World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 64

leaders taking participants ages 20 and younger

How Not to Lose Pilgrims

should enforce the U.S. drinking age. Be sure to

Just as Jesus sent the disciples out two-by-two,

explain this in advance of the pilgrimage to

pilgrims (no matter if they are youth or young

avoid misunderstandings and consider adding it

adults) should operate on the “buddy system”

to your pilgrim code of conduct. Even for

where every pilgrim has at least one (if not

those over the U.S. drinking age of 21, World

more) companions throughout the week.

Youth Day is not a time for excessive or public
drinking. Rather, the WYD pilgrimage is a time

When traveling with a group by bus or rail,

for modesty and restraint so that the true

everyone should know two things: where the

celebration can focus on community and the

group is getting off and what to do if they miss

common faith of the universal Church gathered

the stop. Leaders need to have a solid game

with the Holy Father.

plan and make sure everyone knows that plan,
as well as the contingency plan. Cell phones

Constantly Looking Ahead

have made this process easier, but not everyone

Throughout the World Youth Day events, the

in your group will have a mobile device that

group leader continues to gather information

works in Poland.

necessary for their group. Be prepared for last
minute schedule or venue changes. Look ahead

Trying to stay together when walking is difficult

in the schedule and plan out what your group

when large crowds are involved. Some groups

will attend, how you will transit there, and when

will use a rally object like a flag, banner, cross,

to depart. The obvious travel route may not be

or simply an umbrella that the group leader (or

the best route for your group especially when

someone who always stands next to the group

tens of thousands of pilgrims have the same

leader) holds high. Pilgrims should stay as close

idea. Your group will appreciate the time you

to the rally object as possible. If they are

put into giving them solid “intel” information.

separated, each pilgrim should know what to do

At some points, you may need to leave the

to reconnect with the group. One idea to create

group so that you can scout the next route, site,

a collapsible flagpole is to purchase a three-

or options for upcoming central or local events.

section aluminum tent pole at a camping store

Having a good co-leader and team who can

(the kind that uses a bungee cord to keep the

manage the group in your absence (if needed)

three sections connected) and connect the flag

will be helpful at times like this.

to it with zip-ties or similar connectors.

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