Every four years, the youth of the Malad Idaho Stake have the opportunity to participate in a trek experience, connecting to the sacrifices many of their pioneer ancestors made because of their conviction and faith.  June 4-6, hundreds of youth and leaders traveled to Sellar’s Creek Ranch near Bone, Idaho for a first hand experience of what it might have been like to be a pioneer under the theme “Walk With Me.”.

The 196 youth were organized into 26 families, each with a Ma & Pa.  Throughout the trek, these families camped, hiked, ate, and played together in their families.  They may have begun their adventure as strangers, but as they left many affirmed they really did feel like family.  Throughout the trek, the Ma & Pas were asked to teach and testify of the gospel.  Several of the youth shared that this was their favorite part of the experience, saying that their stories and examples were so relevant to what the youth were going through.

The experience began as youth gathered at the stake center early Thursday morning and were assigned to trek families before opening the weekend with a devotional to set the tone for the experience.  Along the drive to the ranch, participants each wrote personal testimonies in a copy of The Book of Mormon  that would become part of their trek experience.

Upon arriving at Sellars Creek, youth worked together to establish camps before up to and then participating in games, activities, and fellowship at the nearby coves. The evening concluded with a devotional from stake president President Jensen, who talked to the youth about the traps and snares the adversary would use against them.  

Throughout the trek, the youth leaders centered activities and discussions on walking with the Savior through life’s challenges. On the second morning, youth selected two rocks to symbolize personal trials and sins that everyone carries through life. The rocks accompanied them throughout the day’s trek and served as a reminder of the challenges everyone carries.

As handcart companies traveled, youth paused frequently for devotionals and discussions focused on gratitude, joy in Christ, patriarchal blessings, kindness, integrity, and the sacred nature of the body. Within their trek families, youth and leaders shared experiences, testimonies, and personal insights about applying gospel principles in everyday life.

One of the most meaningful moments came at West Groves, where participants spent time in quiet reflection before gathering to hear messages about covenant relationships and their divine heritage as children of God. Later, trek parents shared testimonies about eternal marriage and the blessings of family relationships.

The symbolic journey culminated at Perspective Peak. There, youth were invited to leave behind the rocks representing sin they had carried throughout the day, recognizing the gift unburdening themselves through repentance is.  Following remarks from President Sperry, participants spent time in quiet reflection before gathering with their trek families to share testimonies and discuss lessons learned from the experience.

While the trek included challenging miles on the trail, there was also plenty of time for fun and friendship. Youth participated in games, swing dancing, water activities, and evening gatherings around camp. A special face-to-face event featuring returned missionaries allowed participants to ask questions and hear firsthand experiences about missionary service and discipleship, a favorite time of several youth.

The final morning began before sunrise with a special devotional helping the participants reflect on what it means to walk with Jesus Christ and rely on Him throughout life’s journey.

After returning to camp, dismantling tents, and packing for home, youth boarded buses for Malad. Before leaving, many added final thoughts and testimonies to the back of their Book of Mormon, creating a keepsake to remind them of the experiences and spiritual impressions they received during trek.

Though the miles walked and camps built will eventually fade into memory, leaders hope the lessons learned about faith, repentance, gratitude, and discipleship will remain with participants long after the trek ended. For many youth, the theme “Walk With Me” became more than a slogan—it became an invitation to draw closer to the Savior and trust Him to guide their path.