ARE SINGLE PEOPLE WELCOME?

Most clubs welcome singles. However, many clubs try to maintain a balance between the sexes.
Check ahead for a club's policy.

WHAT ARE NATURIST EVENTS LIKE?

Naturist events that are held at resorts usually have a type of informal country club atmosphere where men, women and children camp, swim, play and sunbathe together and enjoy each others company without wearing clothes. These resorts are usually on farm sized properties in quiet rural areas where much of the natural beauty has been preserved or re-established.

Many Naturist groups do not own property but, instead, rent public facilities such as bowling alleys, swimming pools, or indoor volleyball courts. In addition to these activities, they have house parties and outdoor activities at members' homes and properties.

Winter activities depend on available facilities. Such facilities at resorts may include a swimming pool, sauna and game area. Other winter activities may include skating, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Some Naturists form close friendships with fellow Naturists and, of course, extend these friendships into their everyday lives with the sharing of a wide variety of conventional social activities.

IS NATURISM COMPATIBLE WITH RELIGIOUS BELIEFS?

Some Naturists are devout church goers and others are not. Both Jews and Christians should find Naturism's emphasis on the dignity of the body congenial. It is worth noting that Thomas Aquinas's Summa of Theology, the most influential work of Roman Catholic thought, when discussing modesty, when discussing modesty, treats clothing as a requirement of neither the law of God nor the law of nature, but of human custom only.

Available information indicates that baptisms originally involved nudity. Recent comments from the Pope regarding the restoration of paintings in the Sistine Chapel indicated that nudity alone is not considered sinful by the church. There are several organized Christian Naturists' groups.

The old testament tells us that God created man and woman in His own image and they were naked. It is difficult to see how God's image is shameful or obscene. Indeed, the Bible does not condemn nudity itself. 

We have a local minister who is an occasional visitor.  He is enthusiastic about holding regular services at the resort.  We also have hosted nude weddings.

DOES SOCIAL NUDITY EXCITE SEXUAL DESIRE?

Naturists as a group have the same sexual responses as everyone else, but they know that the practice of Naturism proves that the naked human body is not intrinsically erotic. Because Naturism satisfies our natural curiosity about the human person of both sexes and all ages, it makes social poise easier rather than more difficult and relaxes social tensions.

Most of the people who visit a Naturist club/beach for the first time are surprised by the lack of sexuality. Some expect a sexually charged atmosphere, since in North America, we see others nude in sexual situations such as love scenes in movies, in magazines and in videos.

However, the link between nudity and sexuality is arbitrary. In Victorian times, to see a woman's knees was very sexual because they were supposed to be hidden all the time. We expose some parts of our bodies which are as sexual as those which we hide. Our lips, for example, are probably as involved in sexuality as our genital areas. Yet people walk around exposing their lips without causing mass arousal.

You will probably find that suggestively clothed people are more arousing than completely nude people. It can be more sexual to wear a bathing suit which subtly hides and emphasizes certain parts of the body.

That nudity implies sexuality is the biggest misconception that Naturists have to fight. As a result, you may find them to be over-sensitive to it. This is not to say that Naturists are against sexuality. They just believe, like most of society, that there is an appropriate time and place for it. It also means that there is nothing wrong with finding a person attractive, whether he or she is nude or not.

A body does not automatically become sexual by the mere act of removing one's clothing. Sexual intent requires deliberate sexual action, (choice making behavior) by one who would have sexual interest. No open sexual activity is allowed at Naturists events.

HOW DO CHILDREN REACT TO NATURISM?

Children usually are very matter of fact and accept nudism for what it is -- something perfectly natural. They show no particular curiosity in seeing adults nude. However, they like going without clothing themselves, and they do like sharing this with their parents -- it somehow brings parents and children closer
together. Surprisingly for many parents, children generally do not talk about their Naturist life to playmates at home and school. They perhaps do not want to be thought different. Even Naturist oriented children may become more self-conscious during the years of body changes and peer pressure. These children often resume Naturist activity later in life, usually in their mid 20's.

Anyone who has observed children knows that they are enthusiastic Naturists. We have never seen young children who are self-conscious when nude. In fact, you may observe them squeal with delight when they are allowed to run around nude. It is only in their later years that they are pressured into being self-conscious and adopt older people's phobias about the body.

We believe that it is healthier for children to grow up comfortable with their own bodies. We don't think there is any advantage in teaching them to be ashamed and embarrassed by certain parts of their bodies.

IS NATURISM SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

It is clear being dressed has not kept children safe. The best thing we can do is teach our children the confidence to speak up when people do things which make them uncomfortable. If they are not ashamed of their bodies, they are much more likely to tell their parents when someone does things to them that they don't like. Whether nude or clothed, children should know that being touched in certain ways is wrong.

Although good parenting is by far the most important factor in raising children, Naturism helps to promote their confidence and understanding about their bodies.

DON'T CHILDREN GET CONFUSED AS TO WHEN AND WHERE THEY CAN BE NUDE?

Everyone has to teach children when and where it is acceptable to be nude. Naturists simply have more places where it is acceptable. Unlike non-Naturists, we don't teach our children that nudity is wrong. We teach them that some people aren't comfortable with nudity and that sometimes we need to dress for practical reasons (e.g. weather).

WHAT DO NATURISTS SAY WHEN NON-NATURIST FRIENDS ASK WHERE THEY SPEND THEIR WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS?

Most just say they are visiting friends who have country property. Many Naturists tell close friends about their Naturist membership -- from this comes the best source of new members. With each passing year, Naturism is becoming more accepted even by those who would not consider it for themselves. According to a national poll that was conducted in the U.S.A. in 1983, some 72% of the population are receptive to, or tolerant of, the practice of nude bathing at designated beaches. Privacy is fully respected in all Naturist groups and no group will ever publicize your presence or membership without your explicit
permission. You can be sure that those who are known to be Naturists have announced it themselves.

Photography at Naturist gatherings is very closely controlled. It is a rule that no one is ever photographed without specific permission for each occasion. Children may not be photographed without their consent and that of their parents.

CAN ANY REAL HEALTH BENEFITS BE EXPECTED FROM NATURISM?

Yes, real health benefits can be expected from Naturism if you share in the interest and the activities available. One of the purposes of Naturism is to promote optimum health through complete contact of the body with the natural elements of sun, air and water accompanied by good nutrition and physical, mental and social activity in an environment as free from pollution and stress as possible. There is a noticeable air of relaxation in Naturist living which provide a highly effective antidote for the stresses of modern society.

Perfect bodies are as rare at Naturists events as elsewhere. Respect for and acceptance of all bodies of both sexes and all ages is a basic principle of Naturism.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO JOIN A NATURIST GROUP?

There are two types of Naturist or Nudist organizations.

One is the "landed" club which owns property, generally including amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball courts, an occasional private lake, etc. Membership fees for an organization such as this must cover the purchases and maintenance cost of all of these amenities among its members. Membership in landed clubs gives a feeling of belonging, and being a part of a bigger legacy. Members are endowed with a place to treasure as part of nature. Visitors to this type of club or resort are assessed a daily ground fee.

There is no other place you can get a bigger and better return for your recreation dollar.  No other recreation center where you can go as often as you like and meet like minded friends who enjoy the wonders of living freedom.

The other type of club is the "non-landed" club that will rent facilities and host house parties. Fees for an organization of this nature are usually low because the organization needs to support only the administrative expenses. Event fees generally are assessed to cover the cost of gym or pool rental.

AREN'T ALL NATURISTS/NUDISTS EXHIBITIONISTS?

Exhibitionists expose themselves primarily to shock others. Exhibitionism does not occur in Naturism. Exhibitionists find no thrill in Naturist environments because of the lack of overt sexuality and their inability to shock anyone.

Naturists just want to be nude. If they like to be with others, it's because humans are social creatures.

BUT ISN'T NUDITY ILLEGAL?

With all the available evidence, it boggles the mind as to why many laws exist on the books to this day that mandate the use of bathing costumes. Even laws that do not apply to nude recreation are being mis-applied to innocent skinny dipping or sunbathing.

Although there are no U.S. Federal laws prohibiting nude recreation on Federal lands (except at Cape Cod), in the early 1980's the use of "concurrent jurisdiction" started allowing state and local laws to be enforced by officials such as park rangers and Bureau of Land Management officers. This encroachment onto Federal turf raises Constitutional questions and allows state and local jurisdictions to limit or eliminate altogether many traditional sites suitable for clothing-optional recreation.

If a man intentionally exposes himself to the proverbial "little old lady", there is clear intent to do harm. The man knew that he would elicit a negative response from the "little old lady"', and intended to do so by his actions. However, if a group of people are skinny dipping and have demonstrated a concern for others by either seeking a remote area or using a traditional or designated (managed) area, then there is clearly no intent to do harm. This is why Naturists continue to press for management rather than banishment; Naturists would get the same treatment as other taxpayers and complainers need no longer complain.

Legality varies greatly by jurisdiction. In Germany, you will find people legally sunbathing nude in city parks. In Denmark, all but two beaches are clothing-optional (i.e. nudity is permitted).

In most jurisdictions it is legal to be nude on private property so long as you can't be seen by others outside the property. Consequently, all landed Naturist clubs are legal.

Aurora Gardens at Triple R Resort has the total support of local government, officials and business. Through careful marketing and goodwill, we intend to maintain the respect of our local community. Members and Visitors can help us maintain community goodwill by maintaining exemplary decorum while patronizing and supporting local area businesses.

I JUST HAD SURGERY AND HAVE A SCAR. WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK?

Naturists preach body acceptance. Being nude means having nothing to hide. There is no perfect body and Naturists come in ALL shapes, size, ages, and colors. Some have scars from surgery, some use wheelchairs, some are overweight, some are too thin, some have tattoos and other body adornments, and some are "handicapped" by being "normal".

MY WIFE AND I SHAVE OUR BODIES, WILL WE BE CONSIDERED PECULIAR? 

Body shaving is common among Naturists.  Many who shave call themselves "smoothies," a term which dates back to the early Olympics.  Olympic swimmers shave to improve the body's slide through the water.  Olympic wrestlers shave to reduce the hold-friction of their bodies.  Many Naturists shave to feel the wind and water on the full body and tan all over.  Pubic shaving seems to be very common among younger Naturists.  Shaving the body is no more peculiar than shaving the face and is no more likely to be noticed or criticized.

IF I DON'T HAVE A GOOD BODY, I DON'T WANT OTHERS TO SEE ME NUDE.

The concept of the perfect body is a myth. We believe that the stress caused by the unrealistic expectations of society is very damaging. Naturists practice body acceptance. When you visit a Naturist environment, you will find all types of bodies. All shapes, sizes, ages, colors & em dash; many of them with the signs of a full life.

WHAT IF I GET AN ERECTION?

This is the most common concern among men. However, we do not know of anyone who actually had an erection on the first visit. The combination of the non-sexual environment and the unfamiliarity of a first-time visit serves to minimize to the issue.

An erection is a natural part of life. Naturists realize this and will not take offense as long as it is not being flaunted. If an erection does occur, a strategically placed towel, a dip in a cool pool, or rolling over on your stomach will take care of it.

Men, more than women, seem to be concerned about their physical proportions.  Be assured that we all come in various sizes, shapes and colors.  Body acceptance is an important part of nude recreation.  During their first visit, most report feeling less self-conscious in the nude than in traditional clothing.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM MENSTRUATING?

Generally, women do the same thing in the Naturist world as they do in the clothed world. Many use a tampon. If they prefer, they wear shorts or bikini bottoms.

Menstruation is a normal part of being a woman and one which Naturists understand.

ISN'T IT DANGEROUS TO EXPOSE MYSELF TO SO MUCH SUN?

The removal of a skimpy bathing suit does little to increase your exposure to the sun, but people exposed to the sun should be careful when they enjoy the outdoors. Some evidence is suggesting that moderate sun exposure is good for you.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME WHEN I VISIT A NUDE BEACH OR EVENT?

If you are going to a beach or other outdoor event, take a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, two towels (one to sit on), sandals, sunglasses and water to drink. It is also a good idea to have something to read, something to eat and something to play with (like a volleyball or frisbee). If you are going to attend other Naturists functions, just bring any specialty item that may be appropriate for the event and a towel to sit on.

ETIQUETTE

Generally, the same commonsense guidelines for behavior apply in the Naturist world as in the clothed world. Be polite and respect the rights of others. When visiting a club, make sure you understand the rules specific to that club.

• Gawking is impolite. It is OK to look, but always rude to stare (particularly with binoculars or through a camera).
• For sanitary reasons, sit on a towel when using public seats or benches.
• Respect the environment. Stay out of environmentally sensitive areas. Pack-out more trash than you brought in.
• Help keep the area clean. In clubs, use the trash cans. Bring your own trash bag. Leave the beach cleaner than when you arrived.
• Get dressed when leaving established nude areas. Naturists are not trying to offend anyone.
• Follow all parking regulations and other posted rules.
  
• Do not engage in overt sexual activity.
• Respect the property of others.
• Get the permission of the club and subjects before taking pictures. In clubs, check out club rules on photography before bringing out your camera.
• Respect the privacy of others. Many people come to enjoy nature and don't want to be disturbed. It is good to be friendly, but take your cues from their response and body language.
• Speak up for standards. If you see people who are violating the accepted standards, please explain to them clearly and politely just how they are violating the rules and what the proper behavior is.
  

Contributed in part by Minnesota Naturists

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