World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 51

sure to explain this in advance and consider least one (if not more) companion throughout
adding it to your pilgrim code of conduct. the week to keep track of.
Encourage pilgrims over 21 not to engage in
excessive or public drinking, if at all. The WYD When traveling with a group by bus or rail,
pilgrimage is a time to focus on God and the everyone should know two things: where they
Church, not to socialize the same way they are getting off and what to do if they miss the
might on weekend at home. stop. Leaders need to have a game plan, and a
contingency plan, and make sure everyone
Constantly Looking Ahead knows them. Cell phones make this easier, but
Throughout the WYD events, you are the point not everyone in your group will have one that
person for information for your group. Be works in Panamá.
prepared for schedule or venue changes. Look
ahead and plan what your group will attend, Trying to keep a group together in a crowd is
how you will get there, and when to depart. The challenging. Some groups use an object like a
obvious travel route may not be the best route flag, banner, cross, or simply an umbrella that
for your group, especially if tens of thousands the group leader (or someone near the group
of pilgrims have the same idea. Your group will leader) holds high. If you want to create a
appreciate the time you put into giving them collapsible flagpole, buy a three-section
solid “intel” and seeking out creative ways aluminum tent pole at a camping store (the
around crowds or roadblocks. Sometimes you kind that uses a bungee cord to keep the three
may need to leave the group in order to scout sections connected) and connect the flag or
out the next route, site, or options for other object to it with zip-ties or similar
upcoming central or local events. This is why connectors. Pilgrims then try to stay as close to
it’s so important to have a good co-leader at the rally object as possible. Still, each pilgrim
your side that you can trust to take over. should know what to do to reconnect with the
group if he or she does get separated.
How Not to Lose Pilgrims Be sure to discuss with your pilgrims how to be
Just as Jesus sent the disciples out “in pairs,” “politely assertive” as they walk at WYD.
pilgrims (no matter their age) should operate on Pilgrims from the U.S. often get separated from
the “buddy system” where every pilgrim has at their group because they were too, well,
passively polite. While pilgrims should never be
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