Activity: Pioneer Treks

Experience firsthand the faith and determination of the pioneers.

Plan an activity in which the youth reenact some of the faith-building experiences of the pioneers who journeyed to the Salt Lake Valley in the mid-1800s. Youth could be organized into groups or “families,” wear pioneer-era clothing, pull handcarts, and discuss the faith of those who made courageous sacrifices to gather to Zion.

For detailed information about organizing and carrying out a handcart trek, see Handcart Trek Reenactments: Guidelines for Leaders.

• Trek Locations
• Safety information
• Permission and medical release
• “Pioneer Journeys—More Than a Trek,” video for youth who are participating in a trek
• “Tracy’s Trek,” videos for youth who are participating in a trek
• Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel database
• Pioneer stories
• Hand Cart Rentals: Northern California, Western Nevada, and Southern Oregon
  

• Pioneer Reenactment
• Outdoor Camping
• Learning to Cook Outdoors
• Go on a Hike
• Exploring Plant and Animal Life
• Protecting and Preserving the Environment
• Outdoor Survival Skills
• Young Women Camp
• Aaronic Priesthood Encampments
• Understanding and Treating Altitude Sickness