Conquering the Camino: Learn How To Plan Your Camino de Santiago Adventure

The City of Springboro and the Franklin-Springboro Public Library presents the 2026 Next Destination Speaker Series. The program is free and open to the public.

Title: Conquering the Camino: Learn How To Plan Your Camino de Santiago Adventure

Presenter: Andy "El Capitán Azul" Niekamp

Program Description: Have you thought about a trek on the Camino de Santiago, but aren't sure where to start? This program will give you the knowledge and confidence to plan your own Camino adventure in Spain. This program will cover a variety of topics, such as history, the various routes, how to prepare, what to bring, lodging options, travel logistics, cultural differences, insights, and more about walking "The Way of Saint James." The French Way and the Portuguese Way, which account for 90% of all pilgrim journeys, will be emphasized. Learn why the Camino de Santiago, a thousand-year-old footpath, is often called a journey for the body, mind, and soul.

Bio: Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp, from Kettering, Ohio, has been an adventurer for more than 30 years. This IT professional turned long-distance hiker has logged over 35,000 miles of hiking in the last 20 years, including five end-to-end hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Andy is an experienced pilgrim on Camino de Santiago pilgrim, having completed three Caminos with over 900 miles of walking in Spain and Portugal.

His other long hikes include Ohio's Buckeye Trail, Florida Trail, and the Arizona Trail. Captain Blue is the founder and organizer of Dayton Hikers, a Meetup group with thousands of members. He is the Chief Adventure Officer of Outdoor Adventure Connection, a backcountry guide service. He is the author of "Captain Blue on the Blue Blazes," a popular book about his Buckeye Trail journey. His passion is organizing special hiking events, encouraging others to experience the Camino, and leading trail maintenance outings.

More info: https://www.cityofspringboro.com/387/Upcoming-Events