~To All the Youth of the North Ogden East Stake~

To the youth of the North Ogden East Stake who are 14 to 18.  We would like to invite you to our first Stake Youth Conference, a Pioneer Trek, on July 12-14^th.  As you come dressed as a pioneer and pull handcarts over part of the original trail in Wyoming, you will have your hearts touched by the pioneers’ sacrifices and testimonies of the Savior.  As you prepare for and partake of this experience, this can leave a lasting legacy for the future.  President Gordon B. Hinckley, in speaking of the Martin and Willie Handcart site, said this:  “I make a plea, go in a spirit of reverence and respect, and know that you are walking on hallowed ground.”  This applies to our own stake Trek as well, as we will be walking on hallowed ground.  You will see some actual gravesites along the way of those who didn’t quite make it to Zion. 

The theme of our Trek is “Press Forward With Faith” (2 Nephi 31:20).  The objectives of our Trek are:

1.        Feel and identify the spirit to strengthen personal testimonies.

2.       Give service to others.

3.       Develop new friendships.

4.       Feel a sense of accomplishment in doing hard things.

5.       Develop an appreciation for our ancestors.

As part of our Trek experience, you will be asked to find a name of an ancestor who was a pioneer.  If you cannot find one of your own ancestors, our Historical Committee will assist you in finding a name of a handcart pioneer for you to learn about and take with you on this Trek.  Also as part of this experience, the youth will be researching a family name that they can take to the temple prior to our youth conference.  Members of your wards will be assisting you in finding these names.  You will in essence be “rescuing” a member of your family.

What will we be doing on the Trek?  We will be spending 3 days on part of the original Pioneer trail and Pony Express route pulling handcarts and walking in the shoes of the pioneers.  You will hear and share stories of their great faith and devotion in “Coming to Zion”, and experience what it would have been like to be a Pioneer.  We will have some fun along the way as well, so come prepared for a great Trek experience.

Check our Trek blog to get patterns and ideas for pioneer clothing.  (Please note, the pioneer clothing enhances the trek experience for all participants as it takes you out of the everyday world and levels the playing field.  We ask that all maintain the standard of modesty.)

How can we prepare for Trek?  Start a physical conditioning program:

*     Walk.  Start a conditioning program by walking now and increasing the amount of time  and/or distance.            

                *    Break in a good pair of shoes (two pair would be preferred).

                *    Read Section 89 of the D&C about the Word of Wisdom and start a better health regime. 

Prepare Spiritually:

·          Read the scriptures daily and think of the pioneers as you read.

·         Study the lives of the pioneers (see resources)

·         Research your ancestors and find a name of a handcart pioneer.  The deadline for having a name is April 15^th.

·         Find a name of an ancestor to take to the temple.  All involved in the Trek will be going to the temple prior to Trek.

Earn your “Trail of Faith” award by participating in this program (see blog).

Register by April 1^st.  The registration form is on the blog.

“Come one and all, come to Zion” and be prepared for a memorable and spiritual experience.