| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Admin |
Posted - 06/19/2003 : 08:55:42 AM
From the NYTimes.com - June 19th, 2003
Old Enough to Make a Lanyard, and to Do It Nude
By KATE ZERNIKE
LUTZ, Fla., June 12 — On the third-to-last day of summer camp, the temperature has risen to 98 degrees, and even the troupers have begun to whine.
"I don't want to play strip volleyball!" complained Jane Jeffries, 13, her sunburned shoulders sagging. "I want to play regular volleyball."
Halie Nelson, 14, agreed, "Yeah, I'd rather get all the clothes off, and keep all the clothes off."
Here at the Youth Leadership Camp run by the American Association for Nude Recreation, the dress code for regular volleyball — and for the pudding toss, mini-golf and campfire sing-alongs — is the same as it is for skinny dipping.
Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times
Jane Jeffries, 13, who says she prefers nude
volleyball to strip volleyball, preparing to camp
out at the Lake Como Resort in Land O'Lakes, Fla.
Basking in what nudist organizations say is a growing interest in nude recreation, the association has begun a nationwide expansion of summer camps for nudists age 11 to 18. The first began here 10 years ago, in a county north of Tampa known for its concentration of nudist resorts. In 2000, the association opened its second camp in Arizona.
A third is to open outside Richmond, Va., this month, and organizers in Texas are planning a fourth camp there for the summer of 2005.
Naked summer camp might strike non-nudists as illegal or prurient, or like striking a match to the gasoline of adolescent hormones.
Anti-nudity statutes in Florida and other states, however, say that nudity on private property is perfectly legal, even among minors, as long as there is no lewdness. And camp rules, drawn up by campers themselves a few years ago, guard against that. "Do not allow nudity and lust to mingle," they state. "No improper touch. Nudity must not be humiliating, degrading or promote ridicule." Even the occasional clothing, worn in the camp's shuttle van, must not be "sexually alluring."
Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times
Skinny dipping, of course, members of the Youth Leadership
Camp, run by the American Association for Nude Recreation,
in Land O'Lakes, Fla.
Nude tourism has grown to a $400 million business this year from a $120 million business in 1992, reports the nudist association, with travel agencies noting a surge in nude cruises and, in May, the first nude charter flight. The association itself is growing, with 30 new clubs, for a total of 267, in the last two years.
There are still few places, however, for teenagers.
"I've spent my life around nudist resorts; this is the first time I've ever been around kids my own age," said Halie, who had been named Camper of the Day the previous night for participating fully despite a foot swollen by a bee sting. "It's either 45 and over or 10 and under."
The campers, many of them alumni of church or scout camps, say they like this better, but not for the reasons most people might expect.
"I learned to play tennis this morning," Amanda Williamson, 18, said. "I never did that at church camp. I'm getting better at volleyball, too."
Aside from the obvious, naked camp looks a lot like other camps: campers play Capture the Flag, catch frogs and leap up when the whistle blows signaling seconds for ice cream. They make s'mores and sing modified campfire songs ("This Land Is Your Land" ends, "This land was made nude and free.") Each camp team writes a song for the annual talent show, with hosts "Sunny and Bare."
Parents and campers say the camp promotes a healthy body image at an age when confidence can crumble, and better relations between the sexes when awkwardness normally prevails.
"In gym class, some of the girls will hide in their lockers to take off their shirts in front of other girls," Halie said. "Sometimes I'll say, `Why are you so insecure?' They all say, `I need to lose a few pounds.' I just don't care about that stuff. I accept my body the way it is."
The nudist association, the larger of two nationwide, sees this as a place to train "youth ambassadors" to what nudists call the "textile" world. (To the question posed by one after-dinner discussion, "I'm a Nudist; Am I a Nut?," the answer, not surprisingly, was no.)
There are things that set this camp apart. Mosquito bites are more irritating, the sunscreen police more vigilant. Campers pack lighter, but drag towels, Linus-like, because nudist etiquette dictates using one when sitting. And the discussion groups feature topics like "Is God Mad at Me Because I'm a Nudist?" (Again, no.)
And everyone is on guard against COG's — "creepy outside guys" — who try to sneak in past the tall fences and security gates, to peek. On Tuesday, when a suspicious-looking man arrived at the pool, counselors quickly herded campers away and guards escorted the unwelcome visitor from the premises.
"It makes me a bit freaked out that people would think of nudity as a sexual thing," said Michelle Jones, 15, a camper from Texas.
Pat Brown, president of the American Association for Nude Recreation, said the camps run extensive background and criminal checks on counselors, often college students who have been nude campers themselves.
Bernie McCabe, the state attorney for Pasco County, where the Lutz camp is, said he had never heard any complaints about it.
Parents seem to have no worries about pedophilia, speaking of nudist camps and resorts as safe, family-like environments.
"Everybody keeps an eye on the children," George Jeffries, Jane's father, said. "There are no transgressions by regular folks coming here, and newcomers are watched very closely."
Still, even parents who have sent their children here for several years do not necessarily tell their church friends or relatives about it.
"If I'm confronted I will not lie, but it's not something I want to have to explain," the father of two boys, an engineer for a telecommunications company, said. "I worry about my kids being ostracized. I believe in this, but a lot of people don't."
The father, like others, said the camp discourages some of the less attractive behavior of adolescents: "I don't have to worry about them sneaking around and seeing things their friends are, the girlie magazines and the porn movies."
Campers agree.
"It takes the mystery out of what the other person looks like, so sex becomes more something you know you're waiting to experience, rather than just a physical thing where you want to find out," said an 18-year-old who gave her name as Jeanene.
"At school, if you see a person, you just see their clothes," Jane said. "Here you have to actually get to know the people."
But some things about teenagers, nudist or not, remain true. Boys at 13 still find scatological humor far funnier than anyone else does. Eleven-year-old girls still fight about who gets to dance as J. Lo in the talent show. Even nudist campers coo at the "cute" swimsuits as they pull on clothing to get back in the van.
Pulling out of one resort during a field trip, a few campers ask the van driver to stop so they can check out the souvenirs. Inside, they finger sarongs and embroidered T-shirts. But they don't buy.
Too expensive.
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| spadoc |
Posted - 01/20/2008 : 12:32:52 AM
For those of you about the country, remember it was our former Governor, the "honorable" Mark Warner who has the dubious distinction of signing into law HB158, a bill promulgated based on the jealous rantings of a gay pedophile. Remember that name when he runs for the Senate this year, or is being groomed for higher office.
Walt Iliff |
| nudeisntlewd |
Posted - 01/16/2008 : 6:11:17 PM
quote:
Originally posted by CAPTAIN_JAMES
OMG - The major stink in Florida a few years ago was started by Mark Foley. The same Mark Foley who was having sex with underage boys in Washington D.C.
Aye, Cap'n. One and the same. Arrrr!
"Me thinks he doth protest too much!"
~Funny how it seems the bad guys always make the loudest noise to call attention away from their own transgressions, isn't it? I could just see him pointing and screaming "Witch!"
~He needs to protect the children of Florida, but not those in Washington. Don't worry though, he's already had the hose turned on 'im. I don't think we'll be hearing from him again.
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| TravelingMountainNudist |
Posted - 01/16/2008 : 4:25:51 PM
Wow, sigh... We can all see what His interest in this matter was now can't we. I normally do not wish ill will towards people but this person has some serious issues that I hope he gets some help with and that he will leave us alone in the future. Hears to hoping.
Andrew |
| CAPTAIN_JAMES |
Posted - 01/15/2008 : 10:16:24 PM
OMG - The major stink in Florida a few years ago was started by Mark Foley. The same Mark Foley who was having sex with underage boys in Washington D.C. |
| Kimberly |
Posted - 01/20/2004 : 05:14:35 AM
Spadoc I read the letter and think it is great. Even though I am outside theu USA, I still support you actions.
Kim =^.^= |
| spadoc |
Posted - 01/19/2004 : 11:51:18 PM
CALL TO ACTION
We need everybody to immediately phone, mail, or fax a letter to the
following delegates on the General Laws Committee. It needs to be short
and to the point that you oppose HB158. If you are not willing to admit
being a nudist, say you are against the Commonwealth legislating family
values. If you are a Republican state so, if you are from Virginia let
them know that too. Please no negative comments.
An Example:
I am a registered Republican voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and
I am writing to you to express my opposition to the captioned law
proposed by Del. Jack Reid. I fail to understand how another Republican
could begin to propose legislation that he knows better than parents how
to raise their children and even more alarming, wants to enlist the
power of the government to enforce his parental theories on the citizens
of this great Commonwealth. How can Mr. Reid justify his questionable
crusade to have the government of Virginia parent nudist children rather
than the actual parents of those children?
Another Example:
I do not believe that the state should put itself in the position of
overriding this parental consent. This seems like an attempt to
legislate family values, the teaching of which should be left to parents.
Another Example:
Is this what we want the Republican lawmakers, a party of less
government, to do?
The ABC/Lottery sub-committee meets at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday the 22nd of
January to discuss this bill. Just three days from now. We need a
family with children to appear with us in Richmond at that time, if you
can do so please call Bob immediately, also anyone else who could speak
in front of the committee would be greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, please call Bob at the office.
Thank you for your time and effort it is desperately needed and
appreciated.
Bob Roche
Address for writing to Delegates in Richmond: House of Delegates
POB 406
Richmond VA 23218
Phone Number for Registering your opinion: 1-800-889-0229
Delegate Capitol Phone Fax Number
Abbitt, Watkins M. Jr 804-698-1059 434-352-0589
Albo, David B. 804-698-1042
Armstrong, Ward L. 804-698-1010 276-632-2935
BaCote, Mamye E. 804-698-1095
Barlow, William K. 804-698-1064 757-357-9358
Cox, M. Kirkland 804-698-1066 804-526-3020
Drake, Thelma 804-698-1087 757-588-3296
Gear, Thomas D. 804-698-1091 757-825-1946
Howell, Algie T. Jr 804-698-1090 757-628-8491
Hull, Robert D. 804-698-1038 703-560-1272
Jones, S. Chris 804-698-1076 757-483-0722
Marshall, DanielW. III 804-698-1014 434-792-1145
McDougle, Ryan T. 804-698-1097 804-730-1051
McQuigg, Michele B. 804-698-1051 703-490-1122
Oder, G. Glenn 804-698-1094 757-930-8683
Phillips, Clarence E. 804-698-1002 276-762-0586
Rapp, Melanie L. 804-698-1096 757-886-2003
Reid, John S. 804-698-1072 804-796-7178
Saxman, Christopher B. 804-698-1020 540-248-2129
Suit, Terrie L. 804-698-1081 757-421-0195
Ward, Jeion A. 804-698-1092
Wright, Thomas C. Jr 804-698-1061 434-696-4061
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| spadoc |
Posted - 01/19/2004 : 07:53:44 AM
Following is a letter I've prepared to send to the Republican membership of the Va. House of Delegates about this issue:
Re: HB 158 Nudist camps for juveniles; prohibited.
Dear Sir,
I am a registered Republican voter in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I am writing to you to express my opposition to the captioned law proposed by Del. Jack Reid. I fail to understand how another Republican could begin to propose legislation that suggests that he knows better than parents how to raise their children and even more alarming, wants to enlist the power of the government to enforce his parental theories on the citizens of this great Commonwealth. How can Mr. Reid justify his questionable crusade to have the government of Virginia parent nudist children rather than the actual parents of those children?
Unfortunately, Del. Reid appears to be uninformed or at best, misinformed about the Youth Leadership Program. In actuality, many parents will be there, as counselors, workshop leaders, and cooks. But why should parents be required at this camp but not at other youth camps? We have a curriculum and organization that other camps can envy. We have two adult supervisors per camper. Every one of these adult leaders has professional credentials and personal recommendations. They are doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, clergy, etc. These camps are professionally organized and managed, and have received approval from all who have visited them. Our young people are poised, intelligent, articulate, and an example of the best our nation has to offer. The nudist parents who bring or send their children to camp know that the actual experience is entirely positive and wholesome.
Personally, even though my children are grown and gone, I highly resent Del. Reid’s belief that somehow he knows better how to raise the children of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Neither Del. Reid nor the government of Virginia has the wisdom or the right to attempt to dictate to parents how WE raise or where WE choose to send our children. When my daughter was growing up, her mother and I sent her to a religious affiliated summer camp. If my religion differs from Del. Reid’s, will that be his next target? Parenting is the job of the child’s parents, as simple as that. It is not, has never been, and should not be the purview of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In conclusion, I would suggest that Del. Reid (and any other House members who support this incredibly dangerous piece of legislation) please take a trip over to Del. Scott Lingamfelter’s office (Rep. 31st District). Del. Lingamfelter has published the following comment:
“I promise you that I will continue to stand up for parental rights, particularly your right to raise your child as you see fit.”
Apparently, the Delegate from Woodbridge “gets it.” Maybe he can explain it to Del. Reid, and bring Mr. Reid back to his Republican roots.
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| Kimberly |
Posted - 01/18/2004 : 2:47:33 PM
First of all I want to thank Admin for keeping us abreast of these issues. As a mother of teens I can see both sides of the issue. You always want to insure that your children are safe. Some adults do take advantage of the situations and we have to insure our children's safety. The best way is to police our own. If we insure that everything runs smoothly, and the kids are well protected, then its harder for the oposing force to come down on us. This goes back to the assumption of the general public that nudists are into sex and molesting kids. We have to have good publicity, and good controls to prove them wrong. Some people are never going to let this go and continue pushing the issue.
Kim =^.^= |
| Cheri |
Posted - 01/18/2004 : 12:57:06 PM
Walt, In some states, people have been arrested and convicted of having nude photos of their families or others that were not sexual. Those states have them registered as sex offenders. I believe that law would be a bit too broad. This would include those who possibly pled to lessser charges in the deep south; one case comes to mind that AANR and AANR-East ignored. I'd be happy to converse with you via email regarding that particular case.
Best regards, Cheri Alexander
Doing what I can to positively promote nudism
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| spadoc |
Posted - 01/18/2004 : 08:09:34 AM
Actually, there ARE some laws which I think would be useful that the various state legislators could put some thought to:
There ought to be a law making it a felony for a registered sex offender to attempt to gain access to a nudist facility.
A law prohibiting unauthorized photography or the capture of any digital images at a private nudist club would also be useful.
Any others you would like to see? |
| tucsonnude |
Posted - 01/07/2004 : 9:27:45 PM
interesting AOL poll I just hope that we get over the negative attitude of people who have no idea what they are talking about. Don't judge until you have walked a mile in our shoes or so it goes. There are certainly more important things to do that worry aobut naked teens or people in general with the state of the world today. Morals are important of course. I just don't want someone else instilling their values on my kids. |
| calmnude |
Posted - 01/06/2004 : 9:49:49 PM
good catch,cheri.
we have to keep an eye on these misguided "protectors of the public good". the only thing they are trying to protect is their political careers and they are usually up to no good. we must keep educating and fighting to open the eyes of the public and other legislators, and make them focus on important things like better schools, housing and less violent crime. |
| Cheri |
Posted - 01/06/2004 : 7:01:59 PM
FROM THE AANR OFFICE:
Dear Friends of AANR:
On January 5, 2004, Delegate John Reid pre-filed a bill with the Virginia General Assembly. As drafted it would forbid the state from licensing a hotel, summer camp, or campground that maintains or conducts as any part of its activity a nudist camp for juveniles. (The bill defines these as camps attended by openly nude juveniles not accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian.)
Without question, the bill is targeting the AANR East youth leadership camp held at White Tail Park.
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank the thoughtful members and groups who have copied us on messages about this development. We also wanted to let you know what we are doing and how you can help.
AANR East President, Bob Roche, is already in the process of engaging a top-notch lobbyist who draws on extensive experience representing the hotel industry. This is one example of how your AANR dues are already helping the cause.
As we get direction from the lobbyist, we will be communicating with you further and are prepared with others throughout the naturist and nudist community to stop this bill. In the meantime, further sensationalism from the media will only serve to keep the spotlight brighter on the lawmaker who benefits from the attention.
We would strongly appreciate it if our clubs and leadership, should they be contacted, decline interviews and let Carolyn Hawkins know of the contacts. You can e-mail clubinfo@aanr.com or call 1-800-879-6833. Thank you for your commitment to AANR.
Doing what I can to positively promote nudism
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| Admin |
Posted - 01/06/2004 : 6:38:52 PM
They're up to it again... Thanks, Cheri, for reporting this:
Pending Virginia Bill Targets The AANR East Youth Leadership Camp |
| Admin |
Posted - 09/14/2003 : 10:10:34 PM
Reprinted from the Haulover Digest
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 12:09:21 -0400
From: "Michael Kush" <nacktkultur@msn.com>
Subject: The John Walsh Show
Discussion on AANR Youth Leadership Camp
(Week of September 8th)
The John Walsh Show is a nationally distributed NBC program with a principle mission of addressing children's safety and protection issues. On August 28th, a show addressing the nudist Youth Leadership Camps was taped in New York before a live audience. Appearing were U.S. Rep. Foley; Shirley Mason (B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation and South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association); Kyle Hofmann, a 16-year-old participant in this year's Florida Camp, and his grandmother, Marion, who was a Camp volunteer; the Jackson family (father, mother and 2 daughters - FL camp participants), Steve Vickers (youth camp graduate); and a representative of Shangri-La Ranch, where AANR Arizona camp was held.
This show is scheduled to air the week of September 8th, most likely Monday or Tuesday. To confirm the day & date, go to the John Walsh Show website at www.johnwalsh.tv the weekend before to view THIS WEEK'S SHOW TOPICS. Information on the upcoming week's lineup should be posted by Saturday Sept. 6th.
In Miami, the show airs on WTVJ (NBC Channel 6) at 10 AM. You may check times for other NBC outlets nationally on the John Walsh website.
Mike Kush
SFFB/FNA
B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation
Reprinted from the Haulover Digest. This information is provided for education and community discussion. Nudist-Resorts.Org is not affiliated with SFFB/FNA.
[Admin's note: If you saw this episode, please add your comments here by clicking Reply to Topic.] |
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