Activity: Pioneer Reenactment

Learn about some of the faith-building experiences of the Latter-day Saint pioneers who journeyed across the North American plains to the Salt Lake Valley in the mid-1800s.

For example, the youth could participate in activities like the following:

• Wear or learn to make pioneer-era clothing
• Cook and eat food that pioneers made
• Try square dancing
• Learn how to start a campfire
• Research hymns and songs that pioneers might have sung—or songs that are inspired by the pioneer experience—and sing them together as a group

You could discuss with the youth why each activity might have been important to the pioneers.

• Combine several activities into a pioneer trek. For detailed information about organizing and carrying out a pioneer trek, see Handcart Trek Reenactments: Guidelines for Leaders.
• Many people around the world have been pioneers for our faith. As a group, have an activity to learn about some of the experiences of faithful Saints from around the world.

Encourage youth to talk about how what they are learning can help them and others grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity and should last just a few minutes. You could ask questions like the following:

• What can we learn from the pioneer experience?
• A “pioneer” is someone who has taken part in something new or different. Who are the pioneers in your family?

• “Our Ongoing Legacy of Pioneers,” Liahona, July 2019
• Thomas S. Monson, “The World Needs Pioneers Today,” Liahona, July 2013
• Pioneer Database, history.churchofjesuschrist.org

• Outdoor Camping
• Learning to Cook Outdoors
• Adventure Awaits!
• Exploring Plant and Animal Life
• Preserving and Protecting the Environment
• Aaronic Priesthood Encampments
• Understanding and Treating Altitude Sickness