Frequently asked questions
What is Trek?
- Trek is a special Stake Youth Conference where participants experience a 4-day reenactment of a pioneer handcart trek. The purpose of the Ogden West Stake Trek is to bring young men and young women closer to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
When will trek be held?
- Trek will be held on June 10 – 13, 2026
How much does Trek cost?
- Trek is free for all participants.
What pre-Trek events are being planned?
- To be announced. The Trek Youth Committee will be planning an activity or two to get us excited and ready for trek.
Where is the trek being held?
- Trek will be held at Deseret Land and Livestock.
Who can participate in trek?
- All youth living within the Ogden West Stake boundaries who turn 13 by September 1, 2026, and up to age 18.
What forms need to be completed prior to attending trek?
- All trek attendees are required to fill out the registration form by March 31, 2026. This form includes personal information, medical release, permission slip and any food allergies.
Can the youth bring friends outside of the stake boundaries on trek?
- Unfortunately, no. We love when friends join us for all activities, but this activity is a little different. Due to costs and very limited bus space, we must limit this activity to only youth in our stake.
Can any adult in the stake go on trek who wants to go?
- Pioneer Treks are stake youth activities for the youth. Only adult leaders that have received a specific calling or assignment will be able to attend.
How will we get to and from the trek location?
- The stake has arranged to have busses take us to and from the ranch – leaving from the Stake Center and dropping off at the Stake Center.
What type of clothes should I be wearing?
- Pioneer clothes! Please visit the packing list page for a list, description and photos of the types of clothes you should bring.
How far will we be walking each day?
- Trek participants will be trekking and pulling a handcart between 5-8 miles each day.
Can I attend only part of Pioneer Trek, or leave and come back, if necessary?
- No. Deseret Land and Livestock does not allow participants to leave and come back or come up late.
What medical provisions are going to be provided?
- There will be an adult medical team with us on trek.
- A medical tent will be set up at each camp.
- Anyone taking prescription medication is responsible to bring, store and take them as prescribed. Please notify the medical team if you need assistance.
- Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, etc. will be available from an adult medical team member.
What is a “Trek Family”?
- Each young man or young women will be assigned to a Trek Family. The bishops in the stake have carefully selected “Ma’s and Pa’s” from each ward. These individuals will lead your family for the duration of the Trek. Other members of your Trek Family will be young men and young women from the different Wards throughout the stake. There will be around 8 youth in each family.
How will Trek Families be assigned?
- The stake trek leadership will prayerfully assign each youth with a trek family, taking a wide variety of factors into consideration.
May I request to be in a specific family or to have friends assigned to my family?
- No. There are numerous reasons why it would be extremely challenging to try and coordinate families. We see this as a great opportunity to meet other youth in the stake and get to know them better! But please keep in mind that there will be plenty of times when you will see friends from your ward.
When will I know what trek family I’m assigned to?
- We will be announcing the families the first morning of trek. We’re meeting at 7:00 am at the Stake Center and will be organizing into families shortly after we meet.
What will we eat?
- Trek participants will be provided with snacks and three meals each day.
- Daily meals will be made fresh by the trek food committee to provide for appropriate protein and carbohydrates. We can assure you; you won’t go hungry on this trek!
- We will try to best handle specific allergies with our food committee.
What about bathroom facilities?
- We will have portable toilets at the ranch. They will be clean and maintained.
What are the sleeping accommodations?
- Each trek family will have tents assigned to their family. The Ma’s and Pa’s will provide the tents.
- Girls will be in separate tents from the boys and the Ma’s and Pa’s will be in their own tent.
- Each participant will bring their own sleeping bag, blanket, and pad.
Will there be plenty of water?
- Yes! Each camp and handcart will have sufficient water for drinking and washing hands.
Is dehydration a concern?
- Yes. Numerous breaks will be taken while trekking to drink water.
- Drink at least 8 to 10 ounces of water at every break. You will feel stronger and much better.
Why is make-up and perfume not allowed?
- Make-up takes too much time and will distract from the trek and trek activities.
- Perfume and perfumed lotions attract mosquito and other insects, and attracts some animals.
Why are electronic devices not allowed?
- This is a tremendous opportunity to get out of the world and worldly influences.
- This allows for better opportunities to feel the spirit in our lives.
- It allows for better interaction with family members and other trek participants.
Why should we use glasses instead of contact lenses?
- The wind always blows in this region. Dust and debris in the air is common.
Where can I get the pioneer clothing?
- Trek participants are responsible for obtaining their own trek clothing.
- Deseret Industries is a great place to find inexpensive clothing that meets the requirements. Don’t wait until the last day to obtain the clothing.
- Borrow clothing from others who have been on treks.
What will we be doing other than trekking?
- Daily Devotionals
- Testimony Meeting
- Talent Show
- Possible Square Dance
- Pioneer games/activities
- Eating incredible food
- Getting to know the other youth in the stake
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
- Please reach out to Chad or Mary Gibson (801-644-2756).
