2025-2026 Fellows Cohorts Program
Camino de Santiago: Pilgrimage & Purpose
- June 2026 (Exact dates TBD; After the 8th and before the 27th)
Pilgrimage and Retreat. Our research pointed to these two simple Christian practices as ways for young adults to engage, renew, and deepen their faith in community.
This cohort invites young adults and mentors on a journey culminating in the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain.
Together, participants will reflect on themes of calling, discernment, identity, rest, and renewal, both on the trail and in their everyday lives. This cohort offers a space for embodied spiritual formation rooted in movement, simplicity, and intergenerational dialogue.
To be clear, this pilgrimage is for the benefit of the young adult and mentor engaging it, but also it is specifically designed to tickle the imagination of the church to more creatively engage the faith formation of the young adults in it's orbit. There is an expectation that the journey each pair embarks upon will have a story that can be shared with their resident congregation.
Young adults and mentors in this program:
This cohort is ideal for those discerning life direction, seeking renewal, or longing to slow down and reconnect with God in community.
Some funding support will be available. Travel dates and application details will be shared soon.
2025-2026 Schedule
Program Kickoff Banquet: Sept 14th, 4-7pm Seattle Pacific University
Program Conclusion Banquet: Final meeting prior to trip TBD
Monthly evening meeting: See Schedule for individual facilitators; Choose one night each month from two opportunities.
Facilitators and special guests (TBA)
This cohort invites young adults and mentors on a journey culminating in the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain.
Together, participants will reflect on themes of calling, discernment, identity, rest, and renewal, both on the trail and in their everyday lives. This cohort offers a space for embodied spiritual formation rooted in movement, simplicity, and intergenerational dialogue.
To be clear, this pilgrimage is for the benefit of the young adult and mentor engaging it, but also it is specifically designed to tickle the imagination of the church to more creatively engage the faith formation of the young adults in it's orbit. There is an expectation that the journey each pair embarks upon will have a story that can be shared with their resident congregation.
Young adults and mentors in this program:
- Will engage in pre- and post-pilgrimage formation gatherings
- Will travel together on a pilgrimage in Spain (Camino de Santiago)
- Will receive resources for spiritual reflection and journaling
- Will deepen their understanding of pilgrimage as both metaphor and practice for Christian life
- Will develop lasting relationships rooted in shared spiritual exploration and intentional mentorship
This cohort is ideal for those discerning life direction, seeking renewal, or longing to slow down and reconnect with God in community.
Some funding support will be available. Travel dates and application details will be shared soon.
2025-2026 Schedule
Program Kickoff Banquet: Sept 14th, 4-7pm Seattle Pacific University
Program Conclusion Banquet: Final meeting prior to trip TBD
Monthly evening meeting: See Schedule for individual facilitators; Choose one night each month from two opportunities.
Facilitators and special guests (TBA)
Finances-How much will this cost me?
Beyond the time commitment outlined below each participant will be responsible for their own airfare to the starting location of the Camino journey and ultimately all their expenses on the journey. Participation in the cohort activities (banquets, monthly zoom preparation and reflection meetings, training hikes in the late winter/spring) will earn each participant money that will defray the cost of the Camino. Exact amount is tbd and will be shared later in the application/kick-off, but will likely be enough to pay for the entire Camino journey (and perhaps part of any airfare costs).
Airfare from Seattle to Porto: "The average price for a round-trip flight from Seattle to Porto, Portugal, generally ranges from $665 to $1226, with the cheapest month to fly being January. The shortest flight time is around 13 hours and 15 minutes, usually with one or more stops." Google AI answer June 23, 2025
Daily Camino Costs for walking: "The average cost of walking the Camino de Santiago varies greatly depending on the chosen route, budget, and length of the pilgrimage. However, a reasonable average daily budget for a basic pilgrimage (excluding travel to and from the start/end) is between $30-$60 (€25-€50) per day. This covers accommodation (albergues), food, and some incidentals." Google AI answer June 23, 2025
Estimation for total trip is $1500-2500 based on a 1-2 week pilgrimage. Pivot NW Research will cover/reimburse/defray at least $1000 per pilgrim assuming full, good-faith participation in preparation and group/pair work during the year. Given our mission to encourage and support churches in their efforts to center and be hospitable towards young adults we endorse churches defraying partially or entirely other expenses in lieu of young adult pilgrims sharing and leading reflections on the pilgrimage experience in their residential congregations.
Additional Costs: Assume additional costs for gear for the walking. Given how awash the PNW is with equipment and the minimal needed for this trip, this should be a moderate-to-minimal expense. Accommodations for any special needs can be discussed with the Program Director.
Beyond the time commitment outlined below each participant will be responsible for their own airfare to the starting location of the Camino journey and ultimately all their expenses on the journey. Participation in the cohort activities (banquets, monthly zoom preparation and reflection meetings, training hikes in the late winter/spring) will earn each participant money that will defray the cost of the Camino. Exact amount is tbd and will be shared later in the application/kick-off, but will likely be enough to pay for the entire Camino journey (and perhaps part of any airfare costs).
Airfare from Seattle to Porto: "The average price for a round-trip flight from Seattle to Porto, Portugal, generally ranges from $665 to $1226, with the cheapest month to fly being January. The shortest flight time is around 13 hours and 15 minutes, usually with one or more stops." Google AI answer June 23, 2025
Daily Camino Costs for walking: "The average cost of walking the Camino de Santiago varies greatly depending on the chosen route, budget, and length of the pilgrimage. However, a reasonable average daily budget for a basic pilgrimage (excluding travel to and from the start/end) is between $30-$60 (€25-€50) per day. This covers accommodation (albergues), food, and some incidentals." Google AI answer June 23, 2025
Estimation for total trip is $1500-2500 based on a 1-2 week pilgrimage. Pivot NW Research will cover/reimburse/defray at least $1000 per pilgrim assuming full, good-faith participation in preparation and group/pair work during the year. Given our mission to encourage and support churches in their efforts to center and be hospitable towards young adults we endorse churches defraying partially or entirely other expenses in lieu of young adult pilgrims sharing and leading reflections on the pilgrimage experience in their residential congregations.
Additional Costs: Assume additional costs for gear for the walking. Given how awash the PNW is with equipment and the minimal needed for this trip, this should be a moderate-to-minimal expense. Accommodations for any special needs can be discussed with the Program Director.
Physical requirements: We are still narrowing the exact distance and starting point we will recommend, but ultimately pilgrimage is a solitary experience and one that may mean the assumption of different starting points, routes, pace, and that assumes an experience without unforeseen issues.
Many guidebooks suggest a 15-20 mile/day experience to get from one city/refugio to the next. Assuming a 3mph pace that means 5-7 hours of walking.
Elevation gain/change:
"The Portuguese Way of St. James (Camino Portugués) features a moderate amount of elevation gain,
with the central route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela having a total ascent of approximately 4,045 meters and descent of 3,820 meters over 243.5 km (151 miles) according to Stingy Nomads. While some sections can be hilly, the overall route is considered less challenging in terms of elevation gain compared to other Camino routes like the French Way. The coastal route from Porto to Baiona is known for being mostly flat, while the section from Baiona to Santiago has some hills with daily ascents and descents of up to 400 meters (1300 feet) according to Caminoways.com." Google AI answer June 23, 2025
Many guidebooks suggest a 15-20 mile/day experience to get from one city/refugio to the next. Assuming a 3mph pace that means 5-7 hours of walking.
Elevation gain/change:
"The Portuguese Way of St. James (Camino Portugués) features a moderate amount of elevation gain,
with the central route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela having a total ascent of approximately 4,045 meters and descent of 3,820 meters over 243.5 km (151 miles) according to Stingy Nomads. While some sections can be hilly, the overall route is considered less challenging in terms of elevation gain compared to other Camino routes like the French Way. The coastal route from Porto to Baiona is known for being mostly flat, while the section from Baiona to Santiago has some hills with daily ascents and descents of up to 400 meters (1300 feet) according to Caminoways.com." Google AI answer June 23, 2025