Camino

PILGRIMAGE

GBHEM Campus Minister

PILGRIMAGE

2026

May 13-22,

Walk along a pilgrimage path beaten by the feet of pilgrims over 1000 years on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, SpaiN

In partnership with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Collegiate Ministries, join fellow campus ministers and chaplains as you seek renewal on this week-long pilgrimage on the Camino. Traveling by foot from village to village, this pilgrimage offers pilgrims an experience where they can reflect on vocation, purpose, or transitions in life, as well as discover new ways of engaging your spirit through practices of silence, embodied meditation, and group reflection.

STEP 1: Fill out the application through the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry. (Click here)

There is an application and selection process. Please be sure to turn in your application before November 19; those who are selected will be notified by November 21 and will be asked to register directly with Turnaround Collective then.

APPLY TODAY

Here’s what you’ll experience on this journey:

  • PRE-PILGRIMAGE SESSIONS. Pilgrims will gather for hour-long Zoom sessions once a month prior to departure. We’ll get to know our fellow pilgrims, share our motivations for taking this pilgrimage, and take practical steps to prepare for the journey.

  • PRE-CAMINO PHYSICAL PREPARATION. Pilgrims will be encouraged to prepare physically for the Camino. All pilgrims are invited to begin a practice of taking a 45-minute daily walk in the month leading up to our pilgrimage. Pilgrims can also try on our recommended pre-pilgrimage workout regimen to prepare your body, mind, and soul for the Camino. Click here to see a sample of the pre-pilgrimage training regimen.

  • INTENTIONAL SPIRITUAL REFLECTION & PRACTICE. Pilgrims will experience ancient spiritual practices along the Way—led by trained facilitators—and create meaning through shared reflections with their fellow pilgrims.

  • SUPPORT OF PILGRIMAGE PARTNERS. Along the way, you’ll have the comfort of knowing accommodations, meals, emergency support, and ground transportation has been planned.

  • SEE A SAMPLE ITINERARY HERE.

Not a Trip… a Camino Pilgrimage Experience

APPLY TODAY

What’s included on this camino pilgrimage?

  • Ground transportation to PILGRIMAGE STARTING POINT & from Santiago to the airport

  • Accommodation in hotels and rural houses; Shared rooms with private bathroom 

  • Breakfast every morning 

  • Pilgrimage facilitator & Guide

  • Travel insurance

  • Welcome pack with credential 

  • 24-hour emergency assistance

  • Complete route itinerary

What’s NOT included? 

  • AIRFARE

  • Lunches, Snacks, Dinners, and incidentals

  • ADDITIONAL NIGHTS

  • Hiking gear 

APPLY HERE

MORE PILGRIMAGE FAQS

  • The deadline to register is November 19. There are only 10 spaces, so register early. Those who are selected will be notified on November 21.

  • All pilgrims for this Camino arrange their own air travel. Pilgrims MUST make arrangements so that they arrive at the designated pilgrimage starting point to join your fellow pilgrims.

    We will have the group gather in Madrid for an overnight and then travel to Santiago de Compostela together. All flight plans must be shared with pilgrimage facilitators no later than 15 days prior to departure.

  • Yes. All travel overseas requires a passport. For US citizens, we recommend a current US passport that is valid at least 6 months after your pilgrimage date. To learn more about requirements for US citizens, go to the US Department of State - Spain Travel page. For more info on how to apply for a US passport, click here.

  • GBHEM will select participants through the application process. Once pilgrims are selected, Eduardo Bousson (GBHEM) & Brady Banks (Turnaround Collective) will be your pilgrimage facilitators. They will be in touch with you with more information, including info for attending our four monthly pilgrim orientation sessions held on Zoom prior to your pilgrimage.

  • Yes! It is fine to bring along some cash for your time on the Camino, though we highly encourage your to bring a debit and/or credit card. It’s important to note that most major debit and credit cards are accepted along the Camino; just be sure to alert your banks that you are traveling abroad.

Meet Your Pilgrimage Facilitators

Brady Banks

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

@ TURNAROUND COLLECTIVE

Brady is the founder and director of Turnaround Collective. He’s guided multiple pilgrimages over the years, facilitating spiritual spaces for pilgrims as they discover new spiritual territory. He also works with faith-based nonprofits to develop financial resources to meet their missions. Prior to Turnaround, Brady served over 15 years as a nonprofit executive management and development professional for multiple nonprofit organizations, as well as serving as an elected official locally in Nashville. He’s a graduate of Mercer University, Harvard Divinity School, and a current doctoral student at Pacific School of Religion, part of the Graduate Theological Union at Berkeley. He teaches as an adjunct professor at Central Methodist University and serves on the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference’s Faith & Innovation team. Brady is an avid backcountry hiker, reader, and music aficionado. He enjoys life with his wife Kristin, their son Thaddeus, and dog Henri.