FAQs
QWhat is a Fellowship Shell?
A A Fellowship Shell is an ordinary scallop shell that is registered with The Fellowship of the Camino and given a unique number that is permanently written or etched onto the shell. This number links to an online account where pilgrims share their Camino stories and read all about pilgrims who have carried it in the past.
At the end of each Camino the Fellowship Shell is collected by The Fellowship of the Camino in Santiago de Compostela and then transported back to the beginning of a route, ready for its next Camino.
QHow do I create a Fellowship Shell?
A You register online, ‘Create a Shell’ and are allocated a unique number to place on the scallop shell (see options below).
Q Do I use my own shell?
A Yes. The majority of pilgrims will want to use one of their own shells purchased at the beginning of the Camino and carried by them to Santiago de Compostela. Where this is not possible (see Past Pilgrims below), the Fellowship of the Camino will source a shell on your behalf.
QI am a pilgrim and have walked a Camino in the past, can I create a Fellowship Shell?
A Yes, all past pilgrims can create a Fellowship Shell. We will source a scallop shell in Galicia on your behalf and professionally etch your unique number on the shell. This will take place in Santiago de Compostela. The shell will then be transported to the beginning of a Camino route ready to start your legacy. You will be notified as soon as your Fellowship Shell starts its first Camino.
QWhat is the best way of adding the unique number to my Fellowship Shell?
A It’s up to you. If you wish to be creative and write your number in your own unique style, you can use a fine-tipped Sharpie or similar permanent marker and add it to the inside of the shell. Alternatively, we will have your number professionally and permanently etched on your shell when you drop it off in Santiago de Compostela.
QCan I gift or create a Fellowship Shell for a friend?
A Yes, every Fellowship Shell has the option to name and dedicate the shell to a friend, relative or loved one. You can add a photo of your friend/loved one and write a dedication that will be seen by all future pilgrims that carry the Fellowship Shell. They can then follow their shell for years to come.
QHow many Fellowship Shells can I create?
A We know that many people will want to dedicate or create Fellowship Shells for loved ones and fellow walkers and pilgrims. We have therefore designed the service to allow each pilgrim to create up to 5 Fellowship Shells.
QWhat name should I use for my Fellowship Shell?
A It’s up to you. Some people will name the shell after a loved one, others may use terms such as ‘Hope’ or ‘Peace’. As the creator of the Fellowship Shell, it’s up to you - the name you give the shell will remain forever.
QWhat will future pilgrims see when they carry my Fellowship shell?
A Firstly, they will see the name you have given your Fellowship Shell, along with the person you have dedicated it to (optional). This is followed by a personal ‘Welcome’ message from to everyone who carries your shell. All Camino ‘stories’ are then detailed underneath, with your photo and your own Camino ‘Story’ appearing first.
QHow will new pilgrims register to carry my Fellowship Shell?
A Anyone wishing to continue and build upon the legacy of a Fellowship Shell will register online and then add the unique number that is etched on the shell. It takes 2 minutes and can be completed before or at the start of their Camino.
QI am walking a Camino in Holy Year, where do I drop off my Fellowship Shell?
A The Fellowship of the Camino is setting up a collection point and office close to the Cathedral. Full details of location, times and out-of-hours drop off instructions will be sent to all pilgrims.
QWhere will future pilgrims collect my Fellowship Shell?
A We are setting up collection points at the start of each Camino route and inviting hostels, albergues and other locations to participate. Details will be sent to all future pilgrims who register with the Fellowship of the Camino.
QHow will I know when my shell begins another Camino?
A The number etched onto your shell is unique, so when a new pilgrim registers to carry your shell they enter the shell number onto their Fellowship account. As soon as this happens you will be notified by email that your Fellowship Shell it is on the move again.
QWhat can new pilgrims add?
A Every new pilgrim will be able to add their own Camino ‘story’ along with their photos and how they felt before, during and after their Camino. This builds up the legacy of each Fellowship Shell and unites everyone who has carried your Fellowship Shell.
QWhat happens if my shell is broken?
A Scallop shells are extremely hardy and have been found intact hundreds of years after completing a Camino. In the unfortunate circumstance that your shell is irreparably broken, it will be ground down to a powder and added to a resin to create a Fellowship Shell pendant, complete with your number on it – ready to continue it’s legacy.
QHow will my shell continue to raise funds for the Camino?
A When new pilgrims register to carry a Fellowship Shell they will be asked to make a donation. This covers the cost to transport the shell back to the beginning of a Camino route and contribute to new projects. Each shell could undertake 10 or more Caminos a year (depending on the route), thereby raising significant funds for Camino projects.
QWhat services will the Fellowship help to develop?
A The Fellowship of the Camino is being run as a social enterprise, with all profits re-invested into the Camino community. Everyone who creates or carries a Fellowship Shell will be invited to put forward their ideas for projects to support fellow pilgrims. These ideas will then be put to all members of the Fellowship of the Camino to vote upon.
We hope that these FAQs answer your questions, but if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to email: pilgrims@fellowshipofthecamino.com
Buen Camino!