A group of approximately 200 North Texas teens unplugged over spring break to take part in a large-scale, three-day, authentic pioneer trek re-enactment pulling hand carts.
The youth dressed in period pioneer clothing and pulled hand carts over a challenging course, led by “ma and pa” (adult leaders), to experience what the early pioneers endured some 150 years ago crossing the plains. Many of the youth and the adults have handmade their period appropriate clothing.
The event, sponsored by the Richardson Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had been scheduled to take place March 7-9 at Lake Ray Roberts State Park. Due to inclement weather, the youth had to return home after completing close to half of the journey but with the remaining festivities taking place at a local church building.
The 17 handcarts used for the trek were assembled locally, with the steel-rimmed wheels made by Amish craftsmen. They were built to replicate what early Mormon pioneers used to transport their belongings as they migrated West during the 1840-1860 period, arriving in the Salt Lake area of Utah. Fully loaded, the handcarts weighed more than 500 pounds each. The youth worked together as family units in conjunction with their “ma and pa” to pull these carts by hand.
No electronic devices were allowed during the trek for the teens, ages 14-18, who live in parts of North Dallas, Garland, Richardson, Wylie, Murphy and Sachse.
The trek is intended to help today’s youth appreciate the hardship of the early pioneers and give them a spiritual experience. They also enjoyed activities and music, similar to how pioneers relied on supplying their own entertainment. One of the purposes of this reenactment is, as stated on their website “Working, suffering and sacrifice brings you closer to the Savior. You will feel your testimony in a new way. You have new opportunities to recognize the Spirit. You learn you can do hard things and feel joy in doing so.”