World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides Stateside Leader Guide | Page 32

these songs, past WYD theme songs, or a Walking and Camping
well-known Central or Latin American hymn One of the longest-lasting traditions of the
as a part of your local pilgrimage, in solidarity international WYD is the prayerful walk to the
with the international pilgrims who will be vigil site to camp out under the stars on the
singing these song during WYD Panama. night before the WYD Concluding Mass.
Food is another powerful way to enter into These elements make World Youth Day stand
the international experience of WYD. Food is out from other national or international
included in the international pilgrims’ packets, events (or other Church-related activities); the
and trying local cuisine is always a significant walking and outdoor sleeping are probably the
part of foreign travel. If you are offering food most memorable aspects of the WYD
at the stateside event, consider offering a program. Is there a way to do something
meal, dessert, or drink from Panama or the similar at your own stateside celebration? Can
surrounding area (the Caribbean or Central you incorporate the walking and camping
America). You could also feature foods aspects of WYD in some way? If the weather
specific to your own local area or cultural is not conducive to hiking or camping
community. This is a great opportunity to outdoors (which is true for many locations
collaborate with families, parish, or secular across the United States in January), are there
cultural groups in your area; it can also be a alternatives that still give pilgrims a similar
wonderful way to introduce the participants to experience, such as indoor journeys or
the diversity of foods that exist around the sleeping in an indoor facility? If you decide to
world and in their own country. Food can be walk or camp outdoors, even in the cold
one of the most expensive parts of an event. weather, what measures can you take to
As mentioned previously in the budget ensure the safety of pilgrims in inclement or
section, you will need to consider if you can freezing weather?
provide food or how you will charge for it.
Are there partners, collaborators, or donors
PLANNING TIP
who would be willing to provide food and
Consider hosting an outdoor
walking Stations of the Cross in
nature or at different sites or
parishes in your city or community,
weather permitting.
drink for the event? Another option is
making the stateside event a “potluck” event
whereby the participants bring a favorite or
unique food of their own cultural heritage.
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