Volunteering Why volunteer So, you’ve made it all the way Santiago. You have your compostela or certificado and after the months of preparation and effort, it’s all over. When you first arrive in Santiago you may feel elated, dejected, relieved, disappointed, serene, excited, or a mixture of all of these and more. Don’t worry – it’s normal! When you return home, you may feel somehow out of step with the real world and a bit lost or empty. Some people refer to this as 'Post-Camino Syndrome.' You might feel like you want to stay connected to the camino in your everyday life. The good news is there are many ways you can do that. We call it 'giving something back.' That camino spirit will remain with me always. In the sub-pages of the Volunteering menu, we show you how to give back from the moment you arrive in Santiago and after you’ve returned home, to keep your long-term connection to your experiences as a camino pilgrim. Manage Cookie Preferences