Terms of Service for All Registrants

All membership and course registrants of the NFTC/SINC website, by registering an account on this website, agree to the following Terms of Service.

Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to register. By creating an account, you confirm you meet this requirement.

Your Account
You are responsible for keeping your login credentials secure and for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access.

Acceptable Use
You agree not to use this site for any unlawful purpose, to harass others, or to distribute harmful or malicious content.

Your Content
You retain ownership of any content you submit. By posting it, you grant us a license to display it on the site.

Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or delete accounts that violate these terms.

Disclaimer
This site is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for any damages arising from your use of the site.

Changes
We may update these terms at any time. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.

Code of Ethics and Conduct for Certified Guides

All Certified Guide members of the NFTC/SINC agree to abide by this Code while conducting themselves on walks or talks.

Health and Safety

Hold the health and safety of my clients, my employees and myself above all other concerns, by: 

  • Prioritize the safety and well-being of clients, employees and oneself
  • Consider the physical fitness and abilities of clients
  • Take measures to prevent harm to clients 
  • Maintain safety and current first-aid training
  • Ensure a safe working environment
  • Provide assistance in accidents and incidents involving the general public when appropriate, knowing the safety of my group is my top priority. 

Quality Experience

Do my best to provide my clients with appropriate, memorable, high quality experiences, by: 

  • Use the skills I have been trained in
  • Act professional and courteously
  • Understand and adhere to the limits of one’s certification, work within my scope of practice
  • Stay up to date on the field of forest therapy and the science of being in nature
  • Educate myself about the areas I guide in
  • Manage group sizes appropriately
  • Collaborate with other guides and businesses to avoid congestion

Environmental and Cultural Responsibility

Protect the natural and cultural environment in which I work by:

  • Share natural and cultural heritage when appropriate, usually at the beginning or end of the walk
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations and ensure clients do the same
  • Minimize harm to the environment and wildlife
  • Extend courtesy to individuals outside of the group

Business Practices

Maintain fair, legal and equitable business practices, for example

  • Understand legal definitions and terms related to fees, commissions, and more
  • Charge fair and reasonable fees for services
  • Comply with business license regulations 
  • Maintain adequate insurance coverage
  • Recommend other professionals when unable to meet a client’s needs

Contribution to the Profession

Assist my association and profession by:

  • Educate others about forest therapy
  • Assist colleagues when they need help 
  • When talking to media, offer to follow up with appropriate references
  • Actively participate in the association and its goals and objectives
  • Avoid publicly speaking negatively about other guides or businesses, addressing concerns through appropriate channels
  • Participate in regular professional development opportunities
  • Work in collaboration to promote Guided Forest Therapy in Canada through the NFTC/SINC

Professional Development

Agree to participate in 5 hours of professional development per year to be a member in good standing.  This can include:

  • Listening to talks or podcasts on the topic of forest therapy
  • Joining Community calls
  • Reading books on the various subjects related to forest therapy
  • Join walks with trainers or attend regional activities

Overall, this code of ethics and conduct outlines the responsibilities and ethical standards expected of members within the association, emphasizing safety, professionalism, environmental stewardship, ethical business practices, and community involvement within the profession.

Scroll to Top