About Us
The mission of American Pilgrims on the Camino is to foster the enduring tradition of the Camino by supporting its infrastructure, by gathering pilgrims together, and by providing information and encouragement to past and future pilgrims.
Values Statement
Our values are built upon the foundation of our collective experiences as Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. In every decision we make and every action we take, American Pilgrims will strive to be in accordance with the values of community, service, gratitude, and simplicity.
Adopted by the Board of Directors, 28 October 2017
Community
We are welcoming to all people and strive to create real opportunities for people to connect, grow and share in a meaningful way.
Service
We strive to create opportunities for people to help and support one another before, during and after their Camino experience.
Gratitude
We embrace every opportunity to thank and be thanked for actions big and small.
Simplicity
We always aim to concentrate on what’s important in life and to celebrate all we have while appreciating every situation.
Our Work
American Pilgrims on the Camino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose objective is to facilitate communication within the community of North American pilgrims, particularly those in the United States. American Pilgrims continually seeks meaningful ways to support the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
We have three principal goals: to support the Camino, to gather pilgrims together and to provide information.
To Support the Camino
We collect and distribute grants which support Camino infrastructure. We also train and support volunteers who serve in Camino albergues.
The grants are used for the maintenance and enhancement of the Camino infrastructure, going to specific albergues being built or repaired, to associations providing services along the Camino and to other entities directly involved with the Camino. We also train American hospitaleros to serve in Camino albergues. They receive the same the training as Spanish hospitaleros, so they're prepared to step in as full partners. And we also provide a volunteer welcome service at the historic Ribadiso albergue in Galicia.
Our desire is to promote a positive American presence on the Camino and to support this physical and spiritual journey that has been meaningful and life-transforming to innumerable people for over a thousand years.
To Gather Pilgrims
Each spring we hold a Gathering of Pilgrims. It's open to all who share the enthusiasm of the Camino. Recent locations include Texas, Vancouver, Nevada, North Carolina, and Georgia. Several smaller regional Gatherings have taken place, where people relive the companionship of the albergues, create a meal using simple ingredients, walk together and explore the Camino’s history and tradition.
Our more than 60 local chapters offer an opportunity to connect on a local level. Participation is open to all.
Finally, our website and Facebook groups gather pilgrims virtually, offering a place to tell stories, share experiences and to remember and encourage others.
To Provide Information
Our website offers route overviews, travel suggestions, practical advice, historical context, assistance with planning your pilgrimage. We're constantly expanding ways of encouraging greater knowledge of the Camino.
Our quarterly magazine, La Concha, is 100% by member contribution. Inside you'll find updates from our board, news around the Camino, personal reflections, poetry, book and film reviews, and original artwork.
And we maintain a dynamic Facebook group where the exchange of information and ideas soars. Join us today!
Have you wondered why and how American Pilgrims on the Camino exists as an organization? Watch this short YouTube video and listen as Lifetime Member Sandy Lenthall recounts the formation and history of our organization.
We share financial information with Candid and Charity Navigator, so current and future members and donors know that their membership fees and donations are used wisely and ethically. You're encouraged to visit our Candid profile and/or our Charity Navigator profile to learn more.
If you would like to connect with the community of pilgrims and support the Camino through membership in American Pilgrims please join us. See the membership page for details on the benefits of being a part of the Camino community.