Harry, Ron, and Hermione
Joe, Nick, and Kevin
Miley, Lilly, and Oliver
What do all of these names have in common? They’re all part of iconic trios… when they’re apart, things just aren’t the same. It’s like when Ron left Harry and Hermione in the Deathly Hallows or when Oliver was absent from Hannah Montana Forever. It just felt wrong! Just like these iconic trios, we stick together in threes, AT ALL TIMES. It’s not only fun to be with 2 others, but it also keeps us safe. When we’re out adventuring on our trips, it’s always rule of 3! — Here’s part one of HXP safety: The Rule of Three.
We get it – going on a crazy adventure in an unfamiliar country can seem super intimidating, and if you’re a parent reading this, you might feel a little nervous about it too. One way we ensure the safety of ALL Builders, Parent Builders, and Trip Leaders is to enforce the long-standing HXP “Rule of Three.”
It’s pretty self explanatory, but it basically means that you don’t go anywhere without at least two other people with you. Whether it be at the worksite, sightseeing activity, church, or even just running into a public bathroom, all Builders must be in a group of at least three people, always. No matter where you are, find at least two Builders and stick together. Like glue. Like super hot glue you kind of hate at first but then love when you realize how useful it is. More than anything, it’s about always having one another’s back. Take care of your people by making sure that no one in your group is ever alone. If someone in your group needs to go to the bathroom, decide now to be the first one to jump up and go with her. This rule has saved lives at HXP more than once. Love each other enough to never leave someone in your pack vulnerable.
Here’s a little inside look at this rule and how it’ll keep you safe at HXP!
1. It leaves you less vulnerable
Traveling to a foreign country is no joke, and even though you’ll spend 99% of the time with your entire group, there are a few times when you’ll split up to use the bathroom, refill your water bottle, etc. The last thing you’ll want is to find yourself alone in a place you don’t know, and having at least two other Builders with you will take away that vulnerability. Remember that you’re stronger together!
2. You need backup on the worksite & sightseeing
We go to every measure to make sure your HXP worksite and sightseeing activities are safe, but accidents do happen. We’ve all been there, and being alone when something like that happens can be serious. If you trip and hurt your ankle, you’ll want at least two people there – one for moral support and one to call for help. Trust us on this one… you’ll be SO grateful for the Rule of Three on the off chance you find yourself in a situation like this.
3. It creates strong bonds
The Rule of Three allows you to branch out and meet new people in your group! We would challenge you to get new groups of three every time so you get to know your entire HXP fam. There’s also something really special about having each other’s back that just makes you stronger as a group and as friends. Take care of your people by making sure that no one in your group is ever alone. If someone needs to go to the bathroom, decide now to be the first one to jump up and go with them.
As you can tell, the Rule of Three is a really important part of the HXP safety protocols, and we ask that you follow it while you’re on your trip. You (and your parents at home) will be so glad to know that you’re safe at Humanitarian XP!