Guiding Young People's Pilgrimage - Free Training for Educators

Discover how to guide pilgrimages for ages 10 to 19 with our free 2-day training for educators and learning providers

This is "in-the-field" training where we will walk together and experience pilgrimage practice first hand. We offer a range of approaches in an informal peer-group environment, helping you discover and develop your own toolkit to guide pilgrimages for young pilgrims. Learn pilgrimage techniques to nuture connection, deepen experience and make space for transformation amongst the beautiful South Downs. This training will be offered in other parts of the country later this year.

Training is offered with our Bring Your Own Beliefs ethos, making it accessible to any seeking to utilise pilgrimage for Holistic Education purposes, with or without faith. Spend two days with Dawn Champion, our Head of Communities and pilgrim guide who comes with 20 years' training experience. We encourage idea-sharing and discussion. If you need to brush up on navigation skills, there is an optional extra half day to cover that too. Trainees are required to guide at least one pilgrimage within a year of recieving the training and complete a self-evaluation, after which they will recieve a certificate of training.

What's Included?

• Pre-journey preparation downloads
• Setting Intention - making a walk a pilgrimage
• Pilgrim Places - interpreting places of nature, culture, heritage and spiritual practice for young pilgrims
• Pilgrim Practice - more than simply walking, try various sensory, cultural and spiritual practices
• Practical basics - what to consider for logistics, safety, and route creation
• Curriculum connections - how pilgrimage can work for holistic education and the national framework

By the end of the journey you should have an understanding of how to plan a good quality route, a toolkit of different practices you can apply and lots of inspiration to create fulfilling and meaningful pilgrimages.

Optional Extras

• an extra half day learning digital wayfinding and confidence in the countryside on Saturday 12th April
• sleep as a pilgrim in overnight Sanctuary (£20 contribution per night) and borrow a bedroll if you need one(£15 cleaning fee)

Trainee guides will need to cover the costs of food, accommodation or Sanctuary, and travel.

Who is this for?

‍Anyone who works with children aged 10-19 in a learning role. This could be a teacher, Forest School leader, school chaplain, Sunday school leader, Scout or Guide leader, education officer etc. Your role should be something recognised in an employed or voluntary capacity by an organisation that has its own processes in place for safeguarding, insurance and health & safety etc. If you aren't sure if you are eligible get in touch.

‍Your Commitment‍

We offer this training for free on the understanding you will carry out a guided pilgrimage within 1 year of completing the training and submit a short evaluation, after which you will recieve your certificate

‍The Journey

We'll walk around 8 miles per day, and visit a variety of inspiring places.
Day 1 - we meet in the heart of the medieval village of Alfriston, before crossing rolling hills to St Michael & All Angels Church in Berwick and its spectacular interior, painted by members of the Bloomsbury Group. From there we climb our big hill up above the Long Man of Wilmington and ancient barrows. Then we wander downhill to one of England's most ancient Yew trees and the old priory church, before heading back to base.

Day 2 - After breakfast, we take a short stroll to the smallest church in Sussex before a wander through the woods. Soon we encounter the views which inspired Eric Ravillious, and head down to the oxbows of Cuckmere Haven and the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.

Optional Wayfinding Day - Saturday 12th April. We relocate to YHA South Downs near Southease train station for an introduction to navigating with mapping apps on your phone and some different methods of wayfinding. We'll cover walking routes on google maps, GPX navigation, traditional paper maps and reading the land. Oh, and what to do if you think you are lost! 4 miles from the YHA to Glynde train station, or, carry on for another four miles to Lewes with your guide to practice your new skills.

Travel, Accommodation and Food

Travel: The nearest train station to Alfriston is Berwick, Sussex(BRK) and pick up and drop off to the station can be arranged. Bus 125 runs between Eastbourne and Lewes, with the 126 connecting to Seaford. P&D car parking is available at The Willows or free on-road parking a 1/2 mile walk away on The Broadway.

Accommodation: There are plenty of B&B's pubs and hotels offering rooms for a variety of budgets in Alfriston, but these do tend to book up quickly. Alternatively there is also a campsite and cabins a short walk away, or YHA South Downs is a 15 minute drive away.

Sanctuary is a low cost option available to pilgrims. Essentially a sleepover, floor space is offered in a church or hall for pilgrims to sleep with their own bedding. We can loan you a bedroll with self-inflating air mat, sleeping bag, silk liner and camping pillow for a £15 cleaning fee, or you can bring your own. The Sanctuary has kitchen facilities and toilets with sinks but no shower.

Food: Bring your own packed lunch and snacks for Day 1. We'll share a meal at a local pub in the evening. Pilgrims staying in Sanctuary will be offered a continental breakfast. Packed lunches for Day 2 can be purchased in the village stores, which have an excellent deli counter and range of local produce. If you are staying on for the optional Wayfinding day,

What to Bring

• an open heart and mind
• sensible, comfortable clothing for both days and an extra change in case of wet weather
• walking footwear
• daypack for carrying your lunch and other essentials you want to take with you
• packed lunch for day 1 in a reusable container, water bottle/thermos flask and snacks
• weather protection for sun and rain
• Something dry to sit on (a carrier bag is fine)
• anything you may need for a "wild wee"
• notepad, pens and anything else you need to absorb all the info on offer
• if staying in Sanctuary, bedroll (unless using ours), sleepwear, washkit and towel

Is this religious?  This is a faith-neutral approach including a variety of traditions and practices that can applied to suit your needs. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.

Are there fitness or access limitations? This route involves stiles, steep hills, some road walking, and conditions may be muddy or slippery underfoot depending on the weather. Pilgrimage is moderately intense; if you find walking all day a challenge, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements. 

If I live locally do I still need to stay over? It's up to you, pilgrims often have a great bonding experience with Sanctuary so you may feel a little left out, but you won't miss any training content as long as you arrive on time each day.

Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.

Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.

What does the price cover? This guided pilgrimage training has been generously funded by a foundation and is offered to eligible participants for free. Any additional booking fees cover the non-funded costs. We are grateful to recieve any additional donation as this will enable us to expand our programme of work. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.

What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy