Give Back to the Camino
Many pilgrims return from the Camino with a strong desire to give back in a meaningful way. You are not alone in trying to think of what the next stage of your Camino life might be. Opportunities exist at the local, national and international levels. American Pilgrims on the Camino can connect you with opportunities big and small, both at home and abroad.
Become a Member
American Pilgrims on the Camino membership is open to anyone who has walked, or has dreams of walking or biking, a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Membership is a great way to connect with your fellow pilgrims, support the infrastructure of the Camino, qualify for hospitalero training, contribute to our La Concha publication, and attend exclusive members-only events.
Join a Chapter
Our 60+ local chapters offer group hikes, speaking events, potlucks and other activities with like-minded pilgrims. We encourage you to find your local chapter, attend events or even volunteer.
Volunteer with Us
There are many ways that you can volunteer to support the Camino.
Become an Hospitalero
Serving as an hospitalero at an albergue provides a unique and very fulfilling experience of the Camino. We offer American Pilgrims members hospitalero training which will prepare you for this enriching experience. You can learn more about the program and register for an upcoming class on our Hospitalero Training page.
Serve in Ribadiso
Alternatively, the Ribadiso Welcome Service provides a unique volunteer opportunity at the Albergue of Ribadiso do Baixo, operated by the Xunta de Galicia. Volunteers care for pilgrims by welcoming them, answering questions and providing information. They work alongside hospitaleros but are not responsible for cleaning or cooking.
Join our Board
Our hard-working, all-volunteer board members make sure the organization runs smoothly by responsibly managing the business of the organization. If this sounds like something that interests you, please send an email to the nominations committee at boardnoms@americanpilgrims.org.
Volunteer for Us
We always need volunteers with various skills to help us with our programs, website, events and communications. Check out our current volunteer opportunities.
Other Opportunities on the Camino
The Pilgrim Office in St. Jean Pied de Port accepts volunteers for their welcome service. Send an inquiry to accueil.sjpp@compostelle.fr for more information.
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 accepts volunteers for dispensing Compostelas and distance certificates. Volunteering is for 2-week stints with accommodation provided. Learn more at oficinadelperegrino.com.
Pilgrim House is a welcome center in Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims can find community, conversation, prayer and help with their practical needs. Opportunities are offered from 1-2 weeks. Visit Pilgrim House’s website for more information.
Stay Inspired
La Concha, the quarterly magazine of American Pilgrims, publishes original works by members. Share your photographs, poems, stories and original art with your fellow pilgrims.
Submission guidelines can be found on our La Concha page.
Support Our Grant Program
Our largest discretionary budget item is our grants program, which support infrastructure projects on the Camino. Our grants program has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to support Camino infrastructure. We would welcome your support for these efforts.
Learn more about what we’ve been doing on our grants page.