World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 44

World Youth Day Resource Logistics:
Practical Tips for Pilgrimage Leaders
World Youth Day is an event that requires

updated with travel websites, as well as the

a great deal of logistical planning and

Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the

coordination, especially on the part of

United States located in Washington, D.C.

international pilgrim leaders. Even though a trip

(http://www.waszyngton.msz.gov.pl/en/), the

like this will undoubtedly have unexpected

Polish National Tourist Office of North

surprises, it is essential to do plenty of research

America (www.poland.travel/en-us/), and the

and planning throughout the entire pilgrimage

official site of the Kraków Convention Bureau

experience (from the initial decision to go, to

(www.kraków.pl/ccb_en/). Regularly checking

well after the overseas events have ended), so

on the latest news and updates on these sites

that a group has both primary and backup

will familiarize yourself with the culture and any

plans. Additionally, because information is so

developments in the country in advance of your

readily accessible in the digital age, pilgrim

trip. The information found there could also be

leaders should be at least one or two steps

helpful in assisting the internationally-bound

ahead of their pilgrims regarding details and

pilgrims with their own understanding of the

updates on World Youth Day. Regularly

culture into which they are going.

checking the official World Youth Day website
in the leader’s preferred language

If time and finances allow, pilgrim leaders

(www.Kraków2016.com) and the United

should consider taking a familiarization tour

States’ official World Youth Day site

of Kraków in advance of the World Youth Day

(www.wydusa.org), along with the social media

events, either with a travel company or on their

accounts of those organizations, will be helpful

own. Gaining firsthand knowledge of the

to stay informed in a timely manner. In

landscape, accommodations, transportation,

addition, it is crucial for pilgrim leaders to be

food options, and people can potentially

familiar with Poland and Polish culture for

eliminate surprises and misconceptions during

World Youth Day in Kraków, and to some

the trip with the group. If this is not possible,

extent, the basics of the Polish language. Go to

consider arriving in Kraków a few days prior to

the library or bookstore to find the most up-to-

the official start of World Youth Day to orient

date travel books, as well as any resources on

yourself to the city and scout the venues of the

the faith and history of the Polish people. Keep

central events, housing, and catechesis.

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