Chapter Happenings – Summer 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.
Gearing Up For Your Camino Portlandia-style
by Daniel Piquette | Portlandia Chapter
In the Portlandia Chapter’s most recent member survey, chapter coordinators heard a call for more mentorship. Coincidentally, long-time Portlandia pilgrim Kathy Peterman reached out and asked if she could share her four-time Camino experience with the group. On Saturday, May 31, Kathy joyfully and confidently led 43 participants in an interactive workshop focused on Camino journey preparation. This event was designed to educate and share insights on the best gear to bring and what to leave behind. The program included a review of Kathy’s backpack, as well as a discussion of gear and prep in detail. Whether a first-time pilgrim or a seasoned traveler, this workshop had something for everyone. In the American Pilgrims spirit of providing information and fostering community, Kathy delivered.
St. Louis Chapter Doubles the Fun with Dual Two-Day Mini Camino Experiences
by Amy Horton | St. Louis Chapter
On May 23-24, the St. Louis Chapter held its fourth annual two-day, one-night Katy Trail mini Camino experience. Based on popular demand, the chapter doubled the fun this year by offering a second mini-Camino experience on June 13-14. Adding to the sense of pilgrim community, three from the Memphis chapter and a Camino friend from Tucson, AZ, joined the June event.
Each excursion began on Friday, with pilgrims starting their walk at the Treloar, MO, trailhead of the Katy Trail rails-to-trails state park. After four miles, they stopped at the historic Peers Store for a brief rest and refreshments. They continued another four miles to Marthasville, MO, where they stopped for the day. They enjoyed a communal lunch at local Maverick’s restaurant, then relaxed and visited throughout the afternoon at Happy Apples Bunkhouse, their albergue-style accommodations for the evening. At the June event, Memphis chapter coordinator Tresha Mandel brought rock painting supplies for a relaxing afternoon creative circle. Friday evenings, the groups held a pizza and salad supper from local Philly’s Pizza.
On Saturday mornings, they walked four miles before making a breakfast stop at the Dutzow Deli, and then continued another eight miles to Augusta, MO. The lonely river bottoms farmhouse-turned-artist-studio in tiny Nona is always a welcome site for the crew, as the artist kindly permits the group to refill its water bottles, given there are no other services along that eight-mile stretch. For the June event, Tresha also generously supplied tailgate refreshments at Nona. Customarily, the groups concluded their events at the August trailhead with a celebratory round at Good News Brewery.
