About Us
The mission of American Pilgrims on the Camino is to foster the enduring tradition of the Camino by supporting its infrastructure, by gathering pilgrims together, and by providing information and encouragement to past and future pilgrims.
Values Statement
Our values are built upon the foundation of our collective experiences as Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. In every decision we make and every action we take, American Pilgrims will strive to be in accordance with the values of community, service, gratitude, and simplicity.
Adopted by the Board of Directors, 28 October 2017
Community
We are welcoming to all people and strive to create real opportunities for people to connect, grow and share in a meaningful way.
Service
We strive to create opportunities for people to help and support one another before, during and after their Camino experience.
Gratitude
We embrace every opportunity to thank and be thanked for actions big and small.
Simplicity
We always aim to concentrate on what’s important in life and to celebrate all we have while appreciating every situation.
Our Work
American Pilgrims on the Camino is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose objective is to facilitate communication within the community of North American pilgrims, particularly those in the United States. American Pilgrims continually seeks meaningful ways to support the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
We have three principal goals: to support the Camino, to gather pilgrims together and to provide information.
To Support the Camino
We collect and distribute funds and we train hospitaleros for the Camino albergues. The funds are used for the maintenance and enhancement of the Camino infrastructure, going to specific albergues being built or repaired, to associations providing services along the Camino and to other entities directly involved with the Camino. American Pilgrims hospitaleros serving in Camino albergues have received the same the training as Spanish hospitaleros, so they are prepared to step in as full partners.
Our desire is to promote a positive American presence on the Camino and to support this physical and spiritual journey that has been meaningful and life-transforming to innumerable people for over a thousand years. See the American Pilgrims Grants Program and the Hospitaleros pages for more information.
To Gather Pilgrims
Each spring we hold a Gathering of Pilgrims. It is open to all who share the enthusiasm of the Camino. Recent locations include Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, California and Illinois. See the Annual Gathering page for details. Several smaller regional Gatherings have taken place, where people relive the companionship of the albergues, create a meal using simple ingredients, walk together and explore the Camino’s history and tradition.
Our more than 55 local chapters offer an opportunity to connect on a local level. Participation is open to all.
Finally, our website and Facebook groups gather pilgrims virtually, offering a place to tell stories, share experiences and to remember and encourage others.
To Provide Information
We maintain our website, offering up-to-date reviews of Camino literature, travel suggestions, practical advice, announcements, historical commentary, assistance with planning your pilgrimage, association news and are constantly expanding ways of encouraging greater knowledge of the Camino.
Our quarterly magazine, La Concha, is 100% by members and for members. Inside you'll find personal reflections, poetry, route reviews, book reviews, photographs and original artwork, and information about the organization.
And we maintain a dynamic Facebook group where the exchange of information and ideas soars. Join us today!
Have you wondered why and how American Pilgrims on the Camino exists as an organization? Watch this short YouTube video and listen as Lifetime Member Sandy Lenthall recounts the formation and history of our organization.
American Pilgrims on the Camino is a platinum-level Guidestar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency. Click on the above logo for more information.
If you would like to connect with the community of pilgrims and support the Camino through membership in American Pilgrims please join us. See the membership page for details on the benefits of being a part of the Camino community.
¡Buen Camino!
Rev 02/23/2024