SCHEDULE of EVENTS

Introduction to Trek

Trek events are meant to help youth grow their faith by reenacting the pioneer trek of the Martin and Willie handcart company.

“To help youth learn from the experiences of the hand-cart pioneers, stakes and wards may choose to plan handcart trek reenactments for youth conferences. Treks provide powerful opportunities to strengthen testimonies, build unity, do family history, and learn core gospel principles. Treks can also help youth learn about who they are and what they may become.” – Trek Handbook for Leaders

In 2023 we will hold a Trek reenactment event on Wed, July 19th through Sat. 22nd at Bing Canyon. Outside of the main event we will hold 8 supporting events to prepare the youth physically and spiritually.

DETAILED CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Sunday 1/29	Kickoff Fireside
Thursday 3/2	Registration Activity (Parents encouraged to attend to register youth)
Sunday 3/26	Family History Fireside- Help youth find a name to carry on Trek
Tues/Wed 4/25 & 4/26	Sewing and Bucket Preparation Activities (Ward level) Wards make buckets & help prep/gather/sew clothes.
Thursday 5/25	Trek Family Activity Meet their Trek Family for the first time, activities, refreshments.
Saturday 6/3	Walk to the Temple: Youth meet at their building @ 7:15am- wards will drive them to designated meeting spot by 8:00am
Tuesday 7/18	7:00PM Trek Check-in Activity (Youth come dressed in trek clothes and check-in their packed gear)
Wednesday 7/19 (Trek 7/19-7/22)	Trek to Bing Canyon 5:30 AM Arrive at Stake center (wear Trek Clothing & bring Sack Lunch) 6:00AM Depart on busses to Bing Canyon
Saturday 7/22	4:00PM Return to Stake Center (Expected arrival time-subject to change)
Sunday 8/20	Closing Fireside

The Trek Course

A large part of the activity of trek is pulling a handcart from “Winter Quarters” to “Zion”. The trail is roughly 17 miles (across 3 days walk). On the first day we will arrive at a site at Bing Canyon designated “Winter Quarters”. We will load gear into each handcart (typically each person’s core gear is in a 5 gallon bucket that doubles as a seat), water, snacks, and other basics, and then walk along the trail following a “Trail Boss”. Typically we will walk for an hour or so, then stop (at predesignated stops) to rest, take refreshment, and listen to a prepared story, musical performance, or activity prepared by the Program committee. 

Trek Families

Youth are assigned to trek “families” led by a “Ma” and “Pa”. This group will work together to push a handcart throughout the event and will camp and study together. Prior to the event, we will direct the Ma’s and Pa’s to hold outside activities to begin to develop relationships with each youth and strengthen their Trek family bond. Youth spend a lot of time together with these families and often create lifelong friendships with them from this experience.

Trek Clothing and Gear

Yes, we will wear pioneer clothing! It’s a great way to get into the role and spirit of what we are doing. It makes for great pictures, and helps with sun protection. Youth will be asked to gather the appropriate clothing through their ward and families. In the past we’ve not had any trouble with youth complying with this requirement. 

“Where possible, leaders and youth are encouraged to wear pioneer-style clothing. Doing so helps participants immerse themselves in the trek experience. It can also foster a sense of unity among the youth and help remove social barriers that may exist.” – Trek Handbook

Each trek family will have a list of gear they need to gather including tents, water containers, etc. These will help support each group while logistics will gather the trek-wide equipment from across the stake.

Packing list