by Ken Jarvis, Area Media Relations Specialist, Photos by Jacquie Eldredge
When Cynthia Miller, Evans Ranch Ward, dropped her daughter, Camryn, off at the Hill Country Stake Center to go on the pioneer trek she was immediately pleased to see the changes that began to take place in her daughter. “She’s in a generation that very addicted to social media,” Sister Miller said, “It was very refreshing to see all the kids talking to each other, making eye contact and doing stuff that they’re not used to doing. I want her to put away what she’s used to doing and have a breath of fresh air.”
That seemed to be a common thread among the parents. MacKenzie Olson’s Mom, Kayleen, said, “I want her to be thankful for everything that she has; her pioneer heritage, her many conveniences, to count her blessings and be thankful for her family.” She, like other parents and leaders, made it clear that this was about much more than camping and hiking. “I want her to have a spiritual time and to be closer to her Heavenly Father.”
The leaders who went with the youth were prepared to help with these goals. Bishop Brett Rush, Smithson Valley Ward, said, “I expected they would do some hard things and then have some opportunities to learn about the restauration, their pioneer ancestry, and be able to see that hard things actually create opportunities for spiritual growth.”
When asked if he thought those goals were accomplished, he replied, “Absolutely! We had great discussions as ‘families’. The kids just opened up.”
He went on to explain that being super tired made them more open to spiritual things and the exhaustion took away their distractibility. “They heard some powerful testimonies about Joseph Smith and the pioneers and the sacrifices that were made. We correlated that to the sacrifices that we need to make to be disciples of Jesus Christ. And they got that message.”
Before leaving, Ethan Bang, Encino Park Ward, predicted that he would walk a lot and have some great experiences. “I’m looking forward to the spiritual uplift.”
Amanda Fletcher, Bulverde Ward, learned that growth often comes through trials. “The first day was super-hot and there were a lot of hills. Along the way they kept telling us ‘Just one more mile.’ And a mile latter, ‘Just one more mile.’ It was actually four miles away and we were mad about that.” But through that experience she said she learned that in life we may have disappointments but we can grow from them.
She also liked fording the river. “Another person and I pulled a cart across the river. It was fun to just get it across.” At the end of the second day she was grateful to just sit down. But again, there was more work. “The guys had to push a bolder up the hill and we had to push the handcarts up the hill.”
Before she left for the trek MacKenzie Olsen wasn’t sure exactly what was going to happen but she did know that, “I want to try to grow spiritually.” She also knew that to do that it was best, “…to be with other kids and be separate from the world.”
When she returned, MacKenzie said, “It was cool being connected to how the pioneers lived and how they did things. What she liked best was, “…the end of the day when you were with everyone.” She especially liked the lesson about, “Sisters in Zion because it showed how we can be strong and work together.” Then she paused and added, “I learned that there are more important things to do than hair.”
Chantel Keller is the Hill Country Stake Young Women’s President. She said her biggest challenge was, “Organization! Imagine making arrangements for sleeping, eating, transportation, entertainment, spiritual devotionals and safety for over 300 people.”
Nevertheless, she and the other leaders did that, “…in order for the youth to better understand why the pioneers left everything behind to cross the plains amongst so much persecution, trial and heartache.” She said the leaders also wanted the youth to participate in President Nelson’s challenge to prepare for conference by studying Joseph Smith history and the restoration of the gospel.
President Keller concluded, “Our prayer was that each individual who participated in trek would gain a better understanding of the faith of our pioneer heritage, feel the spirit, strengthen their testimony and draw closer to the Savior.”