[Gocamino] Hospitalero Training ~ Sacramento April 28-30, 2006

[martha lopez]

American Pilgrims on the Camino is convening a training program for individuals who would like to serve as volunteer hospitaleros at refugios and albergues along the Camino de Santiago.  The training will be held at the International Hostel in Sacramento, CA April 28-30, 2006.   

Jan and Mariluz Melis from the Federacion de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago en Espana will be our facilitators. Jan and Mariluz operate the wonderful refugion at Eunate near Pamplona.  They bring with them many years of dedicated volunteer experience and their very special way of imparting the traditions, attitudes and skills for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the refugio. 

The first hospitalero training session convened by American Pilgrims on the Camino was held in 2004.  The first two training  sessions graduated more than 90 trainees with more than thirty hospitaleros volunteering in the last two years.  Most volunteers, myself included, have found the experience very rewarding.  In 2004, I volunteered at Rabanal del Camino on the Camino Frances ~ this year I plan to volunteer in Salamanca on the Via de la Plata.  It is a wonderful way to give something back to the Camino.  It also provides an unique opportunity for townspeople, villagers and pilgrims along the entire Camino to connect with American volunteers. 
 
Volunteers must have some experience as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago and some facility in Spanish.  The cost of the Training is $125.00. Fee includes dorm-style accommodations for Friday and Saturday night and six meals starting with Friday night dinner through Sunday lunch. All meals will be prepared and served by a volunteer staff of experienced hospitaleros.
Don't miss this opportunity!  For information and registration packets, contact Martha Lopez: mlcamino at yahoo.com or 916.923-3869. For information about Sacramento & the International Hostel, visit: www.norcalhostels.org/sac.

Martha Lopez