Why we love Pioneer Trek

Sis. Stauffer

Pioneer trek has always been one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my youth. It was unlike anything else I participated in as a teenager. Through trek, I gained a firsthand understanding of the immense faith, perseverance, and sacrifice of those who came before me—especially the hardships endured by the handcart companies.

As we walked, pushed handcarts, and supported one another through challenges, I felt a powerful sense of unity, gratitude and love for the pioneers who gave so much because of their testimonies of the gospel. Trek pushed me physically and emotionally, yet it taught me to rely more fully on the Lord and on those around me when the path felt uncertain and painful.

One of the greatest lessons Trek taught me was that the Church was built by ordinary people who exercised extraordinary faith in Jesus Christ. Through prayer, hard work, and shared struggle, my testimony of Jesus Christ grew stronger. I returned home with a deeper desire to live my faith with courage and commitment.

Bro. Toone

Growing up in Pennsylvania, my first Stake Youth Conference as a 14 year old was a tri-stake Pioneer Trek. It opened my eyes to a world of experiences I knew nothing about. I was the youngest of our "family" and respected and looked up to the older youth who worked so hard. I remember it was incredibly tiring, but so rewarding and fun.

4 years later, my last youth activity after high school graduation was another Pioneer Trek. This time I was the oldest. The Ma and Pa of our group had their actual 6-month old baby with them and everyone took turns carrying and caring for him. As the oldest, I pushed the cart the hardest and the most. After we stopped I gathered the fire wood and would set up the tents while the others rested. I remember being so tired I would fall asleep on a rock when we sat down to rest for just a few minutes. I had never worked so hard. But the last day I had a clear impression - this is what it means to serve in the Priesthood. To continue to serve others out of love, because you have been entrusted with a responsibility, even when you're tired. That mindset has served me throughout my life since

In 2021 my wife Allison and I were able to be a Ma and Pa for the Pioneer Trek in Missouri. It was one of the highlights of our married life! I was so proud of the way she cared for the other kids in our group and persevered through her own health issues to be a good example of hard work and positive attitude. I was amazed at the resilience and optimism of all the youth. I was particularly humbled as I saw the inner strength of the youth and learned the goodness of their hearts and the depth of their testimonies as we struggled together and shared spiritual experiences together. It was a powerful lesson and a reminder that Treks have a special way of bringing people together and also bringing and refining the best of individuals.

In the summer of 2025 our family visited Martin's Cove in Wyoming where we were able to push handcarts around a small path at the Visitor Center for just a few minutes. I later saw on their website that families could sign up for Pioneer Trek and I thought how fun that would be. All the benefits and beauty of Pioneer Treks, but with your own family - parents and children experiencing the hard work, pain, and joy together. I am so excited to share this experience with my own kids now so they can push themselves and discover they have more inside them than they think. They too can do hard things. With a smaller-scale family-centered Pioneer Trek experience I'm hoping this will combine all the benefits of traditional Stake Youth Treks with the logistics and ease of a Ward-scale activity and family-centered memory of a lifetime!