WHO WE ARE
American Pilgrims on the Camino is the only US-based association for people interested in the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a network of ancient European pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer driven, organization consisting of more than 2,000 dues paying members from throughout the United States as well as several other countries.
Our Values
Our four values are rooted in our collective experiences as pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. We do our best to ensure that every decision we make and every action we take reflects these values:
- Community
- Service
- Gratitude
- Simplicity
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Follow this link to news and announcements.
- Welcome to our new local chapters: Finger Lakes, NY and Boise, ID! Get connected through our local chapters.
- The next hospitalero training session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 to Thursday, March 12, 2020, immediately before the National Gathering in Zephyr Point, Nevada. Registration will open in early January. If you're a member of American Pilgrims there's no need for you to contact us about the announcement as you'll be automatically notified when the next registration is open!
- Going to Europe in 2021? Changes are coming. Learn about ETIAS here.
- Services at the Cathedral de Santiago are suspended due to renovations in the central nave. See the Full List of temporary locations of the services. The Cathedral is expected to be back in full service "early in 2020". Read the announcement in Español or in English.
WHAT WE DO
Support
Supporting Camino infrastructure is one way we give back to the Way. Your membership dues and generous donations allow us to award competitive grants each year to albergues and pilgrim associations in Spain, France and Portugal to fund projects that improve pilgrim accommodations and waymarking.
We train more than 75 volunteer hospitaleros annually who then serve our fellow pilgrims.
Gather
Bringing pilgrims together and creating community is core to our mission. Each year, we host a Gathering, which brings 200-300 pilgrims together to learn about the Camino and celebrate all the Camino has provided us.
In addition, we have more than 50 local chapters gathering pilgrims at the local level for hikes, mentoring, potlucks and movie nights, all in an effort to create a bit of Camino community here at home.
Inform
Providing information and encouragement to pilgrims is key to ensuring they expand their knowledge of the Camino and have a positive experience along the Way. We are the only American organization to issue pilgrim credentials. On our website you can learn about the Camino through history, statistics and route overviews, and find answers to your questions in our FAQs. In “La Concha” our member newsletter, we publish articles, book reviews, photographs and news about our organization, members and the Camino itself. You're invited to join our Facebook group to exchange info and ideas.
The Spirit of the Camino
Live in the moment
Welcome each day – its pleasures and its challenges
Make others feel welcome
Share
Feel the spirit of those who have gone before you
Imagine those who will follow you
Appreciate those who walk with you today
Rev 11/26/19