Baton Rouge, Louisiana Club Profile

Established in 1984, the Friendship Force of Baton Rouge has about 45 members of which most live in Baton Rouge, but some are nearby in Denham Springs or Prairieville and even one couple in New Orleans. We consider ourselves to be a diverse, fun-loving group of people who enjoy showing others our Southern hospitality. We delight in Louisiana's unique cultures (including Cajun, Italian, African, French,  and Creole), our distinctive and delicious food, our music (Cajun, Zydeco, Jazz, and Dixieland), our moss draped bayous, plantation homes, and alligator-filled swamps. We are passionate about our pastimes, especially hunting, fishing, festivals, and football.
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For us, about 12-15 ambassadors is an ideal journey.  We have hosted as many as 27 and have never turned down a journey because of too few ambassadors. We prefer journeys to be designed by the two Coordinators (JCs), one each from the visiting and host clubs. This ensures that ambassadors and hosts have the experience that fits their respective lifestyles, tastes, and expectations. In addition to Welcome and Farewell Parties, a week-long journey frequently includes a plantation visit and a swamp tour. Jambalaya and other unique food are always served during the week. Time is always made available for the hosts and ambassadors to plan time together for shopping or an adventure related to the ambassador's interests. If ambassadors are lucky enough to have a journey during crawfish season, a boil may be a highlight.

 Things you might want to know: 

The Weather:  Our climate is considered sub-tropical. That means very hot in the summer and fairly hot in the spring and fall. As a result, most of our exchanges take place in the spring, which also happens to be crawfish season, or the fall.  Most exchanges are casual, with shorts or loose-fitting clothes being the dress of choice.  One nicer outfit is recommended for parties or the traditional going out to dinner. Rain gear is also highly recommended.
 
About Baton Rouge:  Although the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is second in size and population to New Orleans.  It boasts two large universities, LSU and Southern, both known for their academic programs and football.  It is a major deep-water port with a regional economic base that includes oil, gas, sugar cane, petrochemicals, forestry, cotton,
rice and seafood.  It has a rich and exciting history going back to how it got its name (Red Stick) to our more recent famous/infamous governors.
 
What about New Orleans?   New Orleans is located about ninety minutes southeast of Baton Rouge down I-10.  While airfares are frequently cheaper than those directly into BR, any saving are often negated by costly or inconvenient ground transportation to Baton Rouge.  However, because most ambassadors want to visit The Big Easy many exchanges include a pre or post visit to New Orleans.  If that is the case, the JC, or another member of FFBR, will be glad to assist you with recommendations and arrangements. 

Regardless of when you visit, what you want to do and see while here, where you are from, or what language you speak, it is our goal to ensure that while you visit we will laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll). We hope you will leave Baton Rouge with fond memories and new friends!