There are so many ways to make a positive impact on the Camino! The latest episode of the Camino Podcast looks at three:
Episode 33 – Volunteering on the Way: Most people only experience the Camino as pilgrims. However, there are many ways to engage with the pilgrim road, and a number of these include rich volunteer opportunities. This episode focuses on three different possibilities. The Ditch Pigs are an annual clean-up crew, organized by Rebekah Scott, and two members of this year’s group–Amelia and Jim–bring us into the middle of the action. The most common form of giving back for pilgrims is to serve as hospitaleros; Julie-Ann Milne trains hospitaleros in Sydney, Australia, and she discusses what the work entails and why it matters. Finally, it’s also possible to serve in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago; Tom A has been spending weeks there each summer for a number of years, and he takes us behind the curtain. It’s a mix of personal stories and practical advice, in the hope of inspiring more of us to contribute, however we can.
Check out the additional links below for more information:
The Ditch Pigs: Organized by Rebekah and Peaceable Projects, the Ditch Pigs convene each November to clean up a stretch of the Camino. Learn more about how to get involved here. You don’t have to attach yourself to a group to clean the trail, though; in fact, Correos has a Sustainable Camino initiative to incentivize pilgrims to contribute, culminating in an “eco-Compostela.”
Santiago Pilgrim Office: Tom’s very useful guide is available here, on the Camino Forum. You can find the pilgrim office’s homepage here (in Spanish).
Volunteering as an Hospitalero/a: Those interested in supporting Hospitaleros Voluntarios (HosVol), the group that Julie-Ann described in this episode, you can find their available training courses offered around the world in 2019 here. American Pilgrims on the Camino offers a welcoming service in Ribadiso do Baixo and relies on volunteers. Those interested in supporting the Confraternity of St. James’s albergues can learn more here. Australian pilgrims can find Julie-Ann’s group at Australian Hospitaleros.
Do you have other suggestions for great volunteer opportunities on the Camino, or any of the pilgrimage routes? Please share!
