This summer, over 90 youth, ages 14-18 from the Renton area re-enacted the experiences of some of their pioneer ancestors who crossed the plains using handcarts.

The youth dressed in pioneer style clothing and spent four days crossing over terrain in the mountains above Ellensburg. Sun, wind, rain and hail provided a wide range of additional challenges for the trekkers. The youth each identified a pioneer ancestor and learned about their life and personal history.

Additional trek activities involved square dancing, journal writing, cooking, setting up camp, learning more about their ancestors’ life stories, and making new friends. The experience provided the youth time away from cell phones, computers, social media and enabled them to work together pushing the handcarts as they traveled through the mountains.

The reenactment was supported by over 60 adult leaders who helped with logistics, medical support, meals, and trail coordination.