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. Our purpose is to keep members connected to the Camino and to introduce new people to the phenomenon. For more information, contact chapter coordinators Guy Joaquin and Laurie Ferris at NorCal@americanpilgrims.org.
Events
We schedule monthly hikes and walks, potlucks, intro to the Camino presentations, special talks, and more.
- Here is a list of our upcoming, announced events
- For all of our events, including those planned, see our full schedule of events
Follow this link to view the Local Chapters video on YouTube.
Browse our email campaign archive for past announcements and to subscribe to our chapter mailing list. Join our chapter Facebook group to stay up-to-date and learn about other events happening beyond our chapter.
Ongoing
We hold a shell ceremony during our ongoing walk around Lake Merritt in Oakland. We invite new pilgrims departing this year to receive a scallop shell, a traditional symbol of the Camino, and veteran pilgrims to come and join the celebration. First Saturday of the month. 10:30 AM to Noon-ish. 3.5 miles. Rain or shine. Meet at the Lake Merritt Columns (aka Pergola). No RSVP required – just show up!
Resources
Chapter Videos
Visit and subscribe to our chapter YouTube channel! We have a growing collection of videos of our walks and hikes, special events and informative presentations on the Camino, including route overviews and our introductory "Camino 101" series.
Other Videos
- Kumano Kodo (Japan)
- Returning Home: The Journey Continues
- Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
More Resources
- Getting Started on the Camino de Santiago
- Introduction to the Ways of "The Way"
- Camino Packing Guide
- Injury Prevention Tips for the Camino
- Basic Spanish for the Camino (rev. 2021)
- Helpful Camino Websites
- Leave No Trace: Ethics for the Camino
Our 2018 Welcome Home Potluck included a presentation on "Returning Home: The Journey Continues."
Our 2017 Welcome Home Potluck included slide presentations on Camino routes “Beyond the Francés."
- Camino Inglés
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Portugués (Coastal)
- Le Puy, France
- Via de la Plata
- Camino Aragonés
- Caminos Norte & Primitivo
Programs
Chapter Library
As a benefit of American Pilgrims membership, current chapter members are welcome to borrow items from our library for free. Our collection includes 25+ books, 10+ films, games and a Camino map. Go to our chapter library request page to see what's available and for info on how to check out items.
Mentor Program
If you're thinking of walking the Camino and are interested in learning more, we can pair you with an experienced pilgrim who can answer your questions on how to prepare and what to expect. Email us at NorCal@americanpilgrims.org.
Member 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.
San Franciscan Mike Miller has written a blog about his Camino experiences on the Portugués, Francés, Primitivo and Finisterre.
Rev 07/01/22