North Texas Teens Unplug for Pioneer Trek

FRISCO –– A group of 600 North Texas teens will unplug over Spring Break and take part in a large-scale, three-day, authentic pioneer trek re-enactment pulling hand carts.

The youth will dress in period pioneer clothing and pull hand carts over a challenging 15-mile course, led by “ma and pa” adults, to experience what the early pioneers endured some 150 years ago crossing the plains.

The event, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, takes place Thurs. March 13 through Sat. March 15 at Ray Robert Lake State Park. It starts March 13, 9 a.m. at Greenbelt 380 Park in Aubrey and ends March 15, 12 p.m. at Ray Roberts State Park, Isle du Bois entrance.

The 56 handcarts being used for the trek were assembled by the youth and Church members, 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 from the 1840s to 1860s, arriving in the Salt Lake area of Utah.

No electronic devices will be allowed during the trek for the teens, who are aged 14 to 18, and live in Frisco, Prosper, Celina, McKinney, The Colony and Little Elm.

The trek, held every four years, is intended to help today’s youth appreciate the hardship of the early pioneers and give them a spiritual experience. They will also enjoy activities and music, similar to how pioneers relied on supplying their own entertainment.

The trek ends with a church service and a re-enactment of the groups arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, which will be at Ray Robert Lake State Park, Isle du Bois entrance.

http://yourfrisco.dallasnews.com/2014/03/12/north-texas-teens-unplug-for-pioneer-trek/