Camino Awakening began with a quirky conversation with my college-aged daughter, who was plotting ways to extend her summer abroad in Europe. She mentioned a 1,200-year-old pilgrimage in Spain that, in her words, sounded fire — the Camino. I’d never heard of it, which surprised me. I love European history, hiking, and I’d traveled to Spain numerous times. I told her, “Count me in for the summer!” A father-daughter adventure from Porto to Santiago — about 180 miles — sounded pretty great.

Naturally, I started researching… and quickly discovered the rich history behind the Camino and all of the fascinating routes leading to the grand tomb of Saint James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. But the more I read, the less it felt like planning — and the more it felt like the Camino was calling me. Within a week, I’d booked a one-way ticket to France and found myself walking 500 miles across northern Spain in January. Yes, January. Snow, wind, frozen toes — and some of the most meaningful days of my life.

More than a month of walking the Camino, I met pilgrims from all over the world. We traded stories, shared wine, and forged lifelong friendships. I kept my promise and returned that summer to walk again with my daughter—but something had already shifted. Somewhere along those cold, quiet miles, a sense of purpose returned to me, difficult to put into words.

I knew this experience was too powerful to keep to myself. The Camino has the potential to deeply benefit others — especially business leaders, visionaries, and change-makers — in ways no conventional offsite or corporate retreat can. It delivers what we’re truly seeking when we step away from the office: fresh perspective, meaningful connection, strategic clarity, and renewed energy. But unlike a beachfront resort, a Montana dude ranch, a fly-in fishing trip, or even the most thoughtfully designed wellness escape, the Camino offers something far more rare — uninterrupted time to think, conversations that unfold naturally, and the freedom to move through a day without noise, pressure, or expectation.

Whether you come seeking inspiration, clarity, purpose, or just a break from the noise — the Camino is waiting. I’ve walked it. It changed everything. I hope it does the same for you.

¡Buen Camino!

Scott

Triumphant Smiles!