Letter from the Chair – Summer 2026

by Rachel Ganzon, Board Chair, American Pilgrims on the Camino

Hello, Pilgrims!

With summer’s arrival, for many of us our thoughts turn to planning, preparing, departing, or returning from Camino. We are seeing an uptick in credential orders, questions about packing and logistics, and our chapters have had a considerable number of participants in their shell ceremonies. This issue’s theme is Parting Gifts, and I find myself contemplating those times before I left on my caminos.

It’s my good fortune to live in an area with a local American Pilgrims chapter, and I engaged with that group early in my preparation. In typical pilgrim fashion, my chapter’s participants were more than happy to give their advice about their experiences. Not only was I given a myriad of tips to make my pack lighter, how to prevent and treat blisters, ideas on what worked regarding socks and footwear, I was also given practical items like the “S” hook (a shower curtain hook on which I could hang my backpack or other personal articles) and huge safety pins (in case all the clothes pins were being used at the albergues). With so many veteran pilgrims, there were countless lessons to be learned.

Without question, these conversations were helpful in my preparation. But, of all the mentoring given, I think the most worthwhile counsel were the discussions about pilgrimage itself. It brought the purpose of my trip back into focus. A pilgrimage is described as a sacred journey to a holy place, undertaken for personal or spiritual growth, reflection, or transformation. By definition, this is what a pilgrim’s purpose is— introspection, examination of conscience, and reflection, as they travel on their way. This understanding can lend itself to a meaningful experience on your Camino.

Whether your Camino is weeks long or just a few short days, the journey can be transformative. We hear stories of travelers who have had a setback, but then, miraculously, “the Camino provides” and they are back on course. We may experience or observe challenges or struggles that our fellow peregrinos endure. We provide aid if we can, or perhaps a Camino angel arrives at just the right time to help. The pilgrim experience changes us.

Like falling dominoes, the interactions and encouragement we receive in preparation affects our journey and eventually our disposition at the journey’s end. I believe every one of our volunteers who has been on Camino has felt changed and has been called to give back, to pay it forward, and to express their gratitude. These volunteers pass on their love and spirit of the Camino to other pilgrims, and it is this community that is the gift that keeps on giving.

May your journey be meaningful,

Rachel

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In Memoriam

Jim Limardi | August 15, 1941 – December 11, 2025

by Daniel De Kay | Sebastopol, CA

Jim was one of the founders of the Puget Sound Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino.  

Born in 1941, Jim was an extremely talented man. He studied Latin, Spanish and Middle English. He played the baroque lute, flamenco guitar, and ukulele. He was an avid fisherman, experienced mountain climber, superb cook, excellent potter, revered high school teacher, and beloved hospitalero.

Jim and the love of his life, Martha Crites, first walked the Camino in 2008. They returned to walk many of the routes to Santiago, with the Camino Aragonés being his favorite. They served as hospitaleros in Ponferrada, Rabanal, Zamora, and Carrión de los Condes.  

In addition to walking and volunteering on the Camino, Jim was an integral member of his Seattle community. He was a skilled teacher who worked with at-risk youth. He charmed them and they loved him.  Jim was also a fantastic cook, and dinners at his and Martha’s home were a special treat.  

Jim leaves behind his wife Martha, son Eli, and many, many devoted friends from all walks of life and all over the world. His spirit lives on in those of us who knew and loved him. Let us lift a glass of red wine to his memory, and may we all touch those we love with the grace, humor and warmth that Jim touched us.

Find Jim’s obituary here.

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Board Report – April 2026

Prepared by Joseph A. Curro, Jr., Secretary, American Pilgrims on the Camino Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of American Pilgrims on the Camino met at Mo-Ranch Presbyterian Assembly in Hunt, TX, from April 12-13, 2026. This meeting focused on governance, organizational sustainability, finances, fundraising, event evaluation, and strategic planning.

The board approved the consent agenda, including prior meeting minutes, and unanimously adopted updated charters for the Membership, Chapters, and Governance Committees.

A report on the website migration outlined the transition to a new hosting platform following the end of WordPress support by the current provider, with a temporary freeze on content updates during the migration.

A succession-planning workshop identified desired leadership qualities, priority areas of expertise for future board members—including finance, technology, governance, fundraising, and communications—and emphasized balancing organizational needs with effective volunteer leadership.

Financially, the organization reported healthy membership revenue, continued work on its IRS Form 990 filing, exploration of administrative support, and refinement of financial systems. The Legacy & Giving Committee discussed major donor cultivation, grant transparency, foundation funding opportunities, and long-term fundraising strategy.

The board conducted an extensive review of the 2026 Gathering. Members praised attendee engagement, volunteers, and several program elements while identifying opportunities to improve crowd flow, programming for first-time attendees, educational content, inclusion of local chapters, and coordination surrounding international guests. Concerns were also raised about last-minute program changes and internal communication.

On the second day, the board discussed policies governing commercial products, sponsors, and promotional activities; assigned committees to review guidelines; reviewed board representation at upcoming events; discussed follow-up items from the Spain Summit; and confirmed preliminary planning for future board meetings.

The most significant new business centered on the announced 2027 Gathering. Board members agreed that member questions should be addressed proactively through FAQs, talking points, and transparent communications to ensure consistent messaging.

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Board Report – January 2026

Prepared by Joseph A. Curro, Jr., Secretary, American Pilgrims on the Camino Board of Directors

The American Pilgrims Board of Directors met for their first quarterly meeting of the year in Humble, TX, January 24-25. Due to snow and ice storms impacting much of the United States, several board members joined the meeting remotely.

The board reviewed progress toward its three-year goals and discussed updates to document retention policies.

At one point in the meeting, representatives of Camino Europa Compostela joined the board via Zoom for a discussion of potential avenues of cooperation.

During a review of the financial health of American Pilgrims, board members were pleased to learn that the organization performed better than budgeted. This was driven primarily by the new three-year membership offering and the marked increase in interest in the Camino. The board also reviewed the new expense management platform and discussed ways to formalize fundraising strategies.

There were rich discussions around the need for succession planning and the upcoming nominations process for new board members and officers. Board members also considered the impacts and ways to navigate commercial pressures on the organization’s work.

The board approved a new Palm Beach County Chapter. The board also approved changes to the Chapter Coordinator Handbook regarding the way membership dues are represented and planning flexibility for the annual coordinators workshop.

An update on the 2026 grants application process included discussions of a potential major grant request. The board also voted to send representatives to the XIV Congreso Internacional de Asociaciones Jacobeas and heard updates relating to the upcoming Palencia Cultural Tour, course offerings for members at the Universidad de Santiago, and matters relating to the Pilgrim’s Reception Office.

There was an update on the new hospitalero training program application process, discussions on reviving the Volunteer Management Committee, and a vote to send two representatives to work alongside the Capital Area Chapter at the EU Open House in Washington, D.C.

The board reviewed preparations for the Annual Board Update to members held January 31.

Your MEMBERSHIP in American Pilgrims on the Camino makes it possible for everyone to make the pilgrimage that is best for them. Thanks, as always, for your support and if you aren’t already a member, you can become one here.