Southeast Michigan Chapter

The Southeast Michigan Chapter of American Pilgrims covers that area of the state, from Port Huron West to Lansing via M-21/I-69, then South via I-69 to the State line with Indiana. Then East with the Ohio/Michigan State line to Lake Erie! We are the Southeast area of the Lower Peninsula!  Chapter coordinator and founder, David Larwa, started the Southeast Michigan Chapter in the Spring of 2018 with Paula Jager joining as a co-coordinator in July; the chapter was ratified later that year.

Broadly stated, the purpose of this local chapter is to keep participants connected to the Camino and to introduce new people to the phenomenon. We accomplish this in a number of ways, such as social events, hikes, mentoring future pilgrims and serving returning pilgrims as they recount their journey.

We send emails to keep our Pilgrims informed of upcoming events. You can receive these mailings by signing up for our local chapter email list. Contact chapter coordinators David Larwa, Ella Dunajsky and Harry Rolfes at SoutheastMichigan@americanpilgrims.org for more information or to be added to the chapter email list.

Resources

• You've arrived! You have your Compostela, you've attended the Pilgrims' Mass and you've hugged the Saint. Now what? You need to read this blog entry by the venerable Johnnie Walker: 20 Things to See and Do in Santiago de Compostela to know what to do next!
• Chapter founder and coordinator, David Larwa, is a wonderful resource and has mentored many pilgrims as they plan and then head off on their first Camino. David has walked many Caminos and would be happy to share his insights and knowledge with you!
• Follow this link to download a sample packing list.

Events

The chapter schedules local hikes, talks, potlucks, book talks, maintains a lending library of Camino-related books and much more!

We will also be hosting an annual Shell Ceremony for pilgrims who will begin their journey in the coming year.

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.

You can always email us to find out what we're up to!

Look at our photo gallery to see photos of recent events! Hopefully seeing all the happy people will make you want to come and join us!

Are you interested in learning more about the Camino?

Consider joining the American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook group for great dialogue, photos, and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims.

Mentor Program

The Southeast Michigan Chapter Camino Mentor Program can pair individuals who have questions about their upcoming Camino with a nearby veteran who can answer questions. Contact SoutheastMichigan@americanpilgrims.org for details.

Experienced Camino walkers and cyclists who would like to serve as mentors should contact us so you can be added to our resource list. Potential mentors would provide us with name, zip code and a brief rundown of your experience including walking or cycling, which route(s) and when.