World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 52

rude at WYD, they do need to be assertive their “wingmen” are. Then, in Panama, when
walkers! Ask them to walk with confidence and one of the leaders asks the group to “check
purpose in order to stay together. Some groups your wings,” each person looks for their two
try to stay together by linking arms and making “wings.” If both are there, the pilgrim is silent.
a human chain; this is dangerous and not They only speak up if they are missing a
recommended, as individuals tend to lose “wing.” Since the system has built-in
control over their own steps and endanger redundancy, if someone is missing, there should
others by blocking or running into them. be two people reporting it; different from the
Pilgrims should also stay in groups when going buddy system, this ensures two people are
to the restrooms or off on their own to pray, keeping an eye on anyone in the group.
visit sites, or meet other pilgrims. All these tips
will help ensure group unity and safety.
This system is not perfect. If several people are
missing, it gets tricky. However, leaders will at
Marking Your Territory least know that some people are missing and
Consider using tarps, blankets, or beach mats to they can move from there. Most of the time,
save your spot when your group finds a place to this exercise works efficiently and quickly, and
sit for one of the central events (opening Mass, pilgrims are held accountable to each other.
papal welcome, Via Crucis, etc.). This will deter
other groups from walking through your area Doing this kind of check is especially important
or stealing space/items. for transition moments: getting on and off
public transit, upon arrival and departure from
Check Your Wings an event location, at the beginning and end of
One idea for pilgrim check-in is an exercise each day, and at meal times.
called “check your wings.” During one of your
WYD preparation sessions, gather the group Fundraising
into a large circle facing in. Ask everyone to There’s no question that WYD is a financial
memorize who is on their immediate left and challenge for many pilgrims. Some dioceses
immediate right. These two become the offer financial assistance, some parishes do
“wings” for the WYD pilgrimage. At other group fundraisers, and some pilgrims do
sessions, make sure everyone remembers who individual fundraisers or ask for financial
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