Social media in Utah has been inundated with pictures of eager and cheery teenagers garbed in pioneer attire and side braids. Simulated pioneer treks are in full swing. I realize that many people think such activities are quirks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that just can’t be squared with modern day realities. And they might be right.
But the number of people, youth and adults alike, who come back from these treks with positive experiences of grit and determination, sacrifice, gratitude, and maybe just a little empathy, is too large to ignore.
The emphasis on the church’s handcart history, though, is a bit overblown.