Every 4 years our church puts on a 3 day Trek to commemorate the sacrifices made by our Pioneer ancestors as they were driven across the country fleeing persecution. We want our youth to appreciate the great sacrifices that were made by these early members as they established communities and later great cities where all were free to worship as they pleased. We ask them to come and pull handcarts in "families" for three days and along the way they are reminded of stories of these amazing people and all they experienced and sacrificed.
The kids generally dread the experience... until they have been through it. They are required to wear pioneer-type clothing, pull a 400lb handcart full of their family's meager camping gear and food, and are not allowed to have any of the modern comforts (aside from a toothbrush). The first day is over 15 miles of rough terrain and it takes every ounce of energy they have to make it to base camp. They are given a simple supper from a dutch oven (usually potatoes/broth and bread) and then collapse on the ground around their cart.
The second day begins with a small breakfast of cornmeal mush. They are shocked when we tell them that this tiny portion is actually the ration most pioneers had for the whole day as they traveled 15-20 miles for months on end. Breakfast is followed by more pulling in the morning. By lunch they arrive at a new camp where there are old-fashioned games and some rest. That evening each family prepares a feast (turkey breast, potatoes, and a dutch oven cake) over the fire and then the kids have a hoe-down with a square dance caller and fiddles. It is amazing to watch how much fun they have after just letting go of all the normal worries in life.
The third day is full of spiritual stories and a reverent meeting where emotions flow. At this point the kids are so tired and dirty and they begin to realize what months of this would mean. They have a greater appreciation for these early members and what they went through.
Ed and I have been a "Ma" and "Pa" for a family of 10 kids twice now in this experience. The first time we went 4 years ago, we weren't prepared for just how hard it was going to be and felt like we weren't able to give our "family" of kids the best experience. This time we had a great time. It's kind of weird to tell people that we are taking 3 days off work to dress up like pioneers and pull a handcart with teenagers in the hills of central Pennsylvania. Yep, weird. But... I have seen the impact that this experience has on kids. It really humbles them and gives them a chance to think about the sacrifices so many have made to give them the religious freedom they enjoy. It's a great experience and I'm grateful we have been able to go with Dallin and now Taylor. I think we have one more Trek in us with Cami, but I'm glad we have 4 years before we go again!
I didn't have ancestors who walked across the plains like many other Mormons do, but my ancestors were pioneers in their own way. They joined the church and left comfortable and familiar lives to start over in America with other Mormons. They struggled and worked to give their grandchildren and great-grandchildren a legacy to be proud of. I am forever grateful for my ancestors who set an example of faith and courage and hope that my great-grandchildren can say the same of me someday.
There was a photographer walking with us on the trail and I hope the have pictures soon. He did send us one with Taylor taken right before we left - that's the one at the beginning of this post.
(Taylor made Hudson wear a bonnet while we were sewing her Trek dress. He did not like being a pioneer.)
.JPG)
