Information

What is Trek?

"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 over mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance. To help youth learn from the experiences of the handcart pioneers, stakes and wards may choose to plan handcart trek reenactments for youth conferences."

(From Handcart Trek Reenactments: Guidelines for Leaders, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2017, page 1.)

What is the purpose of Trek?

The youth of the Asheville stake come from diverse cultural backgrounds and unique heritages.

Regardless of our ancestry, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we can all learn from the experiences of early Church pioneers. As we, on a much smaller, safer scale, reenact their trek across the plains into the Salt Lake Valley, we can connect with the pioneer heritage we all claim.

Asheville Stake leaders hope that through our handcart trek reenactment, we can encourage our youth to:

• Strengthen faith in Jesus Christ

• Strengthen testimonies

• Learn to more fully rely on the Lord

• Connect with personal and/or collective Church heritage

• Step away from the distractions of daily life

• Develop unity and strengthen relationships throughout the stake

• Develop confidence

What is the theme of Trek?

The Asheville Stake Trek theme is the same as the worldwide Church youth theme for 2024: "I am a disciple of Christ" (3 Nephi 5:13).

When is Trek? Where will it be held?

Asheville Stake Trek will be held July 25-27, 2024 off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Soco Gap in the Qualla Boundary.

What should be brought to Trek?

Please download the official packing list or visit the Gear and Clothing section of the website.

Who is in charge of Trek?

The Asheville Stake Trek Director is John Garner. He is working closely with the Stake Presidency, the Stake YW President (Kim Garner), and the Stake YM President (Rob Van Brederode) to plan and carry out a Trek experience our youth will love.

What is required after registration?

Complete and turn in the official Church medical release form.