Dear Parents,
After seven long years, we are excited to announce that on July 10-13, 2024 our stake will be able to again experience a handcart pioneer reenactment, Trek!
Our goal for this handcart trek reenactment is to provide an opportunity for those involved to build a closer relationship with the Savior. To become “acquainted with Him,” Jesus Christ, as did those amazing 1856 Handcart pioneers.
As Francis Webster, a Martin Handcart survivor said, “… (We) came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives, for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities. Was I sorry that I chose to come by hand cart? No. Neither then, nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Hand Cart Company.”
During a time of great commotion and uncertainty in the world, we want to provide a “Spiritual Journey” that provides an opportunity for the youth to gain greater faith and
understanding of how to receive revelation. Our primary goal is for them to become more acquainted with the Savior! To help them to do so, we will emphasize the virtues of charity, sacrifice and obedience to God’s loving commandments.
We believe in miracles and our Prophet has said it is a “time of miracles”. We anticipate seeing hearts change and pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all those who spiritually prepare for the journey. Our prayer for all involved is to have a “mighty change of heart”!
As Elder M. Russell Ballard said: “Brothers and sisters join with us and begin now to prepare for a spiritual journey . . . by walking in the footsteps of our beloved pioneers in every land. We must be sure that the legacy of faith received from them is never lost. Let their heroic lives touch our hearts, and especially the hearts of our youth, so the fire of true testimony and unwavering love for the Lord and His Church will blaze brightly within each one of us as it did in our faithful pioneers.”
As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Jesus Christ is always the answer.” Our prayer is that as the youth and leaders learn of and feel of their pioneer’s faith and devotion, that they will be able to remember these lessons and feelings during times of personal trials and hardships. That by remembering their pioneer forefathers, they will remember Him, Jesus Christ, their Savior!
Our spiritual journey will actually begin in March, 2024. We will be asking the youth and those attending Trek, to join together in preparing spiritually, emotionally and physically for our journey to Zion! More details to follow, however each month there will be encouraging challenges to discover their spiritual identity and to make progress on this Trek journey. It will be an amazing opportunity for all involved to become closer to the Savior!
As parents, we would ask your support to help the youth in this preparatory journey. In the coming month’s detailed information of this spiritual journey will be sent to you. However, we wanted to let you know of our plans and will ask for your encouragement of your youth to
be fully invested!
In addition, starting in March, there will be stake activities around the preparation for Trek. Those activities include a March 14 th , “Trek/pie” experience. The following months a pioneer dinner and dance event. We anticipate temple activities on a ward level and hopefully by July 10 th , all the eligible youth – those turning 14 during 2024 though 18 years of age will have a desire to participate and be prepared to attend this life changing event!
Trek related Ideas for Christmas Gifts:
- Sleeping bag (it does get cold during the summer where we will be trekking, therefore a 32 degree or below bag)
- “Thermarest” type inflatable sleeping pad – no open cell foam pads.
- Pioneer clothing – Young Women 2 mid calf – full skirts, 2 long sleeved shirts, Bonnet, or wide brimmed straw or fabric hat, Apron with pockets, 2 pairs of bloomers. Young Men – 2 pair light-weight hiking pants (no blue jeans), 2 long sleeved collared button-up shirts, wide brimmed hats, (no baseball caps). Ideally, young women’s blouses should be lightweight and long-sleeved, and their skirts should reach the midcalf, with bloomers or shorts underneath to prevent chafing. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and comfortable, loose-fitting pants are recommended for the young men. Cotton fabrics are generally recommended. Each ward will have a contact person with more details on the clothing requirements and sewing patterns.
- 5 or 6 gal bucket with a screw on lid (the screw on lids enable them to quickly retrieve needed items) – we will have a limited number available – if you want to obtain one from our limited supplies they are $22. Contact your bishop.
- Foot wear. The trail is mostly flat dirt, so hiking boots, or sneakers. A change of shoes is recommended in that they will get wet.
- Leather work gloves.
- Water bottles or camelback. (There will be water bottle holders on the handcarts.)
More detailed packing list and information to follow.
Again, with great anticipation and excitement, we look forward to this life changing opportunity. Our sincere prayer is for the Lord to bless you and your family with His
comforting, guiding and sustaining Spirit! Please prepare now for our Trek 2024 Spiritual journey!
With brotherly Love,
Kaysville Utah East Stake Presidency