American Association for Nude Recreation

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The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) is a nudist organization in the United States. Founded in 1931, the organization advocates nudity and nude recreation. The AANR runs a number of nudist resorts, cruises, RV parks and other facilities.

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[edit] History

In 1929, Kurt Barthel organized the first American nudist club, the American League for Physical Culture. After several years of growth, the organization was renamed the American Sunbathing Association and then Executive Secretary Ilsley Boone took over as president. During her tenure, the group grew to its current total of more than 50,000 members. In 1995, the organization changed its name again to the American Association for Nude Recreation. [1]

The organization currently runs around 259 nudist resorts, cruises and camps across the United States. In a survey about their members commissioned in 2001, the AANR found that the majority of its member renewals are by Republican's with executive level jobs. [2]

After a 2003 article in the New York Times discussed the AANR's summer camps for children, Rep. Mark Foley called for an investigation of the Lake Como Resort, built in 1993, which was hosting the camp due to concerns of child endangerment. An AANR spokesperson, Carolyn Hawkins, stated that the organization is protective of children, whether at the camp or elsewhere and that that since the AANR began youth camps in 1992, there have been no reported incidents of pedophilia. [3][4]

[edit] Awards and Associations

The AANR has received awards from the Hospitality Marketing and Sales Association International and the American Society of Association Executives.

In addition to being the representative for the International Naturist Federation, the AANR belongs to the American Recreation Coalition, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, the National Recreation & Parks Association, and the Park Law Enforcement Association.[5]

[edit] Political Activity

The AANR has lobbied governments to allow nudism in the United States and Canada. In 2005, they were successful in having nude recreation exempted from anti-nudity laws in West Virginia; Tennessee; California; Dawson County, Georgia; and Lake County, Florida.[6]

After hearing about an adult-oriented businesses ordinance in Carroll County, Virginia, an AANR representative in January 2007, faxed to the county attorney a couple suggestions for legal language changes, including a proposed exemption for members of its society. The suggestion read: “No person shall be in violation of this section in or at a club event sanctioned under legal association with the American Association for Nude Recreation,”[7] The association's input was considered but ultimately rejected.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Carolyn Hawkins (2007). The History of Nudism in America (pdf). American Association for Nude Recreation.
  2. ^ Lutz, John Cloud. "Nude Family Values", Time, June 30, 2003. 
  3. ^ Morahan, Lawrence. "Congressman Calls for Investigation of Nudist Camp for Kids", Cybercast News Service, June 20, 2003. 
  4. ^ Pearson, Rachel. "They're not clothes-minded", The Daily Texan, March 11, 2005. 
  5. ^ Carolyn Hawkins (2008). American Association for Nude Recreation:Fact Sheet (pdf). American Association for Nude Recreation.
  6. ^ Talk About Nudism (2005-8-03). Retrieved on 2006-09-16.
  7. ^ Brooke, Christopher (2007-1-12). Group seeks exemption for nude recreation. Galax Gazette. Retrieved on 2007-01-12.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links