Despite New Spanish Federation Hospitalero Age Limits, Many Ways to Serve on Camino
Despite New Spanish Federation Hospitalero Age Limits, Many Ways to Serve on Camino
from the American Pilgrims Hospitalero Training Team
The hospitalero training program offered by American Pilgrims on the Camino is closely associated with the Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino (FEAACS). Since the program’s inception, the American Pilgrims courses have mirrored the curriculum developed by FEAACS and are required of any American Pilgrims members seeking opportunities to volunteer in FEAACS albergues.
FEAACS recently announced in its bulletin that people who are 75 years old or older will not be eligible to take one of its hospitalero training courses in Spain nor will people who are over the age of 80 be placed by FEAACS as a volunteer in one of its albergues. These restrictions are intended to provide training opportunities to younger volunteers who will be in a position to serve for the next five to ten years.
In addition, FEAACS has come to realize that because of the long hours, heavy lifting, stair climbing, and limited sleep, realistically it may be more difficult for older volunteers to perform the duties expected of an hospitalero for the duration of an entire quincena.
While American Pilgrims will not be imposing age caps on those who may take our hospitalero training course, members should be aware of the FEAACS policy and the concern about the physical aspects of performing the hospitalero’s duties that underlies this policy. Regardless of age, anyone considering hospitalero training must consider any physical limitations that might hamper their ability to perform the necessary tasks. This self-reflection requires much honesty, sometimes painful, as there are those things we used to do, or would like to do, that perhaps now are not realistic.
If volunteering with FEAACS is no longer an option, there are many other opportunities to give back to the Camino. Here are a few options, which are also listed on our Give Back page.
- To our knowledge, other non-FEAACS albergues throughout Spain do not currently impose age caps.
- The American Pilgrims Ribadiso Welcome Service does not require the same physical stamina and is open to anyone, hospitalero-trained or not. American Pilgrims accepts applications for this program annually; the next application period will open in late 2026.
- FEAACS has a program similar to the Ribadiso Welcome Service, called Voluntarios de Apoyo, which includes 11 albergues in Galicia. To apply for the Voluntarios de Apoyo, contact cursoshosvol@caminosantiago.org.
- The Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago de Compostela continues to accept volunteers from the United States and elsewhere regardless of age. Learn more: oficinadelperegrino.com.
- The Pilgrim Office in St. Jean Pied de Port accepts volunteers for their welcome service. For more information, contact accueil.sjpp@compostelle.fr.
- The Pilgrim House Welcome Center in Santiago offers support and resources to pilgrims who have just finished the Camino. They need extra help during certain months. Learn more: pilgrimhousesantiago.com.
- The new albergue in Madrid accepts volunteers, as do several other albergues in Spain. Learn more: caminodesantiagooficial.es.
Thank you to all who support the pilgrim community on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. American Pilgrims on the Camino is a volunteer-led organizations. If you’re interested in volunteering for us, check out our volunteer opportunities page.
