Pioneer Trek

Courtney and Lloyd had a great opportunity to participate in our Stake Pioneer Trek on July 11-12. All the youth in our stake met at the church Friday morning at 5:30 am. They were all dressed in pioneer clothes; the girls had made their own skirts and bonnets.

The kids were divided up into "families" with each family having a handcart to push. There were a total of 20 "families." The adult leaders were the "Grandmas" and "Grandpas" for each family. They rode the bus for three hours to Tragedy Springs where the trek took place. Tragedy Springs is part of the actual Mormon Immigrant Trail, which was blazed by the Mormon Battalion. The "families" traveled with their gear and handcarts for six miles on the first day. That night the kids had a spiritual fireside and slept in their pioneer clothes. They awoke the next morning for three more miles on the trek. The kids enjoyed doing crafts, chasing roosters, and learning more about the pioneers. Lloyd was responsible for making sure the trek ran smoothly as part of his calling in the stake YM presidency. He said the trek took a lot of planning, but it was rewarding to watch the youth learn and grow. Courtney enjoyed being with her friends and remembering all that the pioneers sacrificed. We thought she looked cute in her bonnet. She is a hard working, responsible, humble, thoughtful, and righteous young woman. She would have been a great pioneer!

Courtney and her "family" pulling their handcart.

Courtney with two of her good friends from our ward -- Lauren and Bridget

Towards the end of the trek, Courtney was told that she "died on the trail."

Lloyd and Courtney- our modern-day pioneers

On Saturday afternoon the kids enjoyed a picnic with other stake members. All together, it was a dirty, tiring, eye-opening, and sweet experience for all those involved.