Following are highlights from just a few of the 60+ American Pilgrims chapters across the country. Learn more about our chapters and visit the events calendar for the latest on what our chapters are up to.

Capital Area Chapter Planning a Variety of Events in Conjunction with U.S. Semiquincentennial 

by Jim Larocco | Capital Area Chapter

The Capital Area chapter has planned a variety of programs throughout 2026 to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary.

Our first event was on New Year’s Day with a First Day Walk in Lorton, VA, at Mason Neck State Park, formerly part of the estate of George Mason, founding father and drafter of what is considered the first detailed declaration of independence. While 36 turned out for the event, we managed to herd together 25 for a group photo.

Our second event was a walk in Alexandria, VA, with the city going all out for George Washington’s birthday. Chapter pilgrims attended many events, including placing flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolutionary War. Most people don’t even know there is one! It was an impressive event with many dressed up in period costumes.

Walking by City Hall, the site of the first meeting to embark on drafting a Constitution, some in our chapter had a chance encounter with George and Martha, who said they were waiting to be picked up by something described as a horseless carriage to participate in the ceremony. They were great fun and posed with chapter pilgrims for a photo.

In March, the chapter held a walk of the Patriots Pilgrim Path to Mt. Vernon. Following the 6-mile walk, they gathered for what may be the largest U.S. shell ceremony to date, with 85 shell recipients.

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Sharing the Fruits of the Camino in Portlandia

by DC Donohue | Portlandia Chapter

The Portlandia Chapter has a new aspiration: to provide regular opportunities annually for pilgrims to share the fruits of their Camino experiences—from photography to life insights, from finding love on the path to hospitalero adventures, from best packing practices to effective training strategies, we want to foster and enjoy the camaraderie of pilgrims sharing Camino impressions, revelations, and afterglow.

Our inaugural in-person presentation in February was “People You Meet Along the Way” with Lisa Swallow, a Portlandia pilgrim, hospitalera, and author of Bringing the Camino Home. Thirty Portlandia pilgrims and friends gathered in the beautiful Pioneer Room of the historic St. James Lutheran Church in downtown Portland, OR, to ponder ways to bring the Camino spirit of presence and kindness into our daily lives back at home.

Other planned presentations include “The Camino Will Not Be Optimized: You’re not ready…and that’s the point,” by Lauren Kessler, author and fellow pilgrim. We’ll keep you apprised of the highlights of this new Portlandia program of pilgrim engagement and camaraderie.

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Valley of the Sun Chapter Focuses on Getting Camino-ready

by Tina Strickler | Valley of the Sun Chapter

The Valley of the Sun Chapter hosted its Are You Ready? series of four back-to-back hikes/walks of 10 miles or more. These hikes allow pilgrims to dial in their gear as well as their mental and physical readiness while preparing with other pilgrims, making the long walks more enjoyable. The chapter hosted a second breakfast stop at three of the four hikes, with tortilla española and even a Santiago cake! Despite record heat, more than 65 pilgrims participated in at least one of the four training walks.

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Valentine’s Day Hike in Michigan

by William Oechsler | Western Michigan Chapter

West Michigan Chapter hosted a Valentine’s Day Hike at Cascade Peace Park on February 14, 2026. Photo by a friendly passerby.