The Pilgrimage - Trip Information


		Facility Basics / What to Pack / Pilgrimage Rules / Volunteer Preparation Trip Information Packet In this packet, you will find all kinds of information about your trip, from what to pack, what the neighborhoods are like, and what to expect when you get here. As always, any additional questions can be directed to the Program Manager at 202-387-6615 or pilgrimage.manager@verizon.net. Medical Release Form Please have all volunteers fill out a form and bring it with them. Pilgrimage volunteers hard at work at the Capital Area Food Bank Facility Basics Where is The Pilgrimage? The Pilgrimage is in the heart of Washington, DC. It is located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Dupont Circle is full of restaurants, shops and other attractions. Plus, The Pilgrimage is within walking distance of Georgetown, Adams Morgan and Embassy Row, which also offer many opportunities for exploring. It is easy to get around the city from our location. The Metro (DC subway system) is only a couple blocks away and many bus lines pass right by The Pilgrimage. Safety is always a priority for us at The Pilgrimage, and although The Pilgrimage is in the city, it is very secure. The neighborhood is quiet and friendly. People are always out walking! What does The Pilgrimage look like? click here for pictures of the facility The Pilgrimage is set up in a dormitory style. Enough bunk beds to sleep 40 people are separated into three rooms. There is a common room with couches for gathering, reflection and just hanging out. We have movies, games and books for you to enjoy, but sorry, no cable TV! A small dining area and kitchen are available for your eating needs. The kitchen has everything one needs to cook, except the food! Grocery stores are located nearby if you need to purchase supplies. There are bathrooms with showering facilities to keep you clean. And if you are really ambitious, we even have a laundry area where you can wash your clothes! Bathrooms include three showers for the women and two showers for the men. Air conditioning: There are separate units for each side of the hall. The large dorm rooms accommodate 16 people each in bunk beds, respectively. The small dorm room accommodates eight people. The facility is safe and secure. There is only one outside entrance, and group leaders have that key. There is a fire alarm system. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in place. There is a telephone in the hallway for our guests' use; it receives incoming calls and the telephone number is 202-387-9626. Facility Basics / What to Pack / Pilgrimage Rules / Volunteer Preparation What Will We Be Doing? While staying at The Pilgrimage, groups have the opportunity to experience many new things. Most groups participate in some form of service activity. They volunteer at soup kitchens, shelters, building sites, food delivery programs, day care centers, food banks and community gardens. They help different organizations in the DC area and learn from their experiences. Speakers are often invited to The Pilgrimage to share information with groups. Some groups venture to Capitol Hill to visit their congressperson. They ask him or her to pay special attention to issues affecting the poor. Finally, DC is filled with monuments, museums, sporting events and cultural activities. Even though groups work hard during their stay, free time to explore is always scheduled. More information on the service opportunities can be found on the Programming page of our website. Neighborhood, museum, and cultural information can be found in our Trip Information Packet. Volunteers cut vegetables at DC Central Kitchen Facility Basics / What to Pack / Pilgrimage Rules / Volunteer Preparation What Should We Pack? Here are the basics of what is available at The Pilgrimage and a few thoughts on supplies that you need to bring. *Things You Need to Bring* Linens (sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, towels) Paper Towels for the Kitchen Napkins Food (you will be given a list of grocery stores in the area when you arrive) Laundry Detergent Toiletries Clothing If you are doing service work in D.C. you will need long pants, closed-toe shoes, and something to keep your head covered. Please don't bring tank tops or shirts with inappropriate slogans. . If you will be doing a World Religions weekend, please respect the following dress code: Everyone should have dress wear. Please note that no jeans or t-shirts are permitted at many of our worship sites. Men: shirts and ties. Women: suits, dresses or medium to long skirts. For the Islamic Center, everyone must have clothing that goes below his/her knees (no shorts); no sleeveless shirts, and women must have a scarf or other head covering. Women should also wear long sleeves. Everyone must be prepared to remove his/her shoes. Slacks are acceptable as long as they are not tight. Also, no see through material is permitted. Camera Water bottle Bible and/or other worship/devotional material Detailed map of DC for each of your drivers* Tourist guidebook for Washington, DC* Note: The Pilgrimage provides groups with some maps and complete directions to and from service sites upon arrival. You may want to get maps ahead of time. AAA gives out maps and guide books free to members (www.aaa.com) or you can write to: Washington Convention and Visitors Association 1212 New York Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001 Kitchen Facilities* Refrigerators (2) Stove and Oven Dishwasher Toasters (2) Coffee Pot Microwave Dishes (plates, cups, bowls, silverware, mixing bowls, pots, frying pans, etc.) *Supplies Available at the Pilgrimage* Dish Towels Dishwasher Detergent Dishwashing Liquid Disinfectant/Floor Cleaner Mops Brooms Shower/Tile Cleaner Scouring Powder Paper Towels Toilet Paper Trash Bags Vacuum Pilgrimage Rules: The 12 Best Ways to Live at The Pilgrimage Your group will be provided with a copy of the rules when you arrive. Please familiarize yourself with them so you know what is expected of you. Cleaning Checklist Your group will be provided with a copy of the cleaning checklist. Please remember that part of your covenant with us is to clean before you leave! Volunteer Preparation For detailed information on volunteer preparation, please refer to our Trip Information Packet. In addition, here are three articles that you may find helpful in preparing for your trip. We encourage you to discuss these articles with all Pilgrimage participants. In the Service of Life by Rachel Naomi Remen, Noetic Sciences Review, Spring 1996 In N.VA, Let Down by a Rising Economy by Chris Jenkins, The Washington Post, Feb. 27, 2007 *My Name is Not “Those People”* by Julia Dinsmore

Volunteer Preparation