Mormon Media Observer: This summer's LDS media story? Pioneer treks

It has been a staple for journalists for years: Go out and spend some time with the full-time Mormon missionaries. Journalists have written hundreds of such missionary stories in everything from the New York Times to the smallest community weekly.

However, the newest story of choice for journalists this summer is youth reenactments of pioneer treks.

There have been several stories from across the country the summer featuring such treks. The themes are winners and easy to identify:

Here's a sampling from newspapers around the U.S.

The Covington (Georgia) News wrote this: "For an adherent of any faith, the opportunity to connect directly with one's spiritual heritage is rare. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a unique privilege, in that their religious history runs parallel to American history. Earlier this summer, eight high school students and two adults from the Covington congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took part in an event that celebrated both the historical and spiritual traditions of their faith."

The (Fort Collins) Coloroadan reported: "The current trek included 200 youth and 75 adults from Windsor, Berthoud, Loveland and Fort Collins as they pushed handcarts about 36 miles in three days. The experience left many local and area youth with vivid impressions. 'I hadn't truly experienced what the pioneers went though,' said Faith Houghton, 17. 'I did, however, receive a greater appreciation of the sacrifice made by those early pioneers.'"

Here's an account of the "women's pull" from The Brookings (S.D.) Register: "Leaders told the youth that the majority of pioneers who died during the handcart crossings were men, because they would work all day and then give most of their food to their family. This portion of the re-enactment was called 'the women's pull.' The girls watched the boys and men walk ahead of them up the mile-long hill; then they followed with the handcarts. At the top of the hill, the men took off their hats and silently watched as the women passed by. 'It was hard getting up that hill, but we gave each other encouragement and sang hymns to strengthen our spirits,' said Ulmer. 'It's amazing how well people can work together when they realize they must pull together.' "

The Marshall (Minn.) Independent wrote: "'It was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything,' said Tori Jones of the three-day trek she and fellow youth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Marshall made along an old pioneer trail in Wyoming from June 14-17. A local group of 15, including four adults, were part of a group of 120, age 14 and older, from the LDS area stake. The trek covered a section where the Mormon Trail, California Trail, Oregon Trail and the Pony Express converged, said Don Jones, Tori Jones' father and an adult leader on the trip. Recreating the trek doesn't just show the kids how much easier they have it now, Don Jones said. 'The physical experience makes a spiritual connection," Don Jones said. "I hope they understand the gospel of Jesus Christ is about rescuing people. These pioneers were physically rescued and we each one of us needs to be spiritually rescued in the same way'."

The church's Public Affairs Department also featured such a story about a second generation Latter-day Saint from France who participated in such a trek.

Of course, in the end the story that most journalists don't or can't tell is how these treks can change lives. I witnessed as a youth leader how a few days in the heat and dust, along with the associated spiritual experiences, can change hearts, increase testimonies and draw youth closer to the Savior. For me, it was a trek as a young man that help me make critical decisions that helped set my life's course. I am glad that the nation's media is paying attention to such experiences.