This trek will require physical stamina. We highly encourage all youth to be fit, and/or make an effort to get more fit. On the trek, participants should be physically fit enough to safely hike distances of 6 miles, in the summer heat, each day. Getting your body ready for trek will reduce the chance of injuries, lower anxieties, and help you feel more prepared for trek. When your body is prepared, you will not be overwhelmed with exhaustion ‐ making it possible for you to gain more from the trek experience.

To minimize the shock to the body, begin conditioning beforehand by walking in the heat while drinking lots of water. A good goal is to be able to walk 3 miles in one hour without undue stress, unless you have a limiting disability. Remember that the altitude will be nearly 6200 feet. For more suggestions and ideas, see "Get in Shape" on safety.lds.org.

Physical Preparation

The two most common medical problems on trek are blisters and dehydration/heat exhaustion/heat stroke. Listed below are some great recommendations on how to get prepared physically.

You can begin now by walking for 15 minutes three times each week. After a few weeks, increase your walking time by another 15 minutes. Then again, a few weeks later, add more time to your walk and so on until you are walking 60 minutes each time. Do what you can and build up from there. Another way to prepare is to walk for 1‐2 miles a few times a week and gradually increase your distance. You may want to walk 4‐5 miles once a week and walk 2‐3 miles on two other days that week.

Dr. Todd Cameron will head the medical team for trek. Any medical questions or communication should be directed toward him, 406-452-5262. Please be specific about any medical issues when you register. Dr. Cameron may contact you if he has questions, but please be proactive in contacting him to discuss any issues or concerns you have – so that the medical team can prepare appropriately. Some medical issues may require your family doctor’s permission. Medication will be kept with medical staff and administered by them.

PARENTS – Please note that any charges for emergency personnel (ambulance, helicopter evacuation, hospital visits) will be paid for by the parents of the youth needing assistance, NOT the church. Hopefully this will motivate you to help your youth PREPARE and PREVENT.