Iowa Chapter
Location
Des Moines, IA 50309
Contact Email
The Iowa Chapter of American Pilgrims serves pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be across the state of Iowa. The chapter was started in 2016.
The purpose of our local Iowa chapter is to keep participants connected to the Camino and to introduce new people to the phenomenon. We accomplish this through engagement with the community by organizing informational meetings, social events and hikes. We welcome the opportunity to mentor future pilgrims by sharing our wisdom and experience, and we serve returning pilgrims as they recount their journey.
To be added to the chapter's email list, for more information about the chapter and its activities or about membership in American Pilgrims, contact us at Iowa@americanpilgrims.org.
We encourage you to join our Facebook group (Iowa Chapter – American Pilgrims on the Camino) and be informed of our upcoming events.
Contact chapter coordinators Dawn Bratch-Prince, Laurie Ihry and DJ King via email for more information.
Events
Monthly Chapter Charla, first Thursday of the month, 7-8 PM CT. These virtual “chats” serve as an informational session for pilgrims-to-be, a sharing session for recent returnees, and a forum for sharing on topics relevant to the Camino. There is always plenty to discuss!
Monthly Chapter Hikes, April through October, second or third Saturday of the month, 10 AM CT. We post our schedule on the Local Chapter Events Calendar and share via Facebook as well.
July Hike to Santiago (Iowa): Each July in recognition of St. James Day, our Saturday hike runs from the Chichaqua Trailhead to the little church of Santiago, Iowa (approximately 7 miles round trip). We hold a Shell Ceremony at the Church of Santiago midway through our hike.
Shell Ceremony: we host two to three brief Shell Ceremonies each year, typically at the conclusion of a group hike.
To see what we’re doing, please visit the Local Chapter Events Calendar and select our chapter name in the "All Events Category" pull-down menu. This will filter to display only our chapter's events.
Follow this link to view the Local Chapters video on YouTube.
Mentor Program
The Iowa Camino Mentor Program can pair individuals who have questions about their upcoming Camino with a nearby veteran who can answer questions. Contact Iowa@americanpilgrims.org for details. Experienced Camino walkers and cyclists who would like to serve as mentors should contact us so that you can be added to our resource list. Potential mentors should provide us with your name, zip code and a brief rundown of your experience including walking or cycling, which route and when.
Become a Member
You don't need to be a member to participate in chapter activities. However, we'd love to have you! Our members aid our 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 our Facebook group for great dialogue, Q&A, photos and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims.
We also have 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 us. It's free, but we would appreciate a donation.
And for some inspiration, check out our La Concha web magazine. It includes updates from American Pilgrims, notes from field volunteers, pilgrim stories, poetry, art and book/film reviews.
Rev 11/07/24