About the Chapter

The exploratory meeting to form the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of our national organization, American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC), took place in April 2017. We were ratified by the APOC board of directors in July 2017. Our founders were Paul and Anne (thank you both!).

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The chapter is run by a rotating group of volunteer coordinators who are happy to give back to the Camino.  All coordinators must be dues-paying members of APOC and agree to serve at least two years.

Southern Wisconsin Chapter members are welcome and encouraged to offer suggestions and help as they feel moved to do so (see our survey on the homepage concerning this).

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We are one of 47 chapters across the United States. We don't have fees or dues, but you are encouraged to consider a membership with our national organization.

APOC national membership dues are used to provide pilgrim credentials (also called “passports”), monitor the national Facebook group, and provide hospitalaro training.

Most significantly, the money is used to provide grants to albergues or organizations on the Camino to support its infrastructure.

Among other things, APOC puts together an incredible, high-quality, annual national gathering!

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APOC is run by an eleven member volunteer board of directors.

From the American Pilgrims on the Camino website:

APOC 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.

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.

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.

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Buen Camino. Walk with joy!