To the Youth (and their parents and leaders) of the Cedar Mill Stake:

We invite and strongly encourage all youth of the Cedar Mill Stake, age 14-18 (and graduating seniors), to join us on the trail.  This will be a unique and powerful experience, and should be considered a high priority for our youth. 

Preparation will be important for all who will attend trek - both youth and adults!  We encourage all who will attend trek, their families and ward leaders to be familiar with and participate in the recommended preparation activities.  

Physically the trek will be demanding but rewarding.  Prepare yourself for walking long distances, which will have the challenge of heat, rough terrain, and the added burden of pulling your handcart.  We will be covering up to 9 miles each day on the trail, so find good shoes and be sure to break them in well before trek! We encourage you to participate in the stake pre-hike, as well as additional preparation on your own, as well as with your family & friends.

Spiritual preparation is equally important.  There is much to learn from the pioneers we honor during this trek as well as your own ancestors, regardless of whether or not they were pioneers in the 1850s.  As we connect with our ancestors we can still learn from their examples and sacrifices, and better understand our place as a critical link between our past and our future. We encourage all to have an active temple recommend by the time Trek starts.

You can begin your spiritual preparation by reading some of the pioneer stories available through our website. Their stories demonstrate their willingness to sacrifice and persevere, and will inspire us as we try to overcome the trials and difficulties we face today.  The nature of the challenges we face may be very different, but the faith needed to overcome our trials today is just as great.

We also invite you to learn more about your own ancestors.  Really 'getting to know' them will be a powerful enhancement to your trek experience! 

As you read the pioneer stories, and come to 'know' your ancestors, please keep a journal of your thoughts and impressions as you study and ponder their stories.  Then pay attention to your scripture study, hymns you sing, and conference talks you hear.  Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need.  Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it.  This practice enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light” (“Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86).  

We are confident that those who prepare with all their heart, might, mind and strength will find Trek 2023 a rewarding experience that will simultaneously fill us with love for our ancestors and also stronger faith for our future.

We love you and are excited to join with you in this journey!

Stake Presidency

Stake Young Women and Young Men Presidencies

Stake Trek 2023 Planning Committee