During advisory time on Thursday, October 2, The Mount’s juniors curiously entered the auditorium to the sound of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” playing, only aware that they were about to sit through the mysterious “Camino Info Session.”
The majority of students and faculty alike had no idea what this “Camino” means. Is it a famous person? A place we should be familiar with?
As everyone found their seats and the music came to a lower volume, Theology teacher Mr. Michael Nevadomski walked up to the podium. He began to introduce himself as a “newer” teacher here at the Mount, but quickly ditched his notes and began to have a conversation with students rather than a formal speech.
The Camino
The mysterious “Camino” that Mr. Nevadomski pitched to the juniors is a trail referring to a network of pilgrimage routes known more formally as the Camino de Santiago.
“I’ve been interested in Santiago De Compastela since I was a teenager and the story of the trail fascinated me,” Mr. Nevadomski said.
These trails begin in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France and end in Santiago de Compostela, totaling just under 500 miles. This isn’t just one trail, but various routes offering diverse landscapes, the ability to visit small villages, historical sites, and a spiritual aspect.
After the information session, juniors were sparked with excitement and curiosity for the new summer experience being offered.
“It’s a religious journey. Not only does it make you more comfortable with yourself and your religion, I feel like you’ll get closer with Mounties” Arianna Phoenix ‘27 said.
This 1,500 year old European trail route will begin for Mounties in Leon, Spain and consist of 200 total miles walked all the way to the final destination: Santiago de Compostela. Mounties will average about 17 miles per day, consisting of beautiful sights and hopefully amazing weather, as it will take place from June 15 to July 1.
The entire trip will be chaperoned by President Sister Charlene Diorka, Principal Melissa Sullivan, Mr. Nevadomski, and Father Eric Banecker, the pastor of Saint Mary Magdalen parish in Media and friend to Nevadomski.
Applying
Although this trip is being offered to the entire junior class, this isn’t your freshman Disney trip that encompassed almost the entire grade. Only 20 students will be selected for the Camino trip.
When asked why juniors should consider this opportunity, Mr. Nevadomski said, “I think that it’s a good chance to get out of the classroom, and it’s a good chance to actually experience interacting with other cultures because it’s so well traveled.”
“I think this experience will help everybody get closer. And to get to immerse yourself in the cultures and the villages is a really cool aspect,” Eleanor Brokenshire ‘27 said.
The process to apply is fairly simple, with providing the school your contact info, a letter of recommendation and answering a few short questions as to why you believe you would be a great fit for this unforgettable experience.
The trip will cost around $5,500, however Mr. Nevadomski and fellow administrators said they are actively working with scholarships and funding to make the trip more accessible.
Looking Ahead
Once accepted into the group to go abroad, there will be a few mandatory after school meetings in the spring. These will consist of quick check-ins to see how everyone is doing physically to prepare for the hiking but also spiritually with themselves and their relationship with God.
“Even for those that aren’t Catholic, it’s been a transformative experience for thousands of people that aren’t religious who look at it as a metaphor for their own journey,” said Mr. Nevadomski.
In addition to walking the route and hopefully learning more about yourself, it is confirmed to count as a full credit of religion for the class of ‘27 senior year schedule. Half of a credit will be earned by simply coming to the check ins during the spring semester and completing a few assignments. The other half will be earned on the actual trip in the summer.
“I honestly thought it was so amazing. I was like I need to be on that trip. I’m excited for the new experience. I’ve never done anything like this before. Nothing to the extent of the Camino trip,” Hayden Smith ‘27 said.
