Monday - Wednesday
Mark your calendars with these important dates:
Feb 15th Trek Registration Deadline
Feb 21st Trek Kick-off 5:30-7:30pm - Butler Building, 6641 E Butler Ave, Fresno, CA 93727
March 30th 9am Arrive at Camp for Check-In
April 1st 9am Depart Camp to Return Home
From 1856 to 1860, about 3,000 Latter-day Saints pulled handcarts across the American plains to gather In the Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers trekked more than a thousand miles through heat and cold; through mud, sand, and sometimes snow; and through rivers and over mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the youth trek is to provide an experiential opportunity for youth to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and testimonies by learning from the faith and sacrifices of the early pioneers. Trek helps youth build unity, learn gospel principles, develop resilience, and appreciate their pioneer heritage through challenges like pulling handcarts and camping.
Core purposes of trek
Strengthen faith and testimony: Participants are encouraged to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and their personal testimonies by connecting with the stories of early pioneers.
Build unity and friendship: The experience fosters unity among the youth, helping them build lasting friendships and learn to serve and support one another as they face challenges together.
Learn gospel principles: Youth learn and experience core gospel principles like perseverance, sacrifice, and service firsthand.
Appreciate pioneer heritage: The trek provides an opportunity to appreciate the sacrifices of the pioneers and the blessings that resulted from their faith and actions.
Develop resilience and character: By pushing beyond their comfort zones, youth learn resilience, discover their own strengths, and gain the courage to make changes in their own lives.
Engage in family history: The experience provides opportunities to learn about and participate in family history work.
How these purposes are achieved
Reenacting pioneer life: Participants often pull handcarts, camp outdoors, and learn basic pioneer-era skills, providing a tangible connection to the past.
Overcoming challenges: The trek is physically and mentally challenging, helping youth learn to overcome challenges and rely on themselves, each other, and the Lord.
Focusing on service: A key aspect is learning to serve and rescue each other during the journey.
Daily devotionals: Daily devotionals and discussions help participants apply the lessons of the trek to their own lives.