I was invited recently to photograph a re-enactment of the 19th century trek across the Great Plains by Mormon pioneers. Approximately 350 teenagers, aged 14-18, along with their adult leaders were divided into 30 or so “family” groups and assigned handcarts that they would spend two and half days pushing and pulling through sometimes rugged terrain in the Arizona mountains 150 miles east of Phoenix. Both the adults and the kids dressed in pioneer clothes, left their smartphones at home, and slept on tarps under the stars.
For many reasons, it was a great experience. It was inspiring to see sometimes squirrelly teenagers band together to accomplish something difficult and way outside their comfort zone. Over the course of the two and a half days, I’m not sure I heard a single complaint about the difficulty of the task, nor did I see any evidence of the cliquishness that can be such a cruel part of adolescent life. It was likewise inspirational to witness the sacrifice and selflessness of the adult volunteers who made this massively complex event come off so smoothly.
Here are a few of the photos from that event:
An adult leader waits for the action to begin
One of the teenagers channeling a pioneer.
The trek gets underway.
A re-enactment of an event during which the women and children had to fend for themselves for a period of time.
The effect of pulling a heavy handcart at 7,000 feet of altitude.
Getting an early start.
After a particularly difficult climb, the handcart groups were serenaded by this harmonica player.
The trail boss greets some stranded pilgrims along the way.
Brothers.
The evening square dance was fun, but a dust-fest.
A pine illuminated by a not very pioneer-like spotlight.
Elevation of 7,000 feet. More than 100 miles from the city. No moon. Lots of stars.
Actors playing Jesus and Mary at the Garden Tomb, part of a devotional the last evening of the trek.
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