Northern California Chapter
Location
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact Email
The regional chapter for Northern California, centered on the San Francisco Bay Area, was established in January 2011.
The purpose of the local chapters is to keep members connected to the Camino and to introduce new people to the phenomenon. We 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.
Upcoming chapter events are listed below and in our Facebook group. If you live in the area, request to join the group. We also send event announcements by email. If you would like to receive our messages, sign up on our subscription page.
We can pair you with an experienced pilgrim who can answer your questions on how to prepare and what to expect. Contact chapter coordinators Laurie Ferris and Guy Joaquin at NorCal@americanpilgrims.org to be connected with a mentor.
Events
We’re an active chapter with a calendar full of events throughout the year. On top of our ongoing events below, we schedule monthly hikes and walks, annual potlucks, introduction to the Camino presentations, special talks, weekend getaways, happy hours and more.
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.
You can also visit our email campaign archive for our latest announcements and to subscribe to our chapter mailing list. You're welcome to join our Facegroup group to stay up-to-date, plus hear about other interesting events happening beyond our chapter.
Resources
The program at our 2018 Welcome Home Potluck included a presentation by Emilio Escudero on "Returning Home: The Journey Continues." Emilio provided the materials to help you “unpack your Camino.”
Camino Returning Home workbook
Presentation Slideshow
The program at our 2017 Welcome Home Potluck included short "10x10" presentations on Camino routes “Beyond the Francés."
Laurie Ferris: Camino Inglés
Mike Miller: Camino Primitivo
Leo Halim: Camino Portugués (Coastal)
Farah Priela: Le Puy, France
Brien Crothers: Via de la Plata
Richard Duker: Camino Aragonés
Jason & Susi Jensen: Caminos Norte & Primitivo
Other Resources
Getting Started on the Camino de Santiago
Introduction to The Ways of "The Way"
Camino Packing Guide
Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino
Helpful Camino Websites
Leave No Trace: Ethics for the Camino
Videos
Emilio Escudero: Returning Home: The Journey Continues
Scott Williams: Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino: Part 1
Scott Williams: Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino: Part 2
Scott Williams: Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino: Part 3
CaminoFlix Lending Library (an exclusive program for American Pilgrim members):
Among the many benefits of American Pilgrims membership, chapter members are eligible to borrow DVDs and other items from our CaminoFlix Library for free.
Member Camino Blogs and Websites:
Laurie Ferris maintains a blog dedicated to planning for the Camino and sharing stories about the pilgrim's journey. In addition, she publishes a curated Camino events and hikes roundup every month in the Events section.
San Franciscan Mike Miller has written a blog about his Camino experiences on the Portugués, Francés, Primitivo and Finisterre.
To stay connected with us, join our chapter Facebook group.
Consider joining the American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook group for great dialogue, Q&A, photos and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims around the country.
Rev 09/03/19