Our Framework and Philosphy
Our mission is to develop Christlike leaders, build testimonies, and strengthen the child of God. We help young people develop Christlike attributes in order to become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and rise to be the leaders of tomorrow. To accomplish this goal our organization has three unique features that set us apart.
Christlike Leadership Focus and Curriculum
Our programs focus on helping youth develop Christlike attributes and become leaders. The Ensign Roots curriculum and framework is derived from The Book of Mormon. Our participants study leadership principles as exhibited by a particular prophet. Each day they will focus on specific attributes by learning, studying, and practicing these principles. Doing this while in the land of the Book of Mormon is extremely powerful! The combination of the location, curriculum, and experience make everything become so real.
Responsible Use of Technology
Technology is such an integral part of our lives and is necessary for success in such a dynamic world. However, when unchecked, it can be hinder progress. We use a gospel-centered program developed by experts in the field of neuroscience to help youth understand how they can be more in control of their tech habits and use technology as a tool to be successful.
Enduring Development and Accountability
We are more than a one-time experience. We have an enduring program to help youth become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout their teenage years. After the Book of Mormon expedition, our participants continue their development, friendships, and progress. They belong to a “tribe” that provides support and accountability. Quarterly service summits and monthly online events throughout the year provide opportunity to review the principles they have learned and reconnect with friends and mentors.
Our Multifaceted Approach
Deigned for Lasting Impact
Our participants become part of the TRIBE. Members of the TRIBE enjoy opportunities for continuous development after their experience. Quarterly Summits and Monthly Hangouts are a great way to remain connected and make the transformation permanent.
Although each of our experiences will impact you in its own unique way based on its design, they are all built with the same framework and philosophy mentioned above.
What you can expect as A member of the tribe:
Develop Christlike Attributes
Receive Leadership Training
Have Powerful Spiritual Experiences
Build a Network of Gospel Focused Friends
Receive 1-on-1 Mentoring
Gain New Perspectives of the World
Experience Different Cultures
Be Challenged
Take Responsibility for Leadership Projects
Practice Self-Mastery and Righteous Habits
Learn How to Use Technology Responsibly
Serve Others Around the World
Who We Are
Tyler Smith
Tyler has 4 teenage kids, he was a Young Men’s President for about 15 years, and now serves in a Young Single Adult ward at a USU. He also manages over 120 Young Service Missionaries at church headquarters in SLC. Additionally, he has over 15 years teaching colleges students as an adjunct faculty member and substitute seminary teacher.
Tyler understands the youth, the challenges they face, and their incredible potential.
Tyler loves the light that the gospel can bring into the lives of young people. He has developed this program to enact mighty (and lasting!) change in our participants.
Prior to Ensign Roots, Tyler founded Liberty Springs—a company providing young international students unique experiential learning opportunities.
Previously, Tyler was an Assistant Dean at USU, a business strategy consultant with IBM, and a private wealth manager.
Tyler earned his bachelors degree from BYU and two Masters degrees from University of Minnesota.
Aubree Pocock
Aubree is our Associate Director and Expedition Leader.
Aubree earned a bachelors degree in Recreation Administration from Utah State University and is passionate about connection through experiential education in the outdoors.
Our participants are in safe hands with Aubree—her backcountry and primitive living skills are second to none. She has spent years as a Backcountry Wilderness Therapy Guide providing direct care in residential treatment and wilderness therapy.
Aubree’s experience programming adventures for people with disabilities ensures every attention to detail has been made and that our program will have the max positive impact for each of the participants.
While serving a mission in Belize and El Salvador, Aubree witnessed the positive impact the gospel of Jesus Christ in the lives of other. She continues to share that same testimony by word and example everywhere she goes.
When Aubree is not working she's in the mountains biking, skiing, or in the backcountry looking for adventure with her two pups, Sego and Yaro, right behind her.
Aubree is also a wizard with her camera. Take a look at her amazing work from our most recent expedition here.
Neal Summers
Neal is a father of 3. Since losing his wife to cancer nine years ago, he has been raising his children on his own. He has learned first handed “I can do all things through Christ.”
Neal has an understanding and appreciation for the challenges that youth face. Some of Neal’s favorite church callings have been teaching the youth. He loves connecting with them and sharing his testimony. Neal loves to travel and has taken his kids and their friends on many adventures.
Neal served his mission in Guatemala and loves the Guatemalan people and the spirit of the Book of Mormon that you can feel as you spend time in exploring Guatemala.
Neal graduated from USU with a master’s degree in human resources and works as a Senior Recruiter at Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City.