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Frequently Asked Questions
Have you read everything but still have questions? This is the place to be!
You will receive a response in the same place if it is of general interest; otherwise, you will be contacted by the secretariat.
How can I join Friends of Nature? Some friends have told me about it.
Membership is local, so you will need to choose somewhere close to where you live in order to take full advantage of the opportunities and activities on offer. Personal involvement is also expected (General Assembly, internal organization, and volunteering), so it is easier not to travel long distances unless you enjoy doing so and want to take on the challenge.
What should you do if you live far away from existing associations?
Either you can take on management tasks and still join the association whose activities or accommodation appeal to you most, provided you have their approval. Alternatively, why not try to set up an association that promotes your values in your local area?
Can you stay in Friends of Nature houses without being a member?
Yes, you can come, it’s open to everyone, but you won’t benefit from the preferential rate for members. There will be a difference of a few euros per night.
What happens within local associations? Do they engage in joint activities?
Each association has its own history, rooted in a particular region, and they are all different. What we have in common are our values and certain activities, such as hiking, which are practiced everywhere.
Are there any activities organized when staying at a Friends of Nature house?
Some places offer discovery activities in the summer, for example, but this is not always the case. It’s up to you to organize yourself, but there is always a caretaker who can give you information about the surrounding area and provide you with some good ideas.
Do you offer specific programs or times for children or teenagers, or vacations?
Some of our local associations are accredited by the French Youth and Sports Ministry and host school trips and summer camps. It is up to young people to organize themselves within their local associations to plan vacations or specific outings together.
The movement promotes independence and resourcefulness, which is similar to the principles of popular education, and we believe that learning comes from doing and trying.
Can people with physical or mental disabilities participate in the association's activities, and where can they be accommodated?
Some houses offer access and rooms designed to make life easier for people with disabilities, but you will need to check on a case-by-case basis. We do not have qualified staff or a dedicated reception area, as all tasks are organized by volunteer members.
I have spotted a cat, dog, or horse in distress. It appears to have been abandoned. Do you provide assistance to animals?
No, our mission is not focused on the direct protection of animals and providing them with shelter.
I am a Friend of Nature in another country. Can I benefit from the rates reserved for members in France?
Yes, simply bring your valid membership card for the current year and you will be charged the same rates as members residing in France.