Frans behind the bar
We may not say it often enough, but Athena would never be the same without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. They are the beating heart of the association: people who provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere and make our campsites feel like a little paradise.
This time we put Frans in the spotlight. With his open heart and warm smile, he has been behind the bar at Athena Ossendrecht for years. Not just as a bartender, but as someone who makes meetings possible, connects people and creates a familiar place for everyone who steps inside.
Frans is 62 and lives in Eeklo. I meet him on a Thursday afternoon in his "new" caravan at Athena Ossendrecht. "I go home for two days every week to keep up with my paperwork and to see how my stepson is doing," he says. "The rest of the week I'm at Athena." Frans used to work as a truck driver. After an accident, he developed back problems and could no longer do heavy work. That's how he ended up at home more than 20 years ago.
His path to Athena was almost accidental. "I've been a member since 2015, but first went to another campground. That one got too expensive. Then I saw a little caravan for sale on Facebook. I went looking and bought it, which is how I ended up here." Last year, he took over a larger caravan. "The previous one was small, now I'm actually sitting luxuriously, lol!"
In the beginning, Frans came mostly during the week, going home on weekends. "It's actually because of Wendy that I'm here on the weekends now too," he laughs. "She said, 'wouldn't you be better off coming on the weekends and staying home the other days?' I said yes, okay, and that's how I stayed here more often. Only afterwards did I understand why ... to do the bar of course."
Frans always had fun behind the bar. "I used to have a bar in Sleidinge, and also took courses specifically for that. When they were looking for volunteers here at Athena, I volunteered. I wanted to be busy, and it seemed fun to get to know lots of people. Otherwise you sit there all day at your caravan.
Frans is now on call about 10 to 15 hours a week. "Before, sometimes in blocks of five to six hours. That was sometimes tough. Now more volunteers have joined and it's a little lighter. Soon I will also be working 18 to 21 hours behind the bar."
Volunteering goes more smoothly than in the past. "Back then you had to fill out a piece of paper and hope that this or that person would show up. Now everything goes through the app: you see who is doing the bar before and after you. That's convenient."
Frans also enjoys training new volunteers. "Wendy already says, 'Frans will train you.' I like doing that and people like it too, I think, because they come back." He likes it when it's a little busy, but not too busy. "Time goes much faster then, too. If there's nothing to do, it takes a long time. Then I'd rather be busy. And if it gets too much, someone jumps in anyway."
Behind the bar, there is always room for a joke. "I do that with almost everyone, it makes it fun. You shouldn't overdo it of course, but when they say fill them up again, and then fill the glass with water, things like that ... People do appreciate that."
Thank you, Frans, for your years of dedication and your warm smile - without you, Athena would not be the same!
Volunteers like Frans make Athena what it is
Our campsites are places of warmth, conviviality and connection. Thanks to the enthusiasm, commitment and care of the volunteers, everyone feels welcome. Have you thought about volunteering yourself? Then let Frans inspire you. Behind the bar or anywhere else on the campsite: there is always room for someone who wants to give a little of their time and heart.
This autumn and winter are all about wellness at Athena Ossendrecht. From a wonderful day of sauna and steam bath, to an exclusive wellness event with infusion and banner rituals, and even a complete wellness weekend full of pampering.
Discover our new facilities, be surprised by special experiences and allow yourself the rest you deserve.
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After thirty years of faithful service, it was time for renewal! The technical installation of our outdoor pool in Ossendrecht received a thorough upgrade. And that was badly needed! Not only to meet the stricter regulations around swimming water that will be in force in the Netherlands from 2025, but also to offer you an even better swimming experience.
What has changed?
We completely replaced and upgraded the filters, pumps and control systems. This means our pool is now functioning optimally and fully compliant with the new requirements, including a mandatory risk analysis, legionella prevention, and strict hygiene measures. Water quality is also now even better monitored, tested and reported, so you can enjoy the swimming water with peace of mind.
New and improved
In addition to the technical upgrades, we took the opportunity to give the pool itself a major refresh! The lighting was updated, the tiles were cleaned and impregnated, the coping stones were repointed and the silicone joints replaced. The shower walls and the shoe wall also received a new coat of paint. Everything looks radiant again, ready for summer!
Back in the water!
After the renovation, the pool has been refilled and the water quality checked again. A fresh dip is possible again! 🌞 In addition, the aquagym sessions will start again soon, so be sure to stop by to join or relax in the water.
With these renovations, we are ready for more water and swimming fun.
Whether you come for the wellness or just to swim a few laps, we hope to welcome you to our renovated pool soon!
See you soon in Ossendrecht! 🏊♀️💦
After thirty years, it is time for a thorough renovation of the technical installation of the outdoor swimming pool at Camping Athena in Ossendrecht. This renovation is necessary to better comply with the new regulations around swimming water that will be in force in the Netherlands from 2025.
Under the new Environment Act and the Living Environment Activities Decree (Bal), swimming pools must meet higher standards for water quality, safety and incident management. For example, the pH level of the water will be more strictly regulated and swimming pools will have to be responsible for closing the pool in case of standard deviations.
One important change is the mandatory risk analysis and preparation of a management plan for water quality, legionella prevention and hygiene. The rules also call for regular incident recording and reporting of unusual occurrences. As a swimming pool operator, you must ensure not only water management, but also frequent testing and reporting of water quality.
To comply with these stricter regulations, it was decided to completely overhaul the pool's technical installation. Filters, pumps and control systems will be replaced and improved so that in the future the pool can meet the legal requirements without problems and the water quality remains at top level
The renovation is now underway, and although the pool is temporarily closed, we expect the new facility to be fully operational during April. Then our guests will again be able to take a refreshing dip in the beautifully renovated pool!
Our wellness will remain open during the works.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
After a short hiatus, our app is available again thanks to an update in the Google Play Store. During this update, our Google Play Store account underwent a thorough verification, but that is now a thing of the past. From now on, you can download the app again from the Google Play Store. For Apple users, of course, our app has been available in the App Store the whole time.
Why download the Athena app?
Practical info at a glance:
- Arrival and reception: Receive all the information immediately upon arrival, such as the access code, the do's and don'ts and the opening hours of the reception and bar.
- Facilities and surroundings: Check out the opening hours of the spa, pool, reception, cafeteria and more. You'll also find helpful tips on where to eat, drink, and even where the nearest bakeries and supermarkets are.
- Emergency numbers and health information: Always ready, with details of family doctors, hospitals and pharmacies nearby.
Nearby and activities:
- Explore the area: Click on the bike icon and find out what's going on nearby. Whether you feel like hiking, biking or mountain biking, you'll find it all in the immediate vicinity of the campground.
- Activities in the Park: With one click on the activities button, you can immediately see what events and activities are planned in the Athena Park where you are.
Additional benefits for Athena members
Log in to the app and enjoy all the extra features:
- Digital membership card: show your digital membership card, always at hand.
- Manage Athena card: Charge your card, view your balance and access your accounts.
- Personal data and reservations: Check and update your personal information, view your reservations and pay for them directly through the app.
- Volunteer functionality: Are you part of a volunteer team, for example for the bar? See via the app when someone is still needed for bar duty and sign up immediately.
Have you already downloaded the app? Then request your login information easily at leden@naturisme-athena.org or use the "forgot password" option. Enter the email address used by Athena and create a new password.
Wondering about it? Download the Athena app today via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
We hope you are as excited as we are and wish you much fun with the Athena app!
Download the app:
What a fantastic year that was! We are incredibly proud of our Athena community and enormously grateful for your loyal support. Together with you, we are now looking forward to 2025. Your involvement helps us to further build on our sustainable vision in which nature, experience and the warm and family character of our parks are central. Here's to 365 days full of opportunities, encounters and beautiful moments!
We also like to keep spoiling you with interesting benefits: 10% discount on stays and vacation bookings, discounted daily rate and so on. But being a member of Athena is so much more than that. It means being part of a naturist community and a lifestyle that revolves around respect, simplicity and love of nature. Values that are more important today than ever.
We wish you a warm winter and a sparkling 2025! See you soon at our parks, at one of the fun activities. Maybe as early as January 1 at our second New Year's dive?
Naturist New Year's greetings,
The Athena Team
2 Tips to start the year off right
Need a break? Come and enjoy wellness at Athena!
Make a note in your calendar:
- Saturday, November 2: Banja ritual
- Weekend November 8 to 10: Exclusive wellness weekend
Book your tickets soon and enjoy pure tranquility and pampering!
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Attractive new Athena goodies
Stylish and conscious
Last summer we successfully launched our cheerful, practical and eco-friendly new collection. The result of an inspiring collaboration with Studio Basil - which also provides the layout of our magazines - and Merchery, a supplier that values sustainability.
As an association that respects people and nature, we wished to partner with a merchandising partner that shares the same values.
Merchery believes in quality, transparency and products that are both aesthetically and environmentally conscious. The company uses only responsible raw materials: 100% organic cotton, recycled steel and aluminum, and alternatives to harmful plastics: recovered and biodegradable plastics. Their selection of premium brands meets rigorous standards; the products are designed to last.
The new goodies will not only make you look cool, you will also contribute to a better future for our planet.
A beautiful way to show your connection to Athena and to nature. And maybe already a surprising gift idea for the holidays?
T-shirts, bathrobes, totebags, beach bags, drink bottles, towels, ...
LINK: CURIOUS ABOUT OUR GOODIES
Last year we started a plan to address the signage at our parks. It needed to be brighter, more inviting and more contemporary. Determining the right content, the best design, the most suitable materials and the ideal supplier was ... quite a journey.
Meanwhile, the first clear, playful and durable signs at Ossendrecht are ready. Now we can fine-tune where necessary from practice. To then continue working on our three parks later this year and in 2025.
More of that to come. We are already proud.