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.