Doing the Camino de Santiago with teenagers
The Camino de Santiago, an ancient network of pilgrimage routes ending at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, is not just a physical journey, but a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. For those who wonder why undertake this journey as a teenager, there are many reasons that make this experience unique and transformative.
Encountering the Self
Doing the Camino as an adolescent is to immerse oneself in a journey with oneself. In a world where technology and distractions are constant, this pilgrimage offers a space for reflection and self-knowledge. Walking in silence for hours provides an opportunity to listen to your own thoughts, discover your deepest desires and better understand who you are.
Social Adventure
The Camino is a great social network that connects pilgrims from all over the world. In adolescence, when friendship and connection are fundamental, walking together with people of different cultures and ages creates unbreakable bonds. Companionship on the Camino goes beyond language and cultural barriers, building a global support network. The Camino de Santiago in group becomes an unforgettable experience for them.
Challenges that Build Character
The stages of the Camino present physical and mental challenges. For a teenager, facing endless miles and overcoming obstacles strengthens both body and mind. Learning to overcome fatigue and frustration is a valuable lesson that translates into resilience and perseverance in everyday life.
Connection with Nature
In a digital world, the Camino offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature. The beauty of the landscapes, from lush forests to rolling hills, provides a stunning backdrop for introspection and gratitude. The simplicity of nature contrasts with the complexity of modern life.
Practical Learning and Independence
Planning and executing the Camino involves a series of practical decisions that foster independence and self-management. From choosing the route to managing the budget and accommodation, teenagers acquire practical skills that are essential for adult life.
Stories to Tell
Adolescence is a stage where stories that you will tell throughout your life are forged. The Camino provides unique anecdotes, from encounters with peculiar pilgrims to experiences that challenge your limits. These stories not only become memories, but also valuable lessons that will accompany you on your future journey.
Useful resources
We also want to give you access to some resources such as apps and interactive maps that we find useful for pilgrims. These applications provide information on routes, accommodation, activities, maps, weather and other essential resources to make the journey easier and more enjoyable. Here are some recommended apps:
Camino Assist
Digital pilgrim registration.
Information on accommodation.
Detailed guide to the stages.
Health and safety advice.
Good Camino de Santiago App
Offline maps
Stage planner
Your position in real time
Eroski Consumer - Camino de Santiago
Complete guide to the French Way.
Information on services, monuments and hostels.
Practical tips for the pilgrimage.
Civitatis
Booking of tourist activities
Guided tours
Excursions and related services
Geocaching
We cannot fail to mention Geocachingwhich is a scavenger hunt activity in which participants use GPS devices or mobile applications to hide and search for containers, called "caches" or "geocaches", in specific locations marked by coordinates around the world.
The Camino de Santiago is a very strong point of this app, as being so busy, it is full of hidden treasures that have been left by other travellers, we tell you a little more about the key features of the app:
Interactive Map:
The application provides an interactive map showing the location of nearby geocaches. Users can explore different areas and discover hidden treasures in their surroundings.
Caches of all types:
Geocaches can vary in size from small containers to larger boxes. Some may simply contain a logbook to sign, while others may include small objects to exchange.
Scoring and Achievement System:
Geocachers can earn points and achievements for finding different types of caches, completing challenges and contributing to the community. This adds a competitive and motivational element for participants.
Stages of the Way of Saint James: French and Portuguese along the Coast
Along the stages of the French Way of Saint James and the dazzling Portuguese Way along the coast, teenagers discover a world apart, far from the daily routine. The French Way invites you to immerse yourself in a journey of self-discovery, where every step reinforces friendship and personal understanding.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Way offers a unique sensory experience, with the soothing sound of waves and the sight of beaches accompanying young pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. These routes are not only a physical challenge, but also an opportunity to grow emotionally and spiritually in a stunning natural environment.
Conclusions
Making the Camino de Santiago Being a teenager is more than a pilgrimage; it is an opportunity to discover who you are, build meaningful relationships and prepare yourself for the challenges that life has in store. At Viajeros Canallas we organise groups to do the Camino de Santiago so that you can make the most of this journey, which not only takes you to Santiago de Compostela, but also on a journey to your own self.
