.

Gear

Each family is expected to provide their own camping gear—shared tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, flashlights, and personal water containers. A complete gear list will be provided upon acceptance to participate. Most gear will be transported each day by support vehicles.

Clothing

Each participant is required to dress in pioneer-style clothing with the exception of shoes. Shoes should be broken-in and comfortable and appropriate for the terrain.

Trek Standards

All participants are expected to live according the BYU Honor Code and dress and grooming standards which can be found here.

The application should be downloaded, filled out, and mailed.
Download