Chapter Happenings – Autumn 2025
Following are highlights from just a few of the nearly 60 American Pilgrims chapters across the country. Learn more about our chapters and visit the events calendar for the latest on what our chapters are up to.
A Busy Summer in Portlandia
by Cindy Kleinegger | Portlandia Chapter
The Portlandia Chapter hosted its annual Potluck and Shell Ceremony July 12 in a slightly early celebration of the Feast of St. James. The event was held in the beautiful home and garden of one of our gracious Portlandia pilgrim couples. Most of the 57 attendees volunteered in some capacity to make this celebration a huge success. Shells and blessings were bestowed on eight Portlandia pilgrims who would soon be heading off on Camino.
A total of 129 enthusiastic hikers joined our monthly hikes for June, July, and August. Our groups included many new folks who mingled with and learned from our many experienced pilgrims. In conjunction with these hikes, we presented 30 pilgrims with shells and blessings.
We had buoyant attendance at our Hike Leader Recruitment Event held August 9. Over coffee, tea, and pastries, we shared detailed information about the responsibilities of being a chapter hike leader and how to become one. By the end of the event, seven individuals had made commitments to become hike leaders or co-leaders, ensuring that our hiking program will continue to be strong through 2026 and beyond.
St. James Day Patio Potluck in Colorado
by Christine Petty | Colorado Front Range Chapter
More than 35 people attended the Colorado Front Range Chapter’s St. James Day Celebration potluck patio picnic held July 26 at chapter co-coordinator Christine Petty’s home. During the gathering, Christine conducted a Camino trivia contest. The chapter also paid tribute to the late Gene McCullough, a chapter founder and American Pilgrims key volunteer.
St. Louis Chapter Gives Cheers to St. James with Camino Vino Event
by Amy Horton | St. Louis Chapter
Nearly 40 pilgrims from the St. Louis Chapter gathered July 20, for an early Feast of St. James Celebration and Camino Vino event. Attendees received a stemless wine glass etched with the chapter logo and a special event credential. They visited five wine stations to learn about and sample Spanish wine produced in regions along Camino de Santiago routes, stamping their credentials at each stop. Once they had collected all five sellos, they brought their credentials to the “Pilgrim Office” table to receive a final sello to mark the completion of their vino journey, and receive a door-prize raffle ticket and a drink ticket to enjoy a glass of their favorite among the wines sampled. Attendees contributed appetizers and sweet treats to enjoy with fellow pilgrims in a tapas-style potluck while they sipped and mingled. The chapter also held a shell ceremony, giving a pilgrim blessing to seven individuals embarking on Camino in the second half of 2025.
Valley of the Sun Chapter Chases the Harvest Moon above Tempe Town Lake
by Tina Strickler | Valley of the Sun Chapter
Valley of the Sun Chapter’s first event after summer break in the desert gathered 30 people despite the 90-degree Fahrenheit heat to see the Harvest Moon above Tempe Town Lake. At this full-moon event, half the group were experienced pilgrims, half were planning 2026 Caminos on the Francés or Portugués routes, and half the group stayed for dinner conversation at Red Robin.
