Children on the Camino?

Stephanieppenn · Feb 27, 2018

I am a 68 year old woman and will be walking the Camino starting in Sarria with an 11 year old child. Is it safe?

Camino Addict · Feb 27, 2018

Howdy Pilgrim,

The Camino is very safe, in fact there are multiple posts on this forum right now discussing the best ways to travel with younger pilgrims. Please check them out.

Peter Fransiscus · Feb 27, 2018

Hi Stephanie , @Kiwi-family they know how it is with children .

Wish you well , Peter .

Aidan21 · Feb 27, 2018

Hi,
The last time I walked the Frances in 2016, I met a grandmother/grandson couple in SJPP. The next time I spoke with them was in Santiago. The grandson was about 12/13. Along the way they both had a great time and I think they looked after each other. I thought at the time that the young man had an experience like no other he ever had and like no other any of his peers are likely to have. What an opportunity to be more than he was and to look after his granny too.
I say go and do your Camino with the 11 year old. If it is too much let common sense apply and go home and return at some other time. Otherwise enjoy it all.
Aidan

HeidiL · Feb 27, 2018

We walked with our son at 8, then repeated it at 12, 13, 14 and so on. Walking with a kid is pretty wonderful, and as long as they get to help plan the enterprise, they tend to have a good time.

Let the kid be in charge of getting sellos!

t2andreo · Feb 27, 2018

An 11 year old is not at all out of place. In fact, she or he will likely meet others their age along the way.

The Camino is very safe. As one tip to increase your comfort level. Each morning, identify another person or group heading out at the same time as you. Ask to "tag along." After a few days, you will get the hang of it.

After a week or so, you will be a veteran...

Go for it!

MKalcolm M · Feb 27, 2018

I walked the Portuguese camino last year with my 12 year old daughter, and found it to be totally safe. We quickly formed a camino family with people from many different countries, and had a great time together. There were some times when she walked with other pilgrims and while I was careful to keep an eye on her, it wasn't necessary at all. It gave me confidence knowing there were people walking with us who would look out for her.

Stephanieppenn · Feb 28, 2018

Aidan21 said:
Hi,
The last time I walked the Frances in 2016, I met a grandmother/grandson couple in SJPP. The next time I spoke with them was in Santiago. The grandson was about 12/13. Along the way they both had a great time and I think they looked after each other. I thought at the time that the young man had an experience like no other he ever had and like no other any of his peers are likely to have. What an opportunity to be more than he was and to look after his granny too.
I say go and do your Camino with the 11 year old. If it is too much let common sense apply and go home and return at some other time. Otherwise enjoy it all.
Aidan

Thank you for your words of encouragement! We're definitely going to do it.

DeansFamily · Feb 28, 2018

Don't hesitate on taking a child on the Camino that is keen to go with you. Walk each day with no set in stone distance, be flexible in attitude and enjoy all the interactions you will both have along the way. Our daughter not only enjoyed the experience, she also learnt so much walking the Camino. From picking up a new language to learning about Ancient history (the Roman influence is strong in these regions) and generally being exposed to the many nationalities that walk along beside you.....this is a rare education that is a real gift to a child. We enjoyed ourselves and gained so much as a family that we will be walking the Norte in mid April. Be brave and enjoy! Buen Camino

Stephanieppenn · Feb 28, 2018

DeansFamily said:
Don't hesitate on taking a child on the Camino that is keen to go with you. Walk each day with no set in stone distance, be flexible in attitude and enjoy all the interactions you will both have along the way. Our daughter not only enjoyed the experience, she also learnt so much walking the Camino. From picking up a new language to learning about Ancient history (the Roman influence is strong in these regions) and generally being exposed to the many nationalities that walk along beside you.....this is a rare education that is a real gift to a child. We enjoyed ourselves and gained so much as a family that we will be walking the Norte in mid April. Be brave and enjoy! Buen Camino

Thank you so much! She seems excited to go as am I. All our best...

Stephanieppenn · Feb 28, 2018

t2andreo said:
An 11 year old is not at all out of place. In fact, she or he will likely meet others their age along the way.

The Camino is very safe. As one tip to increase your comfort level. Each morning, identify another person or group heading out at the same time as you. Ask to "tag along." After a few days, you will get the hang of it.

After a week or so, you will be a veteran...

Go for it!

Thank you, Mateo!

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