Ensign Roots is for youth. It was built for parents who are asking harder questions than “will they have fun.”
If these sound familiar, you are not alone
Will they have a testimony that is actually theirs?
Can they stand when it costs something?
What is the phone doing to their brain, their friendships, and their ambition?
Will they have the confidence to leave home—or to serve?
We exist for those questions.
What this expedition does that a vacation does not
The book becomes a place
They read the Book of Mormon where the story is proposed to have happened. Context changes what the words do.
Leadership they can practice
The curriculum is Christlike leadership from the Book of Mormon—God, self, and others—lived in a small tribe, not only heard in a meeting.
Technology they can govern
Daily lessons from a physician-neuroscientist and a nurse who study digital overuse. Goals that are meant to survive the flight home.
A tribe after the photos stop
Quarterly service summits and monthly hangouts. Mentors. The same friends. So the seed is watered.
What they take home
Before the trip, every participant gets a welcome package: a tribe t-shirt, a Weavesleeve wallet made from Guatemalan weaving, a Book of Mormon marked for the sites, and For the Strength of Youth. In the field, they work through an Ensign Roots leadership workbook every day.
Safety comes first
We vet every location and lodging before a session opens and work with trusted in-country coordinators. Our leaders pass background and reference checks and are CPR and First Aid certified. Every participant is covered by an international travel and medical emergency policy while out of the country. Phones stay with staff during the trip, and your welcome packet includes each leader’s direct phone number. Read the full FAQ
What you need to know
Ages 14–18.
11 days in Guatemala and Belize.
$3,149 per youth, plus international airfare (typically $750–850).
Departs Salt Lake City.
U.S. passport required, valid at least six months from entry.
Ensign Roots is independent. It is not an official Church program.
Full itinerary and inclusions are on the expedition page.
Who leads your child
Tyler Smith, Aubree Pocock, and Neal Summers. Parents. Young Men and mission experience. Wilderness and expedition leadership. Work at Church headquarters. Full bios on the About page.
When you are ready
Read the itinerary. Then register, or write us with the questions that are still in the way.