From one father to another allow me to share my heart. One of my life’s greatest joys as well as greatest challenges has been being an intentional father to my son. I vividly remember the day my son Riley was born. I remember looking into his eyes and committing to be the best version of myself for him as his father. This would include investing in him, teaching him, guiding him, and pouring into him. Over his 16 years of life, I have worked daily to become a better man in order to lead him into manhood and mark him with a positive and impactful father story.
In 2021, I took Riley on the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain. We hiked for 6 days and 72 miles through some of Spain’s most beautiful landscape. We had 6 uninterrupted days, unplugged from the world around us filled with walking, talking, reflecting, and deepening our relationship together. I was intentional with my time, discussions, and steps with him ensuring that he was challenged, encouraged, uplifted and that he knew the following:
Upon our return from Spain, we cherished this time together as one of our life’s and relationships most memorable and impactful experiences together as father and son.
In 2023, I took a group of men on the Hike of a Lifetime on the Camino de Santiago. This adventure was built for men to unplug, disconnect, recenter, revision and refocus on their purpose and calling in life. Seven of us hiked these 6 days and 72 miles together, growing, bonding and challenging each other as men. It was one of the most life changing and memorable experiences for all of us.
As I was hiking along the Camino in 2023, I turned to one of the men, and asked, “do you think your son would love hiking this with you?” His answer was a resounding “YES”!
The Father-Son Hike of a Lifetime on the Camino de Santiago is the culmination and combination of these two previous experiences. It is a once in a lifetime adventure, challenge, and experience that will leave an everlasting imprint on the story and relationship of you and your son. Our adventure is a 6 day, 200,000 step, 72 mile journey guided by me, Matt Shoup, another facilitator, and my son Riley Shoup. During our journey, we will experience Spain’s most beautiful and pristine landscape, dine on Spain’s most delicious cuisine, and experience the peace and tranquility of Northern Spain together as men.
Our group will be challenged to unplug and disconnect from our chaotic, stressful and busy lives. We will be challenged to reflect on our stories and relationships with our sons, and revision, recenter and refocus on what we want that to look like, and ultimately recommit to that vision. Throughout this journey together, we will be challenged to refill and replenish our tanks, and ultimately return to home refreshed and rejuvenated with a more restored relationship with our son.
Throughout our time together we have planned a number of exciting surprise, adventures, challenges, and activities that are guaranteed to challenge, push, and encourage you and your son, as well, leave a long lasting and deep imprint on your story together as father and son.
We can not wait to share this journey and adventure with you and your son!
Hiking the Camino de Santiago allows you and your son to experience Northern Spain in a very unique way. As you hike the camino, you will take in some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. Rolling green hills, lush and fertile terrain, small towns and villages that are hundreds to thousands of years old. Every so often you will stop along the camino to meet the locals, drink a coffee and enjoy some of Galicia’s famous cuisine. Over six days, you will travel around 200,000 steps, each one of them with a story to share with you, and each one that will have a mark on the story of you and your son. Throughout this adventure, you will participate in intentionally curated experiences, challenges and activities with your son that will challenge you both to strengthen, deepen and grow your relationship together.
The Camino de Santiago creates a unique opportunity for you and your son to unplug and disconnect from your daily responsibilities and commitments. You will spend hours together every day with an opportunity to explore your stories, realign and refocus on your visions, and explore what may be missing from your relationship, one step at a time. The Camino is a time to set down any weight you have both been carrying, and things that are holding you back from fostering the most positive and impactful relationship possible. As you explore your stories, your visions and your relationship while hiking the Camino, you will encounter unique opportunities and time to reflect and see the world and your relationship in a different way. You will be doing all of this alongside a dynamic group of men, and their sons, who are all committed to deepening their relationships together.
Day 1. 6/4 – We begin our adventure in the Madrid area at 9:00 a.m. with a surprise experience. We then take a private transfer to Sarria.
Day 2. 6/5 – Begin the Camino. Hike from Sarria to Portomarín (14.5 miles)
Day 3. 6/6 – Camino Day 2. Hike from Portomarín to Palas del Rei (15.5 miles)
Day 4. 6/7 – Camino Day 3. Hike from Palas del Rei to Meilde (8.75) miles)
Day 5. 6/8 – Camino Day 4. Hike from Melide to Arzúa (8.5 miles)
Day 6. 6/9 – Camino Day 5. Hike from Arzua to O Pedrouzo (11.5 miles)
Day 7. 6/10 – Camino Day 6. Hike from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela (10.75 miles).
Day 8. 6/11 – We leave Santiago in private transportation and head out on a full day surprise experience.
Day 9. 6/12– We head back to the Madrid area for a couple of more surprise experiences and closing dinner. You will stay in the Madrid area this evening.
Day 10. 6/13– Head home.
"I didn’t think it would be so impactful. I was so wrong. Hiking the Camino de Santiago with Matt was life changing. I know people say that all the time, but it really was. Every experience, every meal, every stay was impeccably planned by Matt to be a moving, meaningful opportunity. The scenery, the people, each moment was extraordinary and will always be a part of me now. Matt’s insight into Spain comes from years of his own personal experiences. His personal relationship with each of his clients creates an open, safe space to be yourself and let go - even if just for a few days - any stressors that may be weighing on you. By the end of your trip you will not want to go home! Don’t let this chance go by - I didn’t and I am so grateful!"
"The Camino was such an incredible experience. Getting to see Spain, the food, and the culture this way was just amazing. The self reflection and time with the other men on the hike was my favorite part of the trip. I am so looking forward to bringing my son and doing this hike with him next time on the father/son trip."
"I joined Matt for the Hike of a Lifetime in 2023. To call this experience the Hike of a Lifetime is a massive understatement. What Matt put together was truly life changing to me in so many ways. The deep relationships I built with the other men on the Camino as well as the lessons and realizations I made about myself were life changing. The uniquely curated cultural and culinary experiences were top notch. While on this experience, Matt planted the seed of hosting a Father-Son experience in the near future. I can not wait for this experience with my son!"
"The Camino de Santiago is an incredible experience that leaves a mark on the people who experience it. For that reason, I recommend everybody do it at least once in their lifetime. I have spent time with Matt on the Camino on three different occasions. It was amazing for me to see that work and investment he has put into his leadership development program and how he was able to invest in others, including his son as they hiked the Camino together. I believe that hiking the Camino with Matt is an experience that one should not pass up."
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