March – June 2026
How to Prepare
The journey begins months before we walk. Prepare your body, strengthen your spirit, and build unity with your trek family.
March
Trust in the Lord
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Hymn: "Walk With Me" (2026 Youth Theme Song)
Pioneer Study: Susannah Stone — found strength through singing during her toilsome journey.
Physical Goal: Break in your walking/running shoes. Walk 2 miles each week.
Trek Prep: Meet your Trek Ma, Pa, and assigned Trek family. Learn your pioneer family name.
April
Strengthen Faith
"And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me."
Hymn: "Faith in Every Footstep"
Pioneer Study: Jens and Else Nielson — Else pulled the handcart for a week while her husband suffered from severe frostbite.
Physical Goal: Walk 3 miles each week, or walk for 20 minutes three times a week.
Trek Prep: Choose a specific pioneer from the Willie or Martin companies to walk for. Research their story.
May
Building Unity
"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind."
Pioneer Study: The rescue — young men who carried stranded pioneers across the icy Sweetwater River.
Physical Goal: Stake-wide hike (6+ miles). Finalize your pioneer clothing and 5-gallon bucket.
Trek Prep: Pioneer clothing check. Work with your ward to gather or sew appropriate pioneer dress. Bucket should be packed by end of May.
June
Final Countdown
Physical Goal: Stake-wide bucket check night — bring your packed bucket for review.
Trek Prep: Final family gathering with your Trek family. Review trail safety rules and heat safety protocols. Confirm all gear is ready. No contraband: electronics, modern clothing visible on trail.
Pioneer Dress Guidelines
Young Women
Long skirt or dress (mid-calf to ankle), apron, bonnet or sunbonnet, long-sleeved blouse. Light, breathable fabrics in natural colors.
Young Men
Long pants (no shorts on the trail), long-sleeved shirt, suspenders, hat or cap. Natural fabrics preferred.
All Participants
Sturdy, well-broken-in walking shoes or boots. No flip flops. Layers for morning cold; light fabrics for afternoon heat.
Heat Safety
Mid-July in Wyoming means extreme heat — our #1 safety priority.
- Plan to be on trail by 6:00 AM, off trail and under shade by 2:00 PM
- Each handcart carries 5 gallons of water + 5 gallons of electrolyte replacement
- Hydrate before feeling thirsty
- Heat exhaustion signs: dizziness, weakness, nausea, heavy sweating
- Foot care is the #1 medical issue — well-broken-in shoes required
- Training hikes in May/June are mandatory for family leaders
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."