A merican Pilgrims is a national organization and is eager to encourage and support local or regional groups that wish to form local chapters. You can check the individual chapter pages linked below and the Local and Regional Events page for event dates and information.

Local Chapters

• The Puget Sound Region Chapter: The regional chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State.

• The Northern California Chapter: The regional chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino for Northern California, centered on the San Francisco Bay Area and serving the region between Carmel and Sacramento.

• The Portlandia Region Chapter: The regional chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino for the Portland, Oregon, area centered on Portland and serving western Oregon.

• The Southern California Chapter: The regional chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino for the area between Los Angeles and San Diego, California.

Forming a Local Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino

After returning home from a pilgrimage on the Camino, people often want to connect with others who have had a similar experience. The difficulty can lie in finding other peregrinos and in deciding on an activity. Most local groups start small: activities might begin with something as simple as meeting for coffee, a potluck, a walk, or visiting a Spanish restaurant. Some regional groups have had slide shows at an outdoor store or meetings to help new pilgrims learn about the Camino.

American Pilgrims encourages local groups to form chapters. If you have a group that is meeting for Camino-related activities then you have already taken the first step toward becoming a formally recognized local chapter of American Pilgrims.

Individuals who have already started other local chapters of American Pilgrims are always generous in offering support and ideas.

The American Pilgrims' process for applying for chapter status is straightforward. The organizer(s) should first contact the chair of the Board of Directors who will then reply with guidance as to the next steps. The local group chooses one or more coordinators who will sign the American Pilgrims' chapter charter, will agree to notify American Pilgrims before holding activities and will provide an annual report of activities. Officially chartered chapters are provided liability insurance coverage by American Pilgrims for recognized activities.

For more information contact the chairperson of the American Pilgrims' Board of Directors at chair@americanpilgrims.com.