More details just released:
Have you heard about the
Camino de Santiago and wondered if you could do it? Join us for our spring meeting and talk to others who have walked the Camino. You may decide that this is something you really need to do!
The spring meeting of the Toronto Camino Community will be at Beach United Church, on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In the morning we have sessions for both new and veteran pilgrims. The full agenda is below. In the morning new pilgrims will hear about “A day in the life of a pilgrim”. Some of the veteran pilgrims are bringing their packs to show you what they took – and what they left at home. Veteran pilgrims who are planning another Camino can hear about walking “Camino del Norte” and hear Tom Friesen talk about “Spain is Different”.
At noon we will have a number of tables – each staffed with a veteran pilgrim – to discuss specific topics of interest. Topics include Local Toronto Camino Events, equipment, guidebooks and alternate routes, CCoP, walking alone and travel planning (getting there and getting home). You will have lots of opportunity to wander from table to table and network one-on-one with veteran pilgrims. You can even talk to people from the Spanish Consulate!
We will have a table to sell donated, gently used clothes and equipment. If you have a pack, boots, clothes, Camino books, etc. that you won’t use again, please consider donating them. That way your stuff will get to enjoy another Camino! Proceeds from the Used Equipment Table go towards supporting albergues on the Camino.
In the afternoon we will hear Sara Dhooma talk about her experiences walking the Camino and her other hikes in Nepal, Columbia, North Korea, Appalachian Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail and many more.
The very successful Raffle is happening again! Bring some extra money to buy tickets because you will want to win some of the wonderful prizes. Tickets cost $2 each, $5 for 3 tickets, $10 for half an arm span (an arrow) or $20 for an arm span (Angel Wings). Funds from the Raffle are used to support albergues along the Camino.
Agenda:
8:30 to 9:15 Registration and coffee
9:15 to 9:30 Welcome
9:30 to 11:30 Upstairs: “Day in the Life of a Pilgrim” and pack demos
Downstairs: “Camino Del Norte” and “Spain is Different”
11:30 to 1:00 Lunch and Table Information Sessions
1:00 to 2:00 Sara Dhooma keynote speaker
2:00 to 2:20 Raffle Prize Draw
2:20 to 3:00 New Pilgrim Blessing and Shell Ceremony
The cost for the day is $15 (cash) and includes coffee and snacks. There is no need to register in advance.
A representative from CCoP (Canadian Company of Pilgrims)
will be there to sell memberships and credentials. But, as always, you can buy them online at
www.santiago.ca . Just be sure to allow enough time for delivery!
We suggest you bring your lunch so that you can participate in the full program. If you prefer, you can buy a $10 lunch ticket and pick up your lunch at Juice & Java across the road from the church. If you have any questions or want to volunteer, please email
darmckee@yahoo.com. For updates check our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/torontocaminocommunity.
Beach United Church is at 140 Wineva Ave, in the first block north of Queen Street East.
TTC options:
- #501 Queen streetcar line, eastbound, Wineva is 9 blocks east of Woodbine, and close to the eastern end of the line, (25 minutes from Yonge).
- Main #64 bus southbound from Main Station to Queen and Wineva (7 minutes).
We recommend you check the TTC website for any changes in service.
For those driving, Wineva is one-way southbound toward Queen. There are parking lots in the vicinity as well as street parking.
We hope to see you there!
