The Capital Area Chapter of American Pilgrims serves the area including Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland.
The purpose of local chapters is to keep participants connected to the Camino and to introduce new people to the phenomenon. We plan to accomplish this in a number of ways, such as social events, walks, mentoring future pilgrims and serving as a local host for hospitalero training through American Pilgrims.
- To offer opportunities for local pilgrims to gather and hold events related to the Camino.
- To mentor future pilgrims, promote the pilgrimage and American Pilgrims through social gatherings.
- To serve as a local host for hospitalero training in the Capital area/Mid-Atlantic region.
Contact chapter coordinators Don Shaw, Jim Larocco, Angela Amos, Faroll Hamer, and Trisha Robertson at [email protected] with questions.
Events
The chapter schedules walks, talks, potlucks and much more! Check out our chapter calendar for upcoming events.
Chapter Calendar
Fairfax Station VA: Chapter Area, Fountainhead Regional Park Hike
Tyson's Corner Coffee Klatsch
Online: Capital Area Chapter, Zoom: What is the Gathering and Why Should I Go?
Fairfax Station VA: Capital Area Chapter, Founders of Pilgrim House Meet n Greet
Deplane, VA: Capital Area Chapter, Sky Meadows State Park Hike
Alexandria VA: Capital Area Chapter, Coffee Klatsch
Silver Spring MD: Capital Area Chapter, Coffee Klatsch
Connect with Us!
The Capital Area Chapter welcomes new members to connect with aspiring and returned pilgrims in our region to share experiences and continue the spirit of the Camino at home. The best way to learn about the Camino is to connect with returned pilgrims at one of our monthly chapter events. Events are posted here on our page on the American Pilgrims website, and are also sent out via our email list.
Here’s where to sign up for our mailing list or scan the QR code below. You will know you’ve subscribed because you will receive a welcome email in your inbox shortly after completing the subscription process. Be sure to add our email address ([email protected]) to your address book so our emails do not end up in your spam folder.
Follow this link to view the Local Chapters video on YouTube.
Mentor Program
We also offer a Mentor Program where returned pilgrims offer to serve as one-on-one mentors to aspiring pilgrims. You can find out which Chapter members are in our mentor program by subscribing to our email list. After you subscribe, you will receive a welcome email with links to the list of mentors and other information about our chapter.
Another way to connect with returned and other aspiring pilgrims is through our Capital Area Chapter Facebook group.
We hope to see you at a chapter event soon!
Become a Member
You don’t need to be a member to participate in chapter activities. However, we’d love to have you! American Pilgrims members aid our national mission to support Camino infrastructure, gather pilgrims and provide information about the Camino. Becoming a member it’s a great way to connect with your fellow pilgrims, qualify for Hospitalero training, contribute to our La Concha publication, and attend exclusive members-only events.
Keen to Learn More About the Camino?
Consider joining the Facebook group for great dialogue, Q&A, photos and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims.
The website has a ton of pilgrimage planning resources like; a packing list, planning 101, what to expect while there, route overviews, and suggested apps and guidebooks.
And when you are preparing to go, you can even order your pilgrim credential from American Pilgrims. Members receive a free credential. Non-members may order a credential for a $5 donation.
And for some inspiration, check out La Concha, our quarterly magazine. It includes updates from American Pilgrims, notes from field volunteers, pilgrim stories, poetry, art and book/film reviews.