PIONEER TREK

APRIL 3-5, 2025

The Yucaipa Stake is excited to announce that in April 2025, our FSY-aged youth will have an opportunity to participate in a pioneer trek reenactment.

From 1856 to 1860, about 3,000 Latter-day Saints pulled handcarts across the American plains to gather in the Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers trekked more than a thousand miles through heat and cold, through mud, sand, and sometimes snow, and through rivers and mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance

What is the purpose of Pioneer Trek for youth?

Learn to "Look Unto Christ" in every thought as the Pioneers did.
Strengthen the testimonies of the youth.
Build unity.
Learn of our individual family history and pioneer heritage as members of the church.
Learn and appreciate Church History.
Feel gratitude for the sacrifices of the pioneers and the heritage they provided.
Learn to appreciate our blessings more fully.
Seek and find guidance to overcome challenges.
Focus on serving and rescuing others.
Learn core gospel principles.
Develop physical and spiritual endurance.

Important Trek Dates

Ideas for Ward Leaders

There are many things you can do to help make Pioneer Trek a meaningful experience for your youth. Here are a few to consider in the coming weeks and months.

January

Please host a movie night and watch the movie "17 Miracles" with the youth. This is available free on Amazon Prime, Peacock, Freevee, and Living Scriptures. If needed, the stake can provide you with a dvd or hard copy of the film.

February

Please host an activity helping the youth find/share family history pioneer stories. These can be pioneers who crossed the plains or modern day pioneers who joined the church. We all have pioneers in our families--people who showed courage in trying something new. We will be asking each young man and young woman to become familiar with at least one pioneer and their story in preparation for Trek. This can be a family member.

March

Please host an activity in which you help the youth gather clothing for Pioneer Trek. We will be asking each youth and leader attending to dress in era-appropriate clothing. You can take the kids to Deseret Industries to find shirts, skirts, hats, etc. You could also help them make their own clothing.

Schedule, Guidelines and Packing List

SCHEDULE:

April 3rd at 8:30 am: parents drop off kids at Mile High Ranch (13000 Mile High Ranch Road)
- Exit Cherry Valley Blvd on I-10, then go north.
- Turn left on Beaumont Ave.
- Turn right on Vineland.
- Turn left on Avenida Miravilla.
- Turn right on Orchard.
- Turn left on Ave. San Timoteo.
- Then you are taking a long and windy road up until the end of the road.
- At the end of the road, you will see a big gate in front of a house with a keypad. The gate will be open. Go on through onto the dirt road.
- You'll pass a house that looks like a wedding venue.
- Take a left at the first fork in the dirt road past the venue.
- You'll see a barn on your left.
- You will be parking in the field before you reach the barn.
April 5th at 8:30 am: parents pick up kids at Riley’s Farm (12261 Oak Glen Rd)
April 6th, 2025 at 7:00 pm, Calimesa Building: Pioneer Trek Recap/Testimony Meeting (Regular Church Attire)

PIONEER TREK INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT LIST

FOR EVERYONE:

1 five gallon bucket with a lid (screw-on lid suggested) for your gear (line it with a plastic garbage bag and come with all of your gear inside)--PUT YOUR NAME AND WARD ON YOUR BUCKET
1 warm sleeping bag, put inside separate plastic bag
1 old coat (heavy and warm)
1 rain poncho
1 pair of gloves
1 pair of shoes to hike in (don’t buy new ones -- they will give you blisters. Sturdy running or tennis shoes will work fine if you don’t have hiking boots)
3 pair of sturdy socks for hiking
2 sets of underwear
Pajamas (if not, sleep in clothes)
2 bandannas
1 small hand towel and a comb or brush
1 toothbrush and toothpaste
5 bandaids and prescribed medications only
A paperback copy of the Book of Mormon
2 heavy duty garbage bags
Chapstick, insect repellent, and sunscreen

MEN:

2 pairs of canvas, or cotton pants (no jeans)
2 long-sleeved shirts (No logos, no t-shirts)
1 wide-brimmed western style hat (no baseball or army hats allowed)
1 pair suspenders

WOMEN:

2 mid-calf length, long-sleeved dresses or jumpers with long sleeved shirts
1 or 2 bonnets
1 pair bloomers (can be made out of old pajama bottoms or hospital pants; patterns are available upon request)
1 apron
Feminine hygiene products

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

Personal journal and pen or pencil (Could get wet or lost)
A pocket knife
Harmonica or other small musical instrument (Could get wet or lost)

DO NOT BRING: