BDSM Group Leader Speaks Up About Lupin Lodge

(Let me just state that this is NOT an April Fools joke. It never even occurred to me that today was April 1 until someone emailed me. This is a 100% serious post.)

"smashwolf", the organizer of the "Human Fox Hunt" event at Lupin Lodge, has spoken up through his Twitter account, admitting that Lupin and AANR are keeping the event quiet because "it makes sense not to flaunt our sort of event in the faces of naturists worldwide", and because on "the national level, Lupin values it's standing in the naturist community".

Admitting that there is a deliberate cover-up, smashwolf goes on to accuse me of being a troll and of being "so midwest" in my personal values, and that people in California simply have "different sensitivities".

In another tweet, smashwolf says, "There is a time and place for everything. and this activity requires a controlled, private, and discrete location". He justifies the linking of his fetish group with a naturist venue by stating that "Walls are walls, naturist, or a kinkster. The same forces that oppose nudity, oppose sexuality, and self expression."

And to further emphasize the fact that Lupin Lodge knows exactly what is happening, smashwolf states that "hosting the event there actually meshes well with the existing community. There seems to be a lot of mutual respect."

OK, let's get one thing straight - I have no personal opposition to people who wish to engage in a BDSM or other erotic lifestyle. I've known people all my life with different sexual needs, and when consenting adults decide to play together, it's fine with me. We need more people comfortable with their own sexual expression, not less.

And it has nothing to do with "midwest values". That's a crock. Where I live in Columbus, Ohio, there is a thriving BDSM community, all you have to do is do a little Google searching. This is a desperate argument. People can justify *anything* if they lie to themselves enough.

Not to mention that Columbus Ohio is one of the few places in the country where women can walk about topfree legally.

No, this is about naturist values. This is about the stated principles of naturism and nudism as have been understood and passed down for a century. What is central to the movement is that people of all ages can gather together to socialize and recreate in the nude without overt sexual activity.

Nudism is not anti-sexuality. In the Naturist Society document "205 Arguments and Observations in Support of Naturism", the words "sex" and "sexuality" and variations thereof appear 152 times. Naturists argue clearly and rationally that nudity is healthy for mind, body, and sexual development.

Naturists and nudists believe that clothing actually sexualizes the body by emphasizing certain parts, that the wearing of textiles creates a false image of who we really are, and that what we wear actually divides people socially. By being nude with each other, as we all are when we enter the world, there can be no pretense, no hiding, and no shame.

On the Lupin Lodge website, overt sexual activity is strictly forbidden.

Public eroticism and sexual exploitation are not acceptable at Lupin. We have found that an absence of sexual pressure fosters uniquely open communications across differences of gender, generation, and genealogy and allows everyone to just relax and enjoy Lupin as the special resort it is. Guests and visitors who accept the mutual agreements under which the club operates are welcome to share Lupin's unique ambience.

Lupin Lodge is affiliated with both the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). From the TNS website:

Is naturism appropriate for families?

Absolutely! Naturism is about body acceptance and body awareness, which makes it appropriate for everyone. Therefore, families with children are welcome at naturist venues and events. Any venue or event that purports to be "naturist" but excludes children should be viewed with skepticism. Such exclusions are appropriate in some cases. A grueling nude hike or a late evening dance at a club or resort come to mind. But the exclusion of children is sometimes used as a signal that an event is sexual in nature. The Naturist Society has no interest in passing judgment on sexual activities among consenting adults; however, TNS adamantly rejects the use of the term "naturism" as a cover for sexual activity. Naturists do not deny the sexual nature of human beings, but they reject the all too prevalent view in our society that nudity and sex are synonymous, and that children should be "protected" from nudity regardless of context. To repeat: nude is not lewd.

And from AANR "Nudist Family Values":

Whatever the level of amenities offered, all clubs are expected to adhere to AANR’s principles and standards, honed from 79 years of experience. Our clubs foster a wholesome, nurturing environment for members and their families.

Where are the nudist and naturist leaders on this issue? Where are Susan Weaver, Anita Panganiban, James Lane and the heads of the other regional AANR offices?  Where is Nicky Hoffman-Lee, and why is the Naturist Society holding its Western Gathering at Lupin Lodge this year in light of the marketing to groups which are the antithesis of what naturism is all about? And where are Bob Morton, Mark Storey and other leaders in TNS and the Naturist Action Committee? And where is the outrage from Robbe White of the Florida Young Naturists, who recently mounted a merciless campaign against Young Naturists America for issues which pale in comparison to what is happening at Lupin Lodge?

The Naturist Action Committee works tirelessly on the behalf of naturists in fighting unjust anti-nudity laws and  preserving the few clothing-optional beaches in America. AANR has its Government Affairs Team which is currently trying to negotiate for public lands to be set aside for nude recreation in California, and in a recent letter to Chief of the California Department of Parks and Recreation Tony Perez, declared that "any step towards creating areas set apart for nudity would usher in an entirely new level of sharing and cooperation."

The primary reason that the California DPR ended nudity at San Onofre Beach was because of complaints of sexual activity. How on earth can either AANR or TNS claim any moral high ground when negotiating with government officials when one of their premier nudist venues is hosting erotic fetish groups?

John Dean once warned President Nixon that there was a "cancer" on the Presidency. Well, there is a cancer on organized nudism.

When confronted with the Lupin Lodge situation back in May of 2010, AANR issued the following statement:

I was made aware of these various groups just this week, I did look at their websites and found the content very disturbing. The most disturbing was that these groups had planned on “ambushing” Lupin Lodge and AANR.

I immediately called the club and spoke with the owners, I also sent them any information I was able to find. Of course they were shocked and very annoyed that this was about to befall them, they are very proud of their family-friendly, non-sexual resort.

They thanked the AANR office for catching this, and assured us that there would be extra security at the gate and in the resort. These groups will be turned away and or ejected, and will never be welcome at Lupin Lodge.

Thank you once again for your email and for confirming the intent of these groups.

Sincerely,
Terry Justice
Club/Member Liaison

Disturbing. Ambushing. Shocked. Annoyed. Extra security. Turned away. Ejected. NEVER be welcome. This was a Shermanesque statement if there ever was one. AANR is either completely naive, or they are deliberately covering-up the truth. I understand that AANR and TNS are between a rock and a hard place on this issue. Lupin Lodge has been a respected naturist venue for 75 years and was the cover story of a recent Naturist Society magazine.

But AANR took swift action with Caliente, Paradise Lakes and Seminole in Florida when those clubs began to openly market to swingers, and holding sex-themed parties.

The national organizations are now confronted with a decisive moment, to either continue covering up and accepting erotic lifestyle groups at nudist resorts, or begin telling the truth about what is happening and let the chips fall where they may. Lies, deceptions and feigning ignorance can no longer stand.

Contact Information


AANR
Tel: 800-TRY-NUDE 
407-933-2064 
Fax: 407-933-7577
Email: try-nude@aanr.com
Email: susanweaver@aanr.com

THE NATURIST SOCIETY
Tel: 800-886-7230
Fax: 920-426-5184
Email: nickyh@naturistsociety.com

smashwolf's Twitter avatar

Some of the tweets from smashwolf's Twitter account:

UPDATE: Erotic Fetish Event Still Scheduled at AANR Resort

Despite a declaration that erotic fetish groups would "never be welcome" at Lupin Lodge, the "Northern California Human Fox Hunt" is scheduled to take place on the grounds of the Los Gatos nudist resort May 6-8, 2011.

All animal role players will be welcome to explore their inner animal in a beautiful, outdoor natural setting. Our clothing optional venue provides a safe, sane, and consensual environment for you to romp about as you please. ALL ANIMAL role players are welcomed: puppies, ponies, foxes, furries, and mythical beasts! And, of course, their human trainers and friends.

There will be outdoor space for lunge, cart pulling, an indoor BDSM play space, and a large forested area for the hunt. This year, all hunters are encouraged to participate in the Hunt Tea following the rigors of the hunt. Hunters can enjoy tea service on the veranda, with their pups at their feet and their ponies on their leads. Commemorative awards will be provided.

This is how a "Human Fox Hunt" is described:

The Human Fox Hunt is a live-action role playing game of whit and prowess where a human fox attempts to outwhit teams of human hunting dogs, ponies, hunters, handlers, and trainers in an outdoor setting. The hunt takes on a kinky bent where the team that captures the fox gets to negotiate a BDSM scene to simulate the ritualized dismemberment of the fox in the spirit of the bloodsport of fox hunting.

Lupin Lodge professes on its web site that "nudity and sex are different human experiences", and parents "can relax knowing that the others in our family environment share their concern for the inviolability of all children".

Not only is Lupin Lodge allowing BDSM groups onto the grounds to practice their sexual fetishes out in the open, they are offering special rates for admission, lodging, camping and food.

Susan Weaver, President of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), is well aware of  the openly sexual activities taking place at Lupin Lodge, and AANR-West was designated to investigate. Weaver responded by stating that their are procedures in place for dealing with such issues, and that no "recommendation has yet been received from the region".

The self-styled "credible" voice for nude recreation was informed of the fetish groups at Lupin in May of 2010, and such a slow response begs the question as to whether of not the national organization has the backbone to actually stand up to one of nudism's most storied resorts.

Nicky Hoffman-Lee, co-owner of The Naturist Society, has declined to comment on this situation at Lupin Lodge, which is the announced site of the 2011 TNS Western Gathering on August 11-14. The venue was also featured as the cover story in the Winter 2010 issue of the TNS publication "Nude and Natural" commemorating the venue's 75th anniversary, so any public acknowledgement of the sexual events taking place at Lupin Lodge would be a huge embarrassment to the organization.

The people at AANR and TNS are not stupid. They know full well that Lupin Lodge is marketing to BDSM groups, but they are hoping that members either don't know about these fetish events, or that they simply don't care.

Both AANR and TNS advertise their affiliated resorts as being true to the definitions of nudism and naturism, free from having sexually-charged atmospheres. No doubt that Lee Baxandall is rolling over in his grave when one of the premier naturist resorts in the United States is hosting "puppies, ponies, foxes, furries, and mythical beasts", with people getting their sexual kinks on by wearing leather and pulling carts around the grounds, where "hunters" can enjoy "tea service on the veranda, with their pups at their feet and their ponies on their leads", and a "Fur Ball" is taking place in the main restaurant where "local furries and kinksters are welcome to mix and kick it up".

AANR and TNS have to speak the truth on this issue which is central to the state of nudism today, and has a direct affect on the future. Either this sort of fetish marketing needs to stop, or the organizations need to re-define what is acceptable at their affiliated clubs and breathe a little honesty into the discussion. Merely trying to keep a lid on this, or pretend it is not actually happening, is unacceptable.

I strongly urge nudists and naturist everywhere to let their voices be heard. Either you support the presence of BDSM, swinger and other erotic lifestyle groups at traditional nudist venues, or you don't. Either nudism and naturism must be defended for what it has been over the past century, or it must evolve and merge with a rapidly growing adult erotic segment of society which represents open sexuality and a kink lifestyle.

It's time for nudist and naturist organizations to stop the deception and speak the truth. Oscar Wilde once said that truth is "rarely pure and never simple". Certainly AANR and TNS are struggling internally with the Lupin situation, and understandably so. But enough is enough. Time to stand up for the truth and let the chips fall where they may.

Screenshots of the Human Fox Hunt, as well as AANR and TNS contact information appear below.

AANR
Tel: 800-TRY-NUDE 
407-933-2064 
Fax: 407-933-7577
Email: try-nude@aanr.com
Email: susanweaver@aanr.com

THE NATURIST SOCIETY
Tel: 800-886-7230
Fax: 920-426-5184
Email: nickyh@naturistsociety.com

The Century Project Weathers a Storm

Dr. Paul Rapoport chronicles the obsession of Oklahoma State University professer John Foubert with Frank Cordelle's "The Century Project".

Although images of nudity may occasionally surprise, confuse, or bother some people, and individuals may misuse some, naturists need to oppose the claim that the existence or viewing of such images causes or increases sexual violence or crime. Countering it may be a tough task. But the mythology and censorship surrounding nudity, especially the non-sexualized variety in naturism, are large and hysterical, and as disturbing as John Foubert’s fabrications and bullying.

You can read Dr. Rapoport's full article here, published in the latest issue of "Nude and Natural" magazine.

Local Residents Complain of Noise from Lupin Lodge

Lupin Lodge in Los Gatos, California, is the subject of complaints from local residents of excessive noise coming from the clothing-optional resort well past the 11:00 PM self-imposed curfew.

Residents in the Chemeketa area of the Santa Cruz Mountains have been noticing an increase in noise late at night. The noise has been traced to the Lupin Lodge, a clothing optional resort located in Aldercroft Heights about ten minutes outside of downtown Los Gatos. 

The Lupin Lodge website says that their events end at 11:00 pm, but residents are hearing noise coming from the area much later into the night.

A group called Anti-Lupin Raves has been started due to people being "bothered by the loud music (played into the wee hours) and the traffic at the parties given at Lupin Lodge", posing a "noise nuisance and potential fire hazard".

One resident says that flyers will be distributed informing neighbors with website and telephone information, and options are being discussed to solve the ongoing problem. Group member Karla said, "I am not looking forward to the upcoming week end, I fear it will be a repeat of the last one."

Lupin Lodge is a member club of both the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). Susan Weaver, President of AANR, recently commented about allegations that Lupin management is allowing BDSM and erotic lifestyle groups onto the property, against the organization's guidelines which prohibit overt sexual activity: "The Lupin situation has been brought to the attention of the AANR-West Region and it is my understanding that an investigation is taking place."

Another AANR Resort Hosts Erotic Fetish Events

In the wake of the recent controversy at Lupin Lodge, the American Association for Nude Recreation has another affiliated club openly marketing to swingers and erotic lifestyles groups.

Caliente Caribe in the Dominican Republic is openly advertising "Naughty Kinky Dominican Domination Group Trip" from March 26 through April 2, 2011, "March Madness Erotica Group Week" for the same time period, "Caliente Spring Swing Erotic Resort Takeover" for April 16 through 23, 2011, "Fetish Fest 2 Paradise Bound Resort Takeover" for June 18-25, 2011, and several other sexually charged events.

Caliente Caribe is listed as an AANR club on the organization's website. The Nudist group bills itself as "the credible voice of reason for nude recreation since 1931" and promises a non-sexual environment whenever a member visits an affiliated club.

Plan to Go Nude! Although some clubs allow visitors to remain clothed while touring the club as a first timer, most clubs expect guests to be "clothed when practical, nude when appropriate." Visitors, as well as members, are required to conduct themselves in a manner that would be considered acceptable at any other public social gathering. There will be people of all ages and backgrounds - families, couples, children, young and old - and they will all have one thing in common…they decided to participate in nude recreation. 

As a first timer, please make this important observation, even though you might anticipate it, a nude environment does not have any special sexual connotation.

On a page entitled "Why Your Membership Matters", AANR boasts of its efforts to "advocate for nude recreation with regular visits to the U.S. Congress and state legislatures to educate lawmakers and staff about nudist concerns", and it works to "protect traditional skinny-dipping spots and nude beaches."

AANR requires its affiliated clubs to adhere to its principles and standards.

The atmosphere of an AANR club is wholesome and friendly. People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspectives. Clubs are careful about who enters their facility and if anyone seems to be there for the wrong reason, they will be asked to leave.

In recent years several affiliated clubs have surrendered their charters so that they could openly market to swingers and other erotic lifestyle groups, which fall outside the traditional definitions of nudism and naturism. Since last May, the California club Lupin Lodge, which has been in existence since 1936, has been involved with a controversy over BDSM groups using its facilities for meetings and "play areas". As of this writing, neither AANR nor The Naturist Society have made any official statements on the status of Lupin as one of their affiliated clubs.

Below are some screen captures of the Caliente Caribe website and some of the groups scheduled to visit this year.

http://calienteresorts.com/caribe/destination.html
http://www.dommetrips.com/
http://x-clusiveplaymates.com/dominican-republic-2011/
http://www.kinkevents.com/cff/cff-caliente.html

Pansexual BDSM Group Meets at Lupin Lodge

Masters and Slaves Together Santa Clara County (MAsTSCC) openly advertises their monthly meetings at Lupin Lodge, contrary to public statements by The American Association for Nude Recreation that such sexual fetish groups would "never" be welcome at that clothing-optional venue.

Although the blog itself has scrubbed any references to Lupin Lodge, the event calendar is quite clear and specific about the venue. On March 6, 2011, there is a scheduled 7 PM meeting.

Masters and slaves Together of Santa Clara County wants to make YOU HAPPY.
Want to come to a meeting on a SUNDAY? Want to come and have an early dinner at the on site restaurant?? Want to come and have a late HOT TUB dip? Want to come to the meeting and go swimming FIRST?
Want to come to the meeting, enjoy the company of other Masters, slaves, and power exchange couples and then PLAY????
Come join MAsT SCC at our NEW HOME at Lupin Lodge in the hills 11 min. outside Los Gatos.

There is a warning for all MAsT members to hide their "toys" because children could be around, as well as the following statement:

Lupin is open and aware of our group, has all their permits and has been around 78 years- we are welcomed with open arms, and hope that your time with us will be a warm, loving environment with leather folk and M/s friends.

MAsTSCC also describes their facilities at Lupin Lodge.

Drawback? It is nestled next to the permanent residents yurts so play noise has to be zero after the meeting (or we can walk down to play at our old larger spot). But this is t he HUGE WIN happy spot for me. It's like meeting in a very warm round living room instead of a huge round dance hall. The intimacy level is about 4X what it was, and we can enjoy the floor space.

AANR Club/Member Liaison Terry Justice made the following statement last May when allegations against Lupin first emerged.

I immediately called the club and spoke with the owners, I also sent them any information I was able to find. Of course they were shocked and very annoyed that this was about to befall them, they are very proud of their family-friendly, non-sexual resort. 

They thanked the AANR office for catching this, and assured us that there would be extra security at the gate and in the resort. These groups will be turned away and or ejected, and will never be welcome at Lupin Lodge.

AANR proclaims on their website:

The atmosphere of an AANR club is wholesome and friendly. People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspectives. Clubs are careful about who enters their facility and if anyone seems to be there for the wrong reason, they will be asked to leave.

AANR President Susan Weaver announced on February 11 that Internal Administration is looking into "several" matters that will be "dealt with in a just and appropriate manner."

Lupin Lodge is affiliated with AANR and The Naturist Society (TNS). As of this writing, neither organization has said whether or not Lupin specifically is the subject of any investigations.

Following are some screen captures of the BDSM website.

AANR Currently Investigating "Several" Matters

In an announcement yesterday, AANR President Susan Weaver said that "several" matters were currently being handled by Internal Investigations:

Vice President Mark Hammond, who also serves as AANR's Internal Administration Chair, has been working on several IA matters. While it is never pleasant to receive complaints about clubs, the IA process is in place so that the regions can carry out initial investigations and report their findings to AANR, so they can be dealt with in a just and appropriate manner. As a club owner himself, Mark sets high value on the AANR brand and will work to see that it is upheld.

All nudists and naturists should contact AANR and TNS and let them know that they also want traditional family values upheld at affiliated clubs, especially regarding the current situation at Lupin Lodge. Don't be part of the silent majority, speak up!

AANR
Tel: 800-TRY-NUDE
407-933-2064
Fax: 407-933-7577
Email: try-nude@aanr.com
Email: susanweaver@aanr.com

THE NATURIST SOCIETY
Tel: 800-886-7230
Fax: 920-426-5184
Email: nickyh@naturistsociety.com

The Crisis in Nudism and Naturism, and What YOU Can Do

The silence is deafening from AANR and TNS since the recent allegations that Lupin Lodge is hosting BDSM erotic lifestyle groups on its grounds. Both organizations should have been well prepared for this moment, given that the reports of fetish groups infiltrating Lupin surfaced last May.

The loss of Lupin Lodge, a cornerstone of the nudist and naturist movement since 1936, would be devastating. Both AANR and TNS are in negotiations with the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the restoration of clothing-optional status to San Onofre Beach, and for more public lands to be set aside for nude recreation, claiming that nudism and naturism are family friendly and not magnets for overt sexual activity.

How can either group expect to maintain the moral high ground in discussions and legal actions when one of its affiliated clubs in California is hosting sexual fetish events?

AANR has drawn a sharp line in the sand, proclaiming that these "groups will be turned away and or ejected, and will never be welcome at Lupin Lodge."

NEVER.

The Naturist Society is also clear in its stand on sexual activity.

TNS adamantly rejects the use of the term "naturism" as a cover for sexual activity. Naturists do not deny the sexual nature of human beings, but they reject the all too prevalent view in our society that nudity and sex are synonymous, and that children should be "protected" from nudity regardless of context. To repeat: nude is not lewd.

ADAMANTLY REJECTS.

The time is now to let YOUR voice be heard on this issue. Either the national organizations live up to their standards and philosophies, or they turn a blind eye to a situation which threatens the very existence of family nudism.

The discussion about the future of nudism needs to be had. Are the occasional adult events such as the "human fox hunt" or "Nudes-a-Poppin" acceptable at AANR and TNS affiliated clubs as long as they otherwise maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, or are these adult-oriented events grounds for club suspension or expulsion? As of today, the latter is still official policy.

Until that discussion takes place, it appears that AANR and TNS have no choice but to sanction clubs which hold overt sexual events. In the case of Lupin Lodge, it is alleged by the "human fox hunt" people that employees at the venue not only gave complete approval to the fetish events, they worked knowingly to cover it up.

If such an event is acceptable, then why is it not listed on Lupin's calendar, and why did the fox hunt folks remove all references to Lupin from their web site to prevent search engines from finding the information?

Inaction on this issue is a tacit admission that family naturism is a fraud.

It is time for all nudists and naturists to get involved. Contact the leaders of AANR and TNS and let them know how you feel. If you think that such adult activities are unacceptable, then tell them. If you think that adult activities are sometimes acceptable, then tell them. Just don't sit by the sidelines and watch as yet another club falls to the lifestyle crowds.

AANR
Tel: 800-TRY-NUDE
407-933-2064
Fax: 407-933-7577
Email: try-nude@aanr.com

THE NATURIST SOCIETY
Tel: 800-886-7230
Fax: 920-426-5184
Email: nickyh@naturistsociety.com

What's Really Going On at Lupin Lodge?

According to their website, a California "Human Fox Hunt" erotic lifestyles group has booked May 6 through 8 at Lupin Lodge Clothing-Optional Resort for one of their fetish events (please note registration is required on their website to get access for specifics on the event). Another ponyplay fetish site, The Stampede, describes the event as follows:

The original human fox hunt team and The Stampede is gearing up for our second event in our new venue! All animal role players are welcome to explore their inner animal in a natural setting. Our clothing optional venue provides a safe, sane, and consensual environment to romp in as you please. ALL ANIMAL role players welcomed, Puppies, ponies, foxes, furries, and mythical beasts! There will be outdoor space for lunge, ad cart pulling, and indoor BDSM play space, and a large forested area for the hunt.

Lupin Lodge in Los Gatos, California, is affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and The Naturist Society (TNS). Both organizations support nude recreation in a non-sexual environment. In the past few years, at least three AANR affiliated resorts have withdrawn from the organization due to overtly sexual activities and marketing to swinger lifestyle groups: Caliente, Paradise Lakes and  Seminole.

Lupin also disassociates itself from sexual activity, declaring that anyone visiting the resort agrees to "avoid behavior which is aggressive, harassing, embarrassing, overtly sexual, or otherwise inappropriate to Lupin's family environment" (rules). Minor children are welcome and are admitted free as long as they are accompanied by their parents. On a page entitled "Lupin, Nudity and Sexuality" it is stated emphatically that "Public eroticism and sexual exploitation are not acceptable at Lupin."

The controversy over the erotic lifestyle groups is not new and was previously reported here. AANR was notified at the time and Terry Justice, Club/Member Liason, gave the following response:

I immediately called the club and spoke with the owners, I also sent them any information I was able to find. Of course they were shocked and very annoyed that this was about to befall them, they are very proud of their family-friendly, non-sexual resort. They thanked the AANR office for catching this, and assured us that there would be extra security at the gate and in the resort. These groups will be turned away and or ejected, and will never be welcome at Lupin Lodge.

Information on the Fox Hunt website contradicts AANR, and openly describes an event held at Lupin last September:

The new venue was perfect for this event, and the feedback from both the venue, other guests, and guests of the fox hunt has been exceptionally positive! We will be doing this again, and there is even consideration to doing this twice a year, since our ideal weather, and time of year is on the edges of the venue's busy season, and into their down season.

Upon registering and logging into the Fox Hunt site, one can read a message from Fox Hunt member "Smash" describing the problems encountered with Lupin and AANR:

This controversy appears to date back to mid-May, 2010. This was the day that Smash, the event organizer, met with Lupin Lodge representative, Cindy Gregory, and the date for this event was confirmed. Shortly thereafter, a preliminary announcement was posted onto The Stampede Talk and copied to the Equus Eroticus events listing. While only members of Stampede Talk can read Stampede posts and these posts can not be found through Google, the EE posting was publicly viewable.

The conservative watchdogs have Lupin Lodge, and the Lodge's website, in their searches. They have made an issue out of the Fox Hunt to the AANR. AANR has politely asked the Fox Hunt Organizers to remove all references to Lupin Lodge and any Lupin URLs.

The Fox Hunt organizers have combed this site and removed all references to "Lupin", or "Lupin Lodge" and now merely refer to it as "The Venue". All references and links to Lupin Lodge in the articles can now only be seen by registered users.

AANR has denied any knowledge of these events at Lupin, yet "Smash", the event organizer, claims that AANR requested that the Fox Hunt site remove all references to Lupin.

Lupin Lodge, AANR and TNS have all been asked to comment on this situation, and as of this writing there has been some communication but no official statement.

Screen shots of the Fox Hunt websites are below in case pressure is put on them to change or remove their information about Lupin.

AANR bills itself as "the credible voice of reason for nude recreation Since 1931" and fields a Government Affairs Team to liaison with public officials over legal and public lands issues. Currently AANR is in communications with the California Parks and Recreation Department over setting aside some public lands for nude recreation.

Lupin Lodge was founded in 1936 and the history of their first 50 years can be found here. The Naturist Society has scheduled its annual Western Gathering at Lupin for August 11-14, 2011.

http://foxhunt.lycanthrope.net/
http://the-stampede.org/events.html

One Arrest Reported in TNS Delray Beach Incident

NBC News in Miami is reporting that one arrest has been made for the incident involving 10 naturists getting naked on public Delray Beach.

One man involved in the nude display has already been arrested, and it sounds like there could be more busts for indecent exposure.

The man who was arrested, David Armstrong, said Delray needs to give peace a chance.

"There's a bunch of us lying there and we're doing a peace sign," Armstrong told WPEC. "They fear us, they think we're freaks."

Freak is as freak does.

David Armstrong is an area representative for The Naturist Society in Palm Beach County, and a member of South Florida Free Beaches and other organizations. He was arrested on May 11 of 2009 for disorderly conduct on Delray Beach and was found not guilty on November 15. (source here)

Armstrong proposed a nude beach back in early 2008 but was laughed at by city officials.

The NBC story also reports, somewhat sensationally, that local police are "in a tizzy" and that local residents, including the vice mayor, don't want a nude beach in their community.

More brilliant public relations from The Naturist Society. Members need to demand a statement of explanation from the organizer of this fiasco.

Ten TNS Members Could Be Arrested

Looks like 10 naturists at the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival at Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort decided to defy public nudity laws by appearing naked on public Delray Beach with the intent on making a human peace symbol for an aerial photo.

The nine men and one woman were not arrested.Police recommended an indecent exposure charge but the State Attorney's Office will decide whether the birthday-suit peaceniks will be arrested.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Whose idea was this? Was Morley Schloss or any other TNS or NAC official involved? I'm dumbfounded as to why these 10 decided to pull this idiotic stunt and generate more negative publicity for nudism and naturism.

Sweet Grapes?

All of you are certainly familiar with the Aesop tale about the fox and the grapes, where the animal tries and tries to reach some grapes hanging on a vine, and when unable to get to them exclaims "the grapes are sour anyway".

What you don't know about is the fox's friend who was watching nearby. When the first fox fails, the second one, who is bigger and stronger, comes along and says that the grapes are the sweetest in the world and that he can get them. The second fox jumps and jumps, and finally manages to bite off a single grape. When he bites down, it is the most unripe and sour fruit he has ever tasted, but he turns to his friend and exclaims that it is delicious.

Such is the case with some recent nudist and naturist news, with people putting a positive spin on some bad news, and declaring it all good.

In the February 2010 Naturist Action Committee newsletter, Morley Schloss tries to turn a visit from child protection authorities into something positive for naturism.

The officials looked at the photos of the children enjoying the Youth Camp. They remarked something to the effect of, “No problem, it looks like the kids are having fun.” We then shook hands and they left.

And over on the rec.nude Google group, John Purbrick seconds the "victory":

This is just more proof that we don't have anything to fear, if we live right. In fact, as Morley says, we actually prove our innocence when children are invited to join in, and enjoy themselves, and anyone at all can visit and verify that.

The truth of the matter is that the visit by the police and a social worker to Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort is an ominous development in an era when all nude depictions of anyone under 18 years of age can be considered child pornography. We live in a society where a Pennsylvania district attorney can announce that he has the power to prosecute young girls in bikinis on a beach because they are dressed "provocatively'.

I applaud Morley for standing up for his principles. He is right - there is nothing lewd about a nude child having fun at camp. Morley is one of the last naturists with the courage to keep posting nude photos of children enjoying nude recreation.

I wish him continued success, but I fear that the day will soon come where an ambitious politician or district attorney in Florida will make children in nudism a hot-button issue, and unlike Mark Foley's failed attempt several years ago, the social climate has changed, and the next attack could prove to be successful.

Another "victory" has been declared by AANR over a recent incident at an Oregon shopping mall where a banner touting nude recreation drew complaints and had to be removed from a local chamber of commerce event.

From time to time, I am asked, “Why do we even need an AANR?” I hope this story provides another answer. We’ll continue to do what we have done since 1931: advocating for nudity within appropriate settings and educating the public about the wholesome benefits that enjoying nudity offers.

Again, the truth of the matter is that AANR was censored at a public mall, doing more harm to nudism. Executive Director Erich Schuttauf can talk all he wants about other stores in the mall with provocative advertising, and that a "well-stated" letter was fired off the the chamber president, but the banner showing "discreet" nudity probably should not have been raised in the first place.

You cannot advocate for nudity "within appropriate settings" and then raise a banner in a shopping mall with depictions of nudity.

Is this really the best our national organizations can do?

Angye, Angye, where will it lead us from here?

Events organizer Angye Fox has left Caliente Resort in Pasco County, Florida, but her sexing up of the resort, and marketing to swingers groups, has homeowners up in arms and threatening to sue. Richard Klos, a resident, presented County Commissioners with a notebook filled with evidence of events such as "Naughty School Girl Camp" to "Sinful Seduction". It's a tricky situation to enforce adult entertainment laws at a place where everyone is nude, but if admissible evidence surfaces, Caliente could be in for some trouble.

Deb Bowen, Caliente spokeswoman, said the resort has strict policies at community property, including the swimming pool, and enforces it.

"Any antics were exposed and stopped immediately," she said.

She added that the former events organizer, Angye Fox, who left the resort last month, may have taken the marketing a little far. "That's why you have a staff who can reel it back in," she said.

But she made no apologies for the more explicit tone in the type of events the resort is conducting. The idea, she said, is to attract a younger generation.

Did Deb Bowen just admit on the record that there were definitely "antics"? That statement could almost certainly be used against Caliente in any legal action, and illustrates just how unsavvy nudists and naturists are when dealing with the press.

While the Commissioners seem unable to provide any relief for homeowners, they are sympathetic and suggested to Mr. Klos that he hire a lawyer and consider a civil suit.

AANR and TNS are losing this PR battle for the definition of nudism/naturism. Either there needs to be much stronger pushback against this sexual behavior, or begin to accept the fact that the nudist community is going to be irreparably split into two factions: family and adult.

It will be interesting to see if Caliente homeowners sue the resort. If they are successful, it will certainly put a chill on other resorts which are considering a turn to a more adult-oriented agenda. If they fail, it will probably open the door for other struggling resorts to spice things up to bring in more revenue.

I am a strong opponent of turning traditional family-friendly nudist resorts into havens for swingers, but a recent post by Dr. Marty Klein about sexual prejudice got me to thinking.

Carnival Cruises of Miami will not book another “cougar-cub cruise” (younger men and middle-aged women meeting for erotic connection, either temporary or long-term), even though the first sold out and demand for a second is high.

It’s not clear what Carnival objects to—middle-aged women having sex, middle-aged women having sex with people other than the crew, or simply all that legendary 24-hour-a-day food going uneaten.

I've said many times that I have no objection to Caliente catering to a swingers crowd, but I do object to the use of the term "nudist". Even though Caliente uses the term "clothing-optional", in the eyes of the public it's the same thing.

Instead of AANR revoking charters and losing members, maybe it's a better (and certainly more radical) idea to begin rating resorts just like they do movies in Hollywood. Parents take their kids to the multiplex and drop them off to see the Chipmunk movie as they go to the theatre next door to see something more adult like "Up in the Air".

Young adults will certainly be more attracted to the sexy and romantic atmosphere of Caliente or Hedonism, and perhaps when they get a little older and have kids, they will continue their nude recreation activities at more family-friendly venues.

Perhaps AANR is a bit guilty of the same sort of sexual prejudice that confronts nudists every day.

Either traditional nudists and naturists learn to live with a spicier version of the lifestyle, or die a slow death as the younger generation rejects miniten, petanque, and pot-luck dinners.

In December, 1962, Edmund Kiernan wrote:

We who belong to the nudist movement know that social nudity has very little sex stimulation; but we also realize that with a different attitude allowed there could be plenty of such stimulation. There was a reason for the rule against alcohol in the parks and for the rule against physical contact that might cause sex arousal. The need for these rules still exists. Although, thanks to a friendly press, we are regarded with more tolerance than in the early days, the nudist movement is still not accepted by most Americans. If we were to follow the advice of Eden 11, whatever acceptance we have would be lost. Very probably nudist parks would be closed and nudism banned.

Things have certainly loosened up since then. Alcohol is present at every nudist resort I've been to. Physical contact is less frowned upon. AANR finally put in its bylaws that there should be no discrimination over sexual orientation. Tattoos and body jewelry are common, as are shaved pubic areas. TNS is having seminars on Roman Sex, polyamory, and "raunchy" burlesque at its Mid-Winter Festival. Edmund Kiernan is probably rolling over in his grave.

Nudists have traditionally been as prudish about sexuality as the rest of clothed society. Perhaps even more so. Can nudism and naturism, as defined by AANR and TNS, survive in a society where teens are sending nude photos with their cell phones, pornography is omnipresent, and sex is used to sell everything from soap to politicians? Senator-elect Scott Brown posed for a nude Cosmopolitan centerfold when he was in college, certainly more sexual than a nudist event, yet that did not prevent him from winning in Massachusetts last week.

This is the central debate for nudists and naturists today. More to come on this subject soon.

California Paper Runs Story on NEF Nude Sunbathing Poll

The Orange County Register has a story today on the Naturist Education Foundation / Zogby Poll showing that 79% of California residents support nude sunbathing.

"I think this poll mainly shows that the Parks Department should go ahead and designate clothing-optional beaches in California because that's what the people of the state want. The people want to have safe, legal, clothing-optional beaches," said Allen Baylis, a Huntington Beach attorney who led the fight against the nudity ban at Trail 6.

Naturist Education Foundation 2009 California Poll

If you ever had any doubt that the California Department of Parks and Recreation was going against the will of the people in banning nudity at San Onofre Beach, the 2009 Naturist Education Foundation poll shows that in California there is strong support for nude sunbathing, overwhelming acceptance for the personal rights of people to be nude in their homes or on their property, and clear rejection of the notion that most Californians are offended by nudity. A whopping 62% believe that the DPR should establish clothing-optional areas in state parks.

The Naturist Action Committee Advisory on the poll can be found here, and the entire poll results are here.

This is a scientific poll conducted by Zogby with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

Highlights are that 79% of respondents agree that people should be able to enjoy nude sunbathing, 70% agree that areas should be set aside for nude recreation, 68% agree that people have the right to be nude in their homes or on their property even if occasionally visible to others, and 60% disagree that they are personally offended by the non-sexual nudity of others.

Another astounding number is that 40% or respondents have personally gone skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing with others. That calculates to approximately 10 million people in the state of California alone.

Contrast this important work being done by the NEF with the lame self-serving poll conducted by AANR last month on its blog.

Congratulations and thanks to the NEF and this watershed poll on which naturists can begin to build a system of public lands for the personal liberty and human right of being nude in nature.

Nude and Natural Magazine Issue 29.2 Now Available

The Winter 2009 issue of Nude and Natural Magazine is now available through The Naturist Society. The table of contents and the staff pick article are available for free viewing online here. Copies of N magazine, TNS memberships and other items can be purchased online at the Skinny Dipper Shop.

When I get my copy in the mail I will comment further on the contents.

USA Today Covers the California Nude Beach Story

USA Today picked up on the banning of nudity at California's San Onofre Beach, and both Bob Morton and Allen Baylis are quoted. It's noteworthy that AANR was not interviewed for the article.

Park Superintendent Richard Haydon warns:

"We are going to be moving forward with starting to enforce the nudity statute down at San Onofre, and basically returning that portion of the beach to all people who want to go down there without fear of running into something they didn't think they would," Haydon said. "People should very well be under notice."

I really despise this so-called "rationale". How can you exclaim that you are returning the beach to "all" people by banning those who most frequent the area? This is clear discrimination. All that needs to be done is put up a sign or two warning about nude sunbathers so people don't have to live in "fear" of seeing too much flesh.

Most of the article is retread material, but Baylis does note that people are ready to be arrested in order to bring the matter before the criminal courts as a matter of civil disobedience. Unfortunately, with a government intent on robbing people of basic freedoms, sometimes that's the only way. I only hope that Baylis has the numbers of people necessary to make such a protest effective.

Penn State Brochure Recommends Nudist Naturist Activities

At Penn State, students considering jobs as nude artists' models are given a brochure which recommends "some sort of naturist/nudist recreation" in order to prepare and overcome any embarrassment. It also praises nude models:

“You have just been inducted into one of the longest-standing traditions in the history of art,” it reads. “You are one of the select few who have provided their bodies for the betterment of other people. Because of people like you, we have the Da Vincis, the Van Goghs, the Warhols.”

OK, AANR and TNS, the art department at Penn State has just opened a door for you. The University is actually recommending nude recreation to its students - how about offering free limited memberships or free day passes to all the aspiring models? Or perhaps a nude swimming event could be organized at one of the university pools. You want the younger generation getting involved in nude recreation? Penn State just offered its students on a silver platter.

A Call to Action for Nudists and Naturists

Today Tom Mulhall, board member of AANR West and owner of the Terra Cotta Inn, recommended that nudists and naturists join both the American Association for Nude Recreation and The Naturist Society, and urged all to donate to their legal defense funds.

I wholeheartedly agree.

There are a lot of nudist and not-so-nudist web sites out there trying to get your money. Most of them are really selling photos and videos for profit, and while they often do reflect true nudist and naturist values, they really do not add much to the table when it comes to public affairs. If you are spending $50 here and $50 there for social networks or photo sites, re-think your priorities and steer those dollars towards one of the national organizations that are working for you, not just for themselves.

The Internet is not a substitute for social nudism. If you are someone who has only experienced social nudism in the virtual world, get off your bare buns and join AANR or TNS and attend a real, live nudist event or venue.

So here's another challenge to Tom, and a call to action for nudists and naturists everywhere. Since Tom and Mary Clare state that they are no longer members of TNS, I will purchase them a gift membership. A membership application can be downloaded here. Tom, just print it, fill it out, let me know, and I will mail you a check, no strings attached.

The call to action is for all members of AANR and/or TNS to purchase a gift membership for a friend. It is the holidays after all, and I'll bet that most of us know at least one person at our local clubs and venues who is not a member, or perhaps someone online.

And all you nudist bloggers and web site owners can run with this challenge, too. And if everyone reading this can pass on the challenge on their favorite forum, we can begin to make a difference.

Tom Mulhall has shown that egos can be set aside when a common cause is being threatened. The only way to move forward on nudist and naturist rights is to organize, and in order to organize people have to join and contribute.

So stop paying for photos and videos online, give up Starbucks for a couple of weeks, drop pennies into a jar, whatever it takes, and support YOUR nudist and naturist organizations today.

Skinny-Dipping for Charity - Are You Listening AANR and TNS?

A naturist club in the UK hopes to raise £1,000 for a cancer care center by donating a portion of the entry fees for their indoor nude swims.

The club holds three spring and three autumn swims. Part of the proceeds from the entrance fee are donated to charity.

Each attracts between 120-200 people. David, who has been a naturist for more than 20 years, said: "We get the police and religious people. An engineer from the QE2 is a regular attendee.

"Naturism is a very good leveler. Without your formal attire you don't know who you are talking to."

As well as locals, the swims are attended by naturists from as far afield as Scotland and Wales. Sometimes the Young British Naturists, for 16 to 30-year-olds, and Suntreckers, a naturist caravanning and camping club, descend on the pool.

Is there any naturist club in the United States which draws up to 200 people per swim? Here in Columbus, Ohio, The Buckeye Naturists/Have Sun Will Travel swims are lucky to get 20 people, and West Penn Naturist boasts of 30-50 people in attendance at their swimming events.

Either Yanks are a lot more prudish than the Brits, or this is a matter of poor marketing. The British Club, Water Meadows Naturist Swim Club, has an extensive, up-to-date web site with scheduled dates announced up to a year in advance, a guestbook, links, events page, online membership form, online store, and much more.

Here in Columbus, Ohio, The Buckeye Naturists don't even have their winter swim dates announced on their web site, blog, or Google group. There is an announcement that "winter swims are on", but no date or further information. Have Sun Will Travel has 4 swim dates announced, but no phone number, no location, no instructions.

West Penn Naturist is a much better web site, with complete list of winter events, news, fees, policies, links, and information for first-timers. It could use a cosmetic makeover, but it's updated and informative.

This past summer, for the AANR World Record Skinny-Dip event, most of the outdoor pools and ponds at affiliated resorts were overflowing - 357 at Paradise Valley Resort in Georgia, 345 at Turtle Lake in Michigan, 317 at White Tails in Virginia, 235 at Avalon in West Virginia, and so on.

With the winter blahs setting in over a great portion of America, either AANR or TNS should be working with non-landed clubs to develop a winter strategy to keep nudism and naturism vital in the off-season. There's no reason a charitable event cannot be organized - skinny dip for breast cancer, or autism, or raise money for the Special Olympics, or to help wounded war veterans. Something, anything, to stir the nude spirit when the weather is cold, and the pool waters are warm.

It's not for lack of interest by the public, it's lack of leadership and organization by the national groups.