Your Camino Adventure Awaits!

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

Welcome to Camino BootCamp. I created this resource to help you as you embark on the incredible journey of the Camino de Santigo.

I have hiked the Camino (The French Way) 3 times and learned a lot from those adventures (including many mistakes). I have tried to put everything I learned into this resource.

I want your Camino experience to be like a walk in the park (literally). No stress, just good vibes and amazing memories waiting to be made. So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee (or tea if that’s your thing), and let’s learn and help you prepare for your Camino!

I’ve got tips, tricks, and stories to share to help prepare you for the pilgrimage of a lifetime, ensuring that every step taken on the ancient paths of the Camino is a fulfilling and enriching experience for you.

Why did I create Camino BootCamp? Because I believe in the transformative power of the Camino de Santiago and to share it with others.

After experiencing the magic of the Camino firsthand on my own journeys, I was inspired to share my knowledge, tips, and insights with fellow pilgrims embarking on their own adventures.

So, lace up your boots, open your heart, and let the adventure begin!

-jj shields

First Things First

Before we begin our adventure, I think it is important to mention a few important things:

• I’m not a professional at anything. I’m just a guy… who is sharing what I have learned on my Caminos (BUT I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express😎). Historical reference for younger viewers:

https://youtu.be/eHCTaUFXpP8

• Based on what has worked for ME (and me alone), I will make some recommendations, so YMMV (your mileage may vary). I have no sponsors or affiliate links, and everything is based solely on my experiences.
• There are lots of things to do for your Camino, and it can be a little scary at first glance. To help make your learning journey easier, I have tried to apply a “bite-sized” strategy for all the content presented here.
• Instead of having a massive multipage document or a 55-minute YouTube video or 187-page book, I will try to break things up into smaller “bite-sized” pieces. I hope this will allow you to find the information you need quickly and efficiently (and not have to “drink from a firehose”).
• To that end, I have used an “index card” approach where you can click on the card, and it will reveal the “back of the card” with lots of good information. To exit the card, simply click outside of the card (NOTE: If you are on a mobile device, click the back button)
• So far, I've got over 30 information cards ready to go! To help you navigate through it all, I've grouped them into these 7 categories:
  1. The Basics - Start Here: Your go-to for getting a solid overview of the Camino.
  2. Training: Tips and tricks for getting yourself in shape and ready for your Camino adventure (but remember, what works for me might not work for you!).
  3. Gear: Dive into the nitty-gritty of the gear I use and why I swear by it.
  4. Clothing: Find out all about the clothes I pack for my journey along the Camino.
  5. Other: The odds and ends that didn't quite fit anywhere else but are still super important.
  6. A Day on the Camino: Your guide to navigating through a typical day's hike on the Camino.
  7. ALL Content: Can't decide where to start? No worries – dive into this section to find all the cards in one convenient place.