Volunteering on the Camino.

[JuanArbol]

Hi all. I am currently enjoying my walk along the Camino Frances.
I am wondering if volunteering at an Alberque would be an enjoyable and worth while experience in the future in order the live in Spain for a month or so.
Has anyone any suggestions or feedback on this question? Thanks. Juan Arbol.

 

[Vacajoe]

It can be very rewarding if you have the right mindset and skill set for it. It is very different from walking a Camino, though, as you see the same village for two weeks and different people every day - kind of the opposite of what you are likely experiencing now.

Additionally, you have to be comfortable with cleaning, problem-solving, maybe cooking, long days (usually 16-18hrs “on duty”) and two weeks straight without a break. I love it, but some people bristle at the idea of that much work for free, plus paying the travel costs to get there.

 

[thejoker]

I've done it 4 times for 4 two-week periods. It's a lot of hard work, and I mean A LOT, but the fact that I've been a volunteer on 4 occasions is testimony to how I valued the experience. I normally stay in hotels when walking the Camino, but these 4 stints allowed me to experience Camino days from an albergue perspective, though I always had my own room in the albergues.

 

[Kirkie]

There are associations that prepare volunteers, with trainings.

Camino de Santiago

Bienvenido a la Web de la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago. Todo sobre el Camino de Santiago, información, guías, descripción, planos, consejos, albergues, hospitaleros, noticias, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino.

www.caminosantiago.org

Another group is organised by forum member @Rebekah Scott
In the US there are also training sessions, and in Italy, and probably elsewhere.
i do not know about Canada.
Additionally, you might find an albergue that would accept you as a volunteer on an ad hoc basis.
Other forum members, as well as those who have already posted, have experience also, I think mostly with not for profit albergues. Perhaps they will reply.
As @Vacajoe said, it is a lot of work, and a labour of love. I agree with him.

 

[Mournes]

www.csj.org.uk is the website of the Confraternity of St James in London.They manage 2 albergues in Spain,Rabanal del Camino on the Frances and Miraz on the Norte.You will find information on volunteering with them on their website.

 

[J Willhaus]

In Canada there is the also a pilgrim association called the Canadian Company of Pilgrims which the provides training. The training coordinator is Tom Friesen.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

You can also volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela, filling in Compostelas for newly arrived pilgrims. Lots of people really enjoy that! Ask about that when you arrive there.

 

[trecile]

In Canada there is the also a pilgrim association called the Canadian Company of Pilgrims which the provides training. The training coordinator is Tom Friedel.

Here's the Canadian Hospitalero blog, and there are posts with information on training sessions.

Canadian Hospitaleros

canadianhospitaleros.blogspot.com

 

[David Tallan]

As mentioned above, training in Canada is offered by Tom Friesen (ON) and Mary Virtue (BC) and is available on both coasts and in Ontario.The training starts on a Friday evening with a Spanish meal and introductions and then continues on Saturday and Sunday from 8-4 each day. They try their best to find billeting for those from out of town.

I'd be in the Ontario training this year but I'll be walking in Spain when it happens, so I'll have to wait until next time.

Information about the training is regularly provided to members of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims.

 

[goldie from aus]

Does anyone know of any sort of training for people from Australia. Not for this year, but for 2024.

 

[trecile]

Does anyone know of any sort of training for people from Australia. Not for this year, but for 2024.

Here's the Australian Hospitaleros website

Training

An introduction to the hospitalero training program in Australia.

www.australianhospitaleros.org

 

[Camembert]

You can also volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela, filling in Compostelas for newly arrived pilgrims. Lots of people really enjoy that! Ask about that when you arrive there.

Once a year in January , the Pilgrims Office recrutes new volunteers for the season to come. Look at the website https://acogidacristianaenloscaminosdesantiago.org/
i see the website is in Castillano but for sure there is a translated one in english .