The Saratoga Springs 116th ward was “devasted” when they realized they would have to cancel Trek 2020. Fortunately, ward leadership was able to convert the entire 2-day, 20-mile handcart trek into a digital event that the whole ward could participate in from the comfort of their own homes.

“Everyone seemed so upset when we announced on the ward Facebook page that trek would be cancelled. One of the young men even commented ‘wow, has to be the worst news all year’.” says ward clerk Arnold Howard, “It took some convicing, but eventually the bishropic signed off on my proposal for a 2-day video conference that would mimic the experiences of our pioneer ancestors.”

The digital trek will be hosted on a massive Zoom call. Ward members will be split up into families for the duration of the event using the software’s breakout room feature. Although wearing pioneer attire is not mandatory, participants are being asked to set their virtual background to “something pioneer-y” to preserve the spirit of the 1800s.

“Once we’ve got everyone online and into a conference room with their families we’ll have the ‘father’ of each one share their screen so everyone can enjoy the 48 hour long video we pieced together of someone pulling a handcart.” continues Arnold.

Ward leadership expects one moment of the event to be particularly emotional. In the middle of the second day, all men will be asked to set themselves to mute and close their eyes as the women stare at the handcart video by themselves. As of press time, 116th ward members were resting their eyes in preparation for the grueling event.