11 days · Two countries · One tribe
Come and see.
Youth 14–18 travel Guatemala and Belize to study the Book of Mormon in the land, practice Christlike leadership, serve, and return changed.
Expedition 2027
For 11 days, youth immerse themselves in the lands of the Book of Mormon. They come home with a deeper understanding of the book, confidence, leadership skills, and friends who keep meeting.
The essentials
Length: 11 days
Where: Guatemala and Belize
Who: Youth ages 14–18
Price: $3,149 per youth
Airfare: Not included. International flights are typically $750–850.
Departure: Salt Lake City
Dates: 2027 dates coming soon. Join the interest list on the registration form.
Passport: Required. Must be valid at least six months from the date of entry.
Vaccinations: Ensign Roots does not require specific vaccinations. Review current CDC guidance and decide with your physician.
Ensign Roots is an independent, gospel-centered program. It is not an official program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What is included
Proposed Book of Mormon sites, with marked passages to study on the ground: the first city settled by Nephi, the Waters of Mormon, the land of Helam, the Valley of Alma, Captain Moroni's fortified cities, and possible temple sites of the Savior's visit
Leadership training: God, self, and others; five steps of progression; L.E.A.D.E.R. principles (about 12 hours)
Technology reframing with RealBattle Ministries (about 8 hours)
A leadership workbook for every participant
A welcome package before you go: a tribe t-shirt, a Weavesleeve wallet made from Guatemalan weaving, a Book of Mormon to read at the sites, and For the Strength of Youth
Service at a local school
Time with local members and missionaries
Baptisms at the Guatemala City Temple
Cultural work: cook Mayan food, weave with the women of Lake Atitlán, make chocolate from bean to bar
Adventure: Pacaya volcano, zipline, jungle, cave tubing, cliff jumping, catamaran snorkeling, Tikal, Lamanai
Airfare, passport fees, and personal spending money are not included.
Day by day
Guatemala
Day 1 — Arrive in Guatemala City
Day 2 — Kaminaljuyu, Antigua, chocolate lesson, ice cream and games with local members
Day 3 — Hike Pacaya volcano. Explore Panajachel.
Day 4 — Lake Atitlán: cooking and weaving, volunteer at a school, San Juan, cliffs of San Marcos
Day 5 — Atitlán nature reserve, dinner with members, baptisms at the Guatemala City Temple
Day 6 — Church with local Saints. Fly to Flores.
Day 7 — Tikal
Belize
Day 8 — Zipline, jungle walk, cave tubing
Day 9 — Boat to Lamanai. Pupusas and games with local youth.
Day 10 — Catamaran and snorkeling, Caye Caulker, beach, testimony meeting
Day 11 — Travel home
The trip is the beginning
When you get home you stay in the tribe: quarterly service summits and monthly online hangouts with mentors and the friends you made. The goal is not an 11-day high. The goal is roots.
Reserve a seat
Open the registration form, pick your session, and start the paperwork.
By the numbers
1 Sabbath at a local ward
1 temple baptism session
1 school service day
1 testimony meeting
12 new friends for life (your tribe)
12 hours of leadership training
8 hours of responsible technology education
6 ancient ruins and Book of Mormon sites
6 cultural immersion activities
7 excursions: volcano hike, zipline, cave tubing, jungle walk, boat ride, catamaran snorkeling, beach day
2 evenings with missionaries and members