Hey Charles. Interesting piece. You probably recall that I used to have an extensive blog about naturism. I finally had to take it down after being allegations of sexual harassment due to my role as university faculty. We live in the age of “social justice,” where social nudity amongst those in leadership positions apparently constitutes harassment!
Meanwhile, if you go to The Netherlands or Germany, you’ll find thousands of “young people” who have no qualms about social nudity.
Seems we live in an age in the US where faux conservatism and rapid escalation to litigation have become our defining qualities. Not much room for social nudity in that reality!
It's pretty sad that an institution of higher education would have any problem with a faculty member's naturist activities. But such is the deranged state of mind in this country now that this happens. Western European countries have their problems - but paranoia over naturism is one of the least of those.
I was concerned when I saw that your Medium account and naturist blogs suddenly disappeared - if that might be due to health problems or some such. At least you (and your wife) still have a little on Instagram (FWIW).
If your peregrinations bring you back to California sometime perhaps we could get together at a congenial place like Laguna del Sol.
Thanks Charles, for a very good piece on the evolving trials that US Naturism faces today. Dan also makes a good point about 'conservatism' and 'litigation' here in the US as well. I have to wonder, how your above analysis might compare to that of European Naturism using related metrics, and if there would be something there that could be considered for our domestic applications to enhance US acceptance and envigored participation. Again, keep up the good work and look forward to more from you.
"I have to wonder, how your above analysis might compare to that of European Naturism using related metrics"
If you're referring to the obsession that U.S. people seem to have with "generations", I don't know whether that's similar in Europe. Humans generally tend to categorize others into "us" vs. "them". The generation thing is just one example. Of course, there are far more harmful examples too.
"if there would be something there that could be considered for our domestic applications to enhance US acceptance and envigored participation"
As I noted in this edition of the newsletter, there are three more recent articles that explore actions that U.S. naturists can take to promote naturism. That is the whole idea of "revitalizing" naturism - at least to its former level of popularity. I'll continue to brainstorm ways to do that. One general approach that I think is most important is for individual naturists to take the lead in promoting social nudity. The existing national and regional naturist organizations don't seem to be up to the task.
As JFK said, "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country". Apply that attitude to the promotion of naturism.
Succession. A tree on a steep hill falls, leaving exposed soil. Opportunistic annuals take root, followed by sticker bushes, then another tree or trees, surrounded by a guild of perennials, annuals, moss, mushrooms.
When I learned that there were places people went to go naked socially, I wanted to get there that very day. (We owned a huge woodlot with hills and a stream that fed a creek—the Lamoine River—all of which I explored with my clothes hidden behind a fallen tree.) As an adult, I haven't had as many opportunities for nudism as I would have liked. Even driving an hour to Oakwood or Avatan, to hang out with a bunch of naked, low-information voters, is too much. I grieve my loss.
The thing about Oakwood and Avatan, two clubs on the Anoka Sand Plain just above the furthest edge of the Twin Cities' northern suburbs, is that, for the time being, they're beyond the bidding war for real estate. You probably couldn't have a nudist venue any closer. The analogy is drive-in theaters. Why is it remarkable to see one of those huge, flat structures, when there used to be one on the edge of every town? The owners could make more by selling or developing the land than by running the business.
As for attitudes toward nudity, I have an idea that there may be a greater comfort with it than ever, just not as nudism. I may be talking through my broad-brimmed, straw fedora; if I'm wrong it's because women feel vulnerable. (I'd like to talk to my first wife about this. She was an avid nudist, but it was during the counterculture and before women my age caught on to what shits men can be.)
I have two reasons I think people are more comfortable with nudity now. The first is the sex-positivity movement. Put a tan stripe on the Pride Flag. The second is the active life-drawing scene here in the Twin Cities. Twice a week, I get together with other artists and hire a model. One of the groups used to rotate from living room to living room—sort of book club with nudity (model only—although there used to be a group with general nudity, sadly there is an etiquette that forbids that). When I reluctantly and diffidently told a neighbor about drawing group, she thought that was great. I can't imagine any of this, in my childhood. In fact, when I started drawing from life in 1973 or so, male models wore jockstraps. If it's any consolation, I think nudism was a big part in making the drawing co-ops I attend possible.
It’s sad to read about the closure of naturist properties in the USA.
I’m not sure if you are familiar with a Substack page called ‘Almost Wild.’ It’s has many interesting and intelligent posts regarding naturism/nudism, and the writer is quite young. You may find interest in his articles regarding young people and naturism, and his reasons for why younger people don’t attend traditional naturist venues.
I've been aware of the Almost Wild Substack, but I'm afraid I haven't followed it carefully. I was surprised that it actually goes back to 2018 - long before I got started with Substack. I've now taken a quick look at it, and there's one recent post on Millennials and naturism, and another from 2018. There are some very good points in those posts. Timothy raises important issues, such as what causes young people to avoid naturist places. Are naturist places and naturism in general important factors, or should Millennials themselves take some responsibility? Like most other social issues this one is very complex.
Two of Timothy's posts that seem most pertinent to the topic: "Millennial Killed the Nudist Club" (from 2018) and "Millennial Killed the Nudist Club: Part II" (just over a month ago). That's prompted me to think of several points that should be made.
The first point is a contention made in the first article, namely that Millennials are disinclined to visit landed nudist clubs because few other Millennials or none at all seem to be there. Indeed, most visitors seem to be decidedly older. I can't disagree with that. But my first reaction is that, for various reasons, Millennials who consider themselves naturists probably don't make enough effort to invite others near their age to visit the clubs with them. Who besides a Millennial naturist could be more persuasive? If enough Millennial naturists did that the problem would mostly be solved. However, it's unfair to place all the responsibility on Millennial naturists.
The second point is that Timothy's first post brings up a dozen or so factors that disincline Millennials (Gen-Zers too) from participation in naturism. An important one is that young people often don't have the time or financial resources to travel far for visits. A second factor is that visiting nude beaches could be cheaper, easier, and more fun (if there's one nearby, of course). A third factor is that, compared to older folks, young people spend more of their time with online social media instead of in-person activities. My problem with that discussion is that the various factors aren't clearly enumerated, so it's difficult to focus on each specific factor.
Something else that occurred to me is that there's an analogy from physics that could better illuminate what's happened with naturism. If an object is propelled upward against the force of gravity (like a tossed baseball or a bullet from a gun), then the trajectory has a parabolic shape - provided no other force besides gravity and the original one is involved. What goes up must come down (unless some other force opposes gravity). The object slows down until it stops at the top of the arc, and then speeds up as it falls downward. But that sequence can change significantly if other forces become involved along the way.
How does that analogy apply to naturism? Naturism, even in a single country, didn't start with a single event. There was always a series of increasing efforts to propel naturism upward... until those efforts tapered off in the last couple of decades of the past century. Then the downward trajectory began as efforts continued to diminish. The forces necessary to slow the descent and turn it around just haven't been there. So that's where we are today.
An Earth satellite can't be boosted into orbit without a continuous force carrying it upward. But then something interesting happens. If the satellite achieves a stable orbit (like the Moon has), it will just stay in orbit indefinitely, as its momentum parallel to the Earth's surface compensates for the downward force of gravity. A social phenomenon like naturism can't quite attain a stable orbit, because there are almost always forces acting against it. Therefore, some countervailing social force is necessary to keep it going. In terms of naturism, an adequate force just isn't there.
But it could be if enough naturists would put in the effort. And as a practical matter, these need to be younger people. The best that older naturists can do is to help enough younger people appreciate the value of social nudity and naturist body-freedom.
I think both you and Timothy have very valid arguments in your articles. I live in Australia, and the cost of living is ridiculously high, so finances would be a common reason over here (as ell as distance). Half of the population here would struggle to find money to pay for club membership fees, on top of living costs. Also, I think that naturism hasn’t really evolved with the times. Naturist activities within clubs seem to be stuck in the past, and some naturist clubs have limited accomodation options. One near me has no powered camping sites for example. I do think that naturists/nudists of all adult ages need to be somewhat responsible for the future of naturism. Maybe clubs & retreats could provide incentives for young people to come and to advertise or communicate this in person to young people. They could maybe have half price day passes to clubs or discounted camping fees for younger people to make naturist places more appealing to try. People handing out flyers at naturist beaches could communicate this at beaches and other places that attract casual nudists. How well these would work… I don’t know. I am aware that it would take a lot more than what I suggest, so it is just one example of attempting to attract new patrons.
One thing I have noticed on Substack, is that there are numerous intelligent people on here writing articles about naturism, including yourself. Maybe a brainstorming session amongst you all could be a beneficial starting point and reference for naturist clubs and retreats - hopefully to slow or stop the closure of naturist places and to increase numbers attending for the future. After all, the closure of naturist clubs & retreats will affect the people who attend the most, & that is the gen x and boomer naturists who attend these naturist places.
I don't know a lot about naturism in Australia, although I have a long-time naturist friend in or near Brisbane. Apparently, Australia is a lot like the U.S. in that parts of the country are more accepting of naturism than others. Queensland, it seems, is one of the less tolerant. Do you know much about the Get Naked Australia folks? Evidently they favor activities other than at naturist clubs/resorts. If you'd like to write about naturism in Australia, I'd be happy to put it in my newsletter.
Given that it's mostly older naturists in both the U.S. and your country that frequent the clubs, it's understandable younger people want there to be more people closer to their age. My view is that naturists of all ages should be open with people they know and encourage those among their friends and relatives to visit a naturist club to learn what they're really like. Bring those people as guests and assure them that they won't have to get naked (except in pools, spas, and saunas).
I think naturism in Australia is following a similar path to the US. I am in South east Queensland, a state that is not very open or tolerant towards naturism in public spaces, at least with regard to the law. In the past prior to the mid 90’s, Queensland was a very conservative place. In the past 25 - 30 years, this has changed significantly, not with regards to public nudity though. Queensland once had an unofficial nude beach, but police have not been at all tolerant in recent years from what I have read.
New South Wales has traditionally been far more tolerant, with nude beaches in Sydney and dotted along the coast. On occasion, I would visit a nude beach over the border in northern NSW. I preferred this beach as it was legal, until recently when its nude beach status was taken away. A substack page called Living Free featured an article about this recently, titled ‘A loss after 26 years’ - available to paid subscribers.
I have heard of Get Naked Australia in the past, but I am only really familiar with the name. I may remember seeing them advertise in The Australian Naturist magazine. This magazine has only very recently ceased publication.
Thank you for the offer to write an article for your newsletter. I think there would be many people with much more knowledge & experience across Australian naturism than me. One day I may take you up on your offer, or even start my own Substack page.
Good afternoon Charles. There certainly are striking differences between the US and Europe in so many areas, not only generational. Each seem to have a myriad of 'obsessions,' some of which are not even on the same radar screen. Naturally, different cultures will exhibit different gravitations. The us vs. them example might also be correlated to "tribalism", which could be argued as instinctive, human nature or common characteristics/values. As you noted in your article, values change, evolve. Technology, mobility, financial resources, politics and yes - age are all major influences of this, and I don't see them stagnating anytime soon.
With that, I think you have done a commendable job in identifying some of the issues with the faltering participation in Naturism today and agree that we as individuals need to do more to promote it. I have hoped that the current climate of progressive liberalism would be conducive for more gains in the acceptance of social nudism, but at present our polarized society seems uninterested in another cause which for many is near the bottom, if at all on the things-to-do list. Also agree that existing major naturist organizations appear to be sluggish at best in any regional or national campaigns for visibility, recognition or acceptance of Naturism as a viable lifestyle. (there have been recent media blitz rallies for preservation of clothing optional beaches and to counter proposed legislative restrictions)
That said, I do find it refreshing driving north of Toronto on Canada 404 and see the government installed road sign identifying the exit for Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park in East Gwillimbury. I travel to here from Ohio each summer for their annual 5k Colour Run. Maybe Canada, this oasis, and specifically Stephane Deschenes, are on to something.
My wife and I are members of one of those three nudist resorts that may be left in California-Glen Eden Sun Club. We have a vibrant membership, primarilymid-50s, 60s and older. Lately when have been a few people in their 30s and 40s with some bringing their babies and preteens with them.
One of the advantages GE has to other resorts is that we are a corporation, all decisions are made by a President, Board members with approval by corporate members ($100/couple or individual makes you a corporate member). All money after expenses are turned back into building new facilities, repair, maintenance etc. In the last few years we have built 2 new pools (1 is for water volleyball), 4 pickleball courts. We also have an indoor pool and a large 25 yd outdoor pool, art studio, RC race course, rebuilt and enlarged a creaked draining rainwater from nearby mountains, WiFi, plus adding fibre optic lines, a second store, restaurant, large hall for dances, large dinners, corporate meetings, etc.,etc.
corporate is the way to go. With private ownership, one always fears them selling to someone who does not want a nudist/CO resort, ie, DeAnza Springs, Olive Dell etc.
Hey Charles. Interesting piece. You probably recall that I used to have an extensive blog about naturism. I finally had to take it down after being allegations of sexual harassment due to my role as university faculty. We live in the age of “social justice,” where social nudity amongst those in leadership positions apparently constitutes harassment!
Meanwhile, if you go to The Netherlands or Germany, you’ll find thousands of “young people” who have no qualms about social nudity.
Seems we live in an age in the US where faux conservatism and rapid escalation to litigation have become our defining qualities. Not much room for social nudity in that reality!
Keep up the good work!
It's pretty sad that an institution of higher education would have any problem with a faculty member's naturist activities. But such is the deranged state of mind in this country now that this happens. Western European countries have their problems - but paranoia over naturism is one of the least of those.
I was concerned when I saw that your Medium account and naturist blogs suddenly disappeared - if that might be due to health problems or some such. At least you (and your wife) still have a little on Instagram (FWIW).
If your peregrinations bring you back to California sometime perhaps we could get together at a congenial place like Laguna del Sol.
What a shame! I used to read one of your blogs, and noticed it disappeared. I loved your articles on Ile du Levant.
Universities were once about open mindedness as much as education & research.
Hopefully one day you might start a new blog. Maybe under a pseudonym.
Thanks Charles, for a very good piece on the evolving trials that US Naturism faces today. Dan also makes a good point about 'conservatism' and 'litigation' here in the US as well. I have to wonder, how your above analysis might compare to that of European Naturism using related metrics, and if there would be something there that could be considered for our domestic applications to enhance US acceptance and envigored participation. Again, keep up the good work and look forward to more from you.
Barry
Barry,
"I have to wonder, how your above analysis might compare to that of European Naturism using related metrics"
If you're referring to the obsession that U.S. people seem to have with "generations", I don't know whether that's similar in Europe. Humans generally tend to categorize others into "us" vs. "them". The generation thing is just one example. Of course, there are far more harmful examples too.
"if there would be something there that could be considered for our domestic applications to enhance US acceptance and envigored participation"
As I noted in this edition of the newsletter, there are three more recent articles that explore actions that U.S. naturists can take to promote naturism. That is the whole idea of "revitalizing" naturism - at least to its former level of popularity. I'll continue to brainstorm ways to do that. One general approach that I think is most important is for individual naturists to take the lead in promoting social nudity. The existing national and regional naturist organizations don't seem to be up to the task.
As JFK said, "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country". Apply that attitude to the promotion of naturism.
Succession. A tree on a steep hill falls, leaving exposed soil. Opportunistic annuals take root, followed by sticker bushes, then another tree or trees, surrounded by a guild of perennials, annuals, moss, mushrooms.
When I learned that there were places people went to go naked socially, I wanted to get there that very day. (We owned a huge woodlot with hills and a stream that fed a creek—the Lamoine River—all of which I explored with my clothes hidden behind a fallen tree.) As an adult, I haven't had as many opportunities for nudism as I would have liked. Even driving an hour to Oakwood or Avatan, to hang out with a bunch of naked, low-information voters, is too much. I grieve my loss.
The thing about Oakwood and Avatan, two clubs on the Anoka Sand Plain just above the furthest edge of the Twin Cities' northern suburbs, is that, for the time being, they're beyond the bidding war for real estate. You probably couldn't have a nudist venue any closer. The analogy is drive-in theaters. Why is it remarkable to see one of those huge, flat structures, when there used to be one on the edge of every town? The owners could make more by selling or developing the land than by running the business.
As for attitudes toward nudity, I have an idea that there may be a greater comfort with it than ever, just not as nudism. I may be talking through my broad-brimmed, straw fedora; if I'm wrong it's because women feel vulnerable. (I'd like to talk to my first wife about this. She was an avid nudist, but it was during the counterculture and before women my age caught on to what shits men can be.)
I have two reasons I think people are more comfortable with nudity now. The first is the sex-positivity movement. Put a tan stripe on the Pride Flag. The second is the active life-drawing scene here in the Twin Cities. Twice a week, I get together with other artists and hire a model. One of the groups used to rotate from living room to living room—sort of book club with nudity (model only—although there used to be a group with general nudity, sadly there is an etiquette that forbids that). When I reluctantly and diffidently told a neighbor about drawing group, she thought that was great. I can't imagine any of this, in my childhood. In fact, when I started drawing from life in 1973 or so, male models wore jockstraps. If it's any consolation, I think nudism was a big part in making the drawing co-ops I attend possible.
It’s sad to read about the closure of naturist properties in the USA.
I’m not sure if you are familiar with a Substack page called ‘Almost Wild.’ It’s has many interesting and intelligent posts regarding naturism/nudism, and the writer is quite young. You may find interest in his articles regarding young people and naturism, and his reasons for why younger people don’t attend traditional naturist venues.
I've been aware of the Almost Wild Substack, but I'm afraid I haven't followed it carefully. I was surprised that it actually goes back to 2018 - long before I got started with Substack. I've now taken a quick look at it, and there's one recent post on Millennials and naturism, and another from 2018. There are some very good points in those posts. Timothy raises important issues, such as what causes young people to avoid naturist places. Are naturist places and naturism in general important factors, or should Millennials themselves take some responsibility? Like most other social issues this one is very complex.
Two of Timothy's posts that seem most pertinent to the topic: "Millennial Killed the Nudist Club" (from 2018) and "Millennial Killed the Nudist Club: Part II" (just over a month ago). That's prompted me to think of several points that should be made.
The first point is a contention made in the first article, namely that Millennials are disinclined to visit landed nudist clubs because few other Millennials or none at all seem to be there. Indeed, most visitors seem to be decidedly older. I can't disagree with that. But my first reaction is that, for various reasons, Millennials who consider themselves naturists probably don't make enough effort to invite others near their age to visit the clubs with them. Who besides a Millennial naturist could be more persuasive? If enough Millennial naturists did that the problem would mostly be solved. However, it's unfair to place all the responsibility on Millennial naturists.
The second point is that Timothy's first post brings up a dozen or so factors that disincline Millennials (Gen-Zers too) from participation in naturism. An important one is that young people often don't have the time or financial resources to travel far for visits. A second factor is that visiting nude beaches could be cheaper, easier, and more fun (if there's one nearby, of course). A third factor is that, compared to older folks, young people spend more of their time with online social media instead of in-person activities. My problem with that discussion is that the various factors aren't clearly enumerated, so it's difficult to focus on each specific factor.
Something else that occurred to me is that there's an analogy from physics that could better illuminate what's happened with naturism. If an object is propelled upward against the force of gravity (like a tossed baseball or a bullet from a gun), then the trajectory has a parabolic shape - provided no other force besides gravity and the original one is involved. What goes up must come down (unless some other force opposes gravity). The object slows down until it stops at the top of the arc, and then speeds up as it falls downward. But that sequence can change significantly if other forces become involved along the way.
How does that analogy apply to naturism? Naturism, even in a single country, didn't start with a single event. There was always a series of increasing efforts to propel naturism upward... until those efforts tapered off in the last couple of decades of the past century. Then the downward trajectory began as efforts continued to diminish. The forces necessary to slow the descent and turn it around just haven't been there. So that's where we are today.
An Earth satellite can't be boosted into orbit without a continuous force carrying it upward. But then something interesting happens. If the satellite achieves a stable orbit (like the Moon has), it will just stay in orbit indefinitely, as its momentum parallel to the Earth's surface compensates for the downward force of gravity. A social phenomenon like naturism can't quite attain a stable orbit, because there are almost always forces acting against it. Therefore, some countervailing social force is necessary to keep it going. In terms of naturism, an adequate force just isn't there.
But it could be if enough naturists would put in the effort. And as a practical matter, these need to be younger people. The best that older naturists can do is to help enough younger people appreciate the value of social nudity and naturist body-freedom.
I think both you and Timothy have very valid arguments in your articles. I live in Australia, and the cost of living is ridiculously high, so finances would be a common reason over here (as ell as distance). Half of the population here would struggle to find money to pay for club membership fees, on top of living costs. Also, I think that naturism hasn’t really evolved with the times. Naturist activities within clubs seem to be stuck in the past, and some naturist clubs have limited accomodation options. One near me has no powered camping sites for example. I do think that naturists/nudists of all adult ages need to be somewhat responsible for the future of naturism. Maybe clubs & retreats could provide incentives for young people to come and to advertise or communicate this in person to young people. They could maybe have half price day passes to clubs or discounted camping fees for younger people to make naturist places more appealing to try. People handing out flyers at naturist beaches could communicate this at beaches and other places that attract casual nudists. How well these would work… I don’t know. I am aware that it would take a lot more than what I suggest, so it is just one example of attempting to attract new patrons.
One thing I have noticed on Substack, is that there are numerous intelligent people on here writing articles about naturism, including yourself. Maybe a brainstorming session amongst you all could be a beneficial starting point and reference for naturist clubs and retreats - hopefully to slow or stop the closure of naturist places and to increase numbers attending for the future. After all, the closure of naturist clubs & retreats will affect the people who attend the most, & that is the gen x and boomer naturists who attend these naturist places.
Philip,
I don't know a lot about naturism in Australia, although I have a long-time naturist friend in or near Brisbane. Apparently, Australia is a lot like the U.S. in that parts of the country are more accepting of naturism than others. Queensland, it seems, is one of the less tolerant. Do you know much about the Get Naked Australia folks? Evidently they favor activities other than at naturist clubs/resorts. If you'd like to write about naturism in Australia, I'd be happy to put it in my newsletter.
Given that it's mostly older naturists in both the U.S. and your country that frequent the clubs, it's understandable younger people want there to be more people closer to their age. My view is that naturists of all ages should be open with people they know and encourage those among their friends and relatives to visit a naturist club to learn what they're really like. Bring those people as guests and assure them that they won't have to get naked (except in pools, spas, and saunas).
Hi Charles,
I think naturism in Australia is following a similar path to the US. I am in South east Queensland, a state that is not very open or tolerant towards naturism in public spaces, at least with regard to the law. In the past prior to the mid 90’s, Queensland was a very conservative place. In the past 25 - 30 years, this has changed significantly, not with regards to public nudity though. Queensland once had an unofficial nude beach, but police have not been at all tolerant in recent years from what I have read.
New South Wales has traditionally been far more tolerant, with nude beaches in Sydney and dotted along the coast. On occasion, I would visit a nude beach over the border in northern NSW. I preferred this beach as it was legal, until recently when its nude beach status was taken away. A substack page called Living Free featured an article about this recently, titled ‘A loss after 26 years’ - available to paid subscribers.
I have heard of Get Naked Australia in the past, but I am only really familiar with the name. I may remember seeing them advertise in The Australian Naturist magazine. This magazine has only very recently ceased publication.
Thank you for the offer to write an article for your newsletter. I think there would be many people with much more knowledge & experience across Australian naturism than me. One day I may take you up on your offer, or even start my own Substack page.
Good afternoon Charles. There certainly are striking differences between the US and Europe in so many areas, not only generational. Each seem to have a myriad of 'obsessions,' some of which are not even on the same radar screen. Naturally, different cultures will exhibit different gravitations. The us vs. them example might also be correlated to "tribalism", which could be argued as instinctive, human nature or common characteristics/values. As you noted in your article, values change, evolve. Technology, mobility, financial resources, politics and yes - age are all major influences of this, and I don't see them stagnating anytime soon.
With that, I think you have done a commendable job in identifying some of the issues with the faltering participation in Naturism today and agree that we as individuals need to do more to promote it. I have hoped that the current climate of progressive liberalism would be conducive for more gains in the acceptance of social nudism, but at present our polarized society seems uninterested in another cause which for many is near the bottom, if at all on the things-to-do list. Also agree that existing major naturist organizations appear to be sluggish at best in any regional or national campaigns for visibility, recognition or acceptance of Naturism as a viable lifestyle. (there have been recent media blitz rallies for preservation of clothing optional beaches and to counter proposed legislative restrictions)
That said, I do find it refreshing driving north of Toronto on Canada 404 and see the government installed road sign identifying the exit for Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park in East Gwillimbury. I travel to here from Ohio each summer for their annual 5k Colour Run. Maybe Canada, this oasis, and specifically Stephane Deschenes, are on to something.
My wife and I are members of one of those three nudist resorts that may be left in California-Glen Eden Sun Club. We have a vibrant membership, primarilymid-50s, 60s and older. Lately when have been a few people in their 30s and 40s with some bringing their babies and preteens with them.
One of the advantages GE has to other resorts is that we are a corporation, all decisions are made by a President, Board members with approval by corporate members ($100/couple or individual makes you a corporate member). All money after expenses are turned back into building new facilities, repair, maintenance etc. In the last few years we have built 2 new pools (1 is for water volleyball), 4 pickleball courts. We also have an indoor pool and a large 25 yd outdoor pool, art studio, RC race course, rebuilt and enlarged a creaked draining rainwater from nearby mountains, WiFi, plus adding fibre optic lines, a second store, restaurant, large hall for dances, large dinners, corporate meetings, etc.,etc.
corporate is the way to go. With private ownership, one always fears them selling to someone who does not want a nudist/CO resort, ie, DeAnza Springs, Olive Dell etc.
And about to become full-time residents at GE.