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Pioneer Trek

Pioneer Trek

pioneers walking across plains

Purpose

Develop gratitude for the pioneers and experience their faith and determination firsthand with a pioneer trek.

Description

In the mid-1800s, faithful members from many lands left their homes to gather to the area now known as the Salt Lake Valley. They traveled long distances and made many sacrifices to build Zion in a new land.

Plan an activity where individuals can reenact some of the faith-building experiences of the pioneers. You could organize participants into groups or “families,” wear pioneer-era clothing, pull handcarts, and discuss the stories and faith of those who settled in Zion.

For detailed information about organizing and carrying out a handcart trek, including clothing, building handcarts, and other topics, see Handcart Trek Reenactments: Guidelines for Leaders and the following resources:

As you plan this activity, please follow the counsel given in chapter 13 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010) and review “Safety Recommendations for Church Activities.”

More Ideas

  • Movie night—Make a favorite snack, and watch a video that depicts the events, faith, and miracles of the pioneers. Several pioneer videos are available in the LDS Media Library. Consider inviting others beyond your own family or group to participate.

  • Back in time—Hold an event that allows participants to experience some aspects of pioneer life. You could include activities such as making soap, churning butter, pulling taffy, or making rag rugs.

  • Pioneer fun—Enjoy pioneer-era activities, such as sack races or three-legged races, square dancing, stick pulling, shadow tag, and so on. After the games, you could make homemade ice cream.

  • Family legacy—Pioneers don’t always pull handcarts. We all have pioneers in our family—people who showed courage in trying something new. Invite participants to find and share stories about their family pioneers, perhaps at a devotional or fireside. For a special musical number, consider a song like “Faith in Every Footstep.”

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to understand the experiences and sacrifices of the pioneers?

  • What experiences have you had that helped you appreciate pioneers, either modern or from the past?

  • What thoughts or impressions do you have about pioneers and their faith and sacrifices? How can you be a pioneer?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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