Pioneer Youth Sang as they Walked and Walked and Walked and Walked

The youth of the stake went on a pioneer trek during the first week of July.

A handcart.

They were placed into families, with an older youth as a "ma" or "pa" and two adult leaders as grandparents. Each family had a doll for a "baby", which they were instructed to care for at all times as they pulled the 400 lb. handcarts across the rugged terrain of Kolob Canyon. There were many fun, special, and sacred moments experienced as they simulated some of the hardships and sacrifices the Mormon pioneers faced as they crossed the plains.

Stopping to rest.

 

Some must push and some must pull.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is something that true pioneers faced along their journeys. On the last day of the youth trek, our stake suffered a devastating loss of our own when beloved father, leader, and friend Ken Selch suddenly collapsed on the trail. Medical personnel did their best to save him, but he was already gone--he had died from a heart attack. He was 55 years old.

Ken Selch on the trek.

Brother Selch was one of the most outdoor-loving, physically active, hard-working and funny people I had the pleasure of knowing. He was Tyce's first Cub Scout leader and served for a time as Mary's Primary teacher. He had such a way with young people that they couldn't help but love him. In this picture taken on trek, he's hiking uphill with a smile on his face--he always had a smile.

As you can imagine, the youth were devastated. I can't imagine how the leaders broke the news to the youth, when they themselves were in shock. The kids were heart-broken--but not hopeless. They understand that their sorrow and pain was and is justified in missing such a great man; certainly it is, with an intensity that can be soul-crushing. But they also know that he is not gone forever, just gone ahead. He lives, as we all will after death, alive in Christ. But we all would so much rather have him here, with us! Why, oh why, did this happen? Oh, to have faith in God's will can be so hard. After the youths' many spiritual experiences on the trek, I believe that Brother Selch's passing was the ultimate trial of faith for the youth and the ultimate lesson in service and love for us all.

We went out of town the day before the funeral, but I heard that it was packed with youth, families, and friends all come to honor this wonderful man.

The theme of the trek was "Whatever it Takes" and I hope that the youth--especially Tyce--have a renewed desire to work hard, stay the course, and hold to the rod in everything they do. Because choosing the good things in life isn't always easy--but it is worth it. As one quiet hero showed us, you never know when you will be called Home. Choosing the good things in life means having clean hands and a clean conscience--and I think that's definitely worth it in the end.

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"Brigham Young's words concerning his own death and burial are worth noting. After giving instructions concerning where he should be buried, he said, 'There let my earthly house or tabernacle rest in peace, and have a good sleep, until the morning of the first resurrection; no crying or mourning with anyone as I have done my work faithfully and in good faith.'

"As we reflect on those who have gone before us, and as we consider our present labors for the good of ourselves and others, would that we all might say each day, 'I am doing my work faithfully and in good faith.'"

--Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Faith of the Pioneers," Ensign, July 1984, 6

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