On June 6th, 250 youth and 80 leaders from rural Woodland Hills and Salem, Utah will travel to downtown Salt Lake City via Front Runner for the first ever “Urban Trek”. Unlike most traditional stake treks that recreate the overland journey of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints coming to the Salt Lake valley, this Urban Trek marks the beginning of a four-day Youth Conference dedicated to service, compassion, and interfaith understanding.
The “Urban Trek” aims to encourage youth to step out of their comfort zones, navigate a metropolitan environment, and develop a deeper sense of compassion, unity, and community. By interacting with various religious and non-profit leaders, the participants will gain insight into the diverse ways people live, worship, and serve.
Upon arriving in Salt Lake City, the youth will gather at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquarters for a motivational meeting with speakers Sister Emily Belle Freeman (General Young Women’s President) and Steven J. Lund (General Young Men’s President).
Following the meeting, the youth will disperse throughout the city, using various modes of transportation including TRAX, cars, buses, and on foot, to reach their assigned service locations. They will participate in meaningful service activities at 12 different places of worship and non-profit organizations, collaborating with leaders from diverse religious and community groups such as Reverend Tam at the Chua Pho Quang Buddhist Temple, Pakhi Sundari at the Krishna Temple, Catholic Community Services (St. Vincent De Paul), and the Utah Food Bank.
“We hope this unique and first-of-its-kind youth conference will broaden the perspectives of our youth, helping them appreciate the richness of human diversity and the importance of positive interfaith dialogue,” said Monica Bambrough, one of the organizers of the event. “Our goal is for them to understand that every individual is a child of Heavenly parents and has a valuable role in the world. Through our acts of willing service and love, our youth can show love to fellow children of God and can make a significant impact in their lives.”
Below are some locations that have been selected for the service activities during the “Urban Trek” Youth Conference:
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Kenneth Trent
