Albergue owners, look this way

[Citronit]

Hey all.

I just got back from my fourth camino, and for the first time I did camino Frances, from Saint jead to finisterre. What an amazing experience it was. There really is a certain type of magic on the camino that I haven't found elsewhere.

On my travels I talked to many albergue owners and they were, despite it having been tough years, ever as much in love with us pilgrims and willing to share with us as ever before.

I have decided to move to Spain next year, and wanted to start my journey volunteering and helping you hospitaleros. So, do you know of anyone who is looking for help for the new Holy year 2022, or if you are that person, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I cook a mean lentil soup and I am just in general a nice person

Thank you for all your work!

 

[LTfit]

Nice plans @Citronit !
Just a heads-up about volunteering: look at the subforum about training as a hospitalero. I don't know where you are from but most of us who have volunteered needed to first take a weekend course through a local Camino association. Unfortunately last year and this year the ones given in Spain were cancelled as were most if not all courses given in other countries. Stints last for 2 weeks. Sometimes there are possibilities to stay 2 weeks longer but that's unusual. These opportunities are usually in donativos (municipal and parochial albergues) which were closed most of last year. Many are still closed.

There may be some private albergues willing to give you the opportunity to help out but it is in most cases actually illegal and an albergue owner could get into trouble with the Spanish authorities if someone rats out on them. I have seen that some donativo private albergues do have volunteers. Their regulations are different.

Anyway good luck! It's lots of hard work and not for everyone.

 

[sillydoll]

You don't really have to complete a course first. If you are flexible and can be there a few days early, HOSVOL will place you with an experienced hospitalero to show you the ropes, and you'll learn as you go along. Contact Anai at anahosvol@caminosantiago.org to serve in the donativo albergues administered by AMIGOS.
Contact Rebekah Scott to serve in the FICS albergues - in Najera and Grado.
Visit the website for San Anton Albergue, near Castrojeriz: http://fundacionsananton.org/ or write to the owner Ovidio Camp campoovidio@gmail.com.
Or join the Hospitaleros Voluntarios group on Facebook to offer your services: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196813887463
Good luck!