add site
services
publishers
database
health videos
toolbar
stats
live show
health store
more stuff
JOIN/LOGIN
| advertise add site services publishers database health videos
| | about toolbar stats live show health store more stuff JOIN/LOGIN |
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 in appropriate settings. The AANR charters approximately 259 independent U.S. nudist resorts and parks. It, in turn, is a member of the International Naturist Federation[1] which holds a World Congress every two years, and serves as a collective for similar organizations worldwide. While not always required for admitance to an AANR-chartered resort, an AANR membership provides a discount, and a basic bona fides.
[edit] RegionsAANR is divided into seven regions with affiliated clubs and business partners to better serve the members. These regions are devoted to promoting family nude recreation in their geographic areas.
[edit] HistoryIn 1929, Kurt Barthel organized the first American nudist club, the American League for Physical Culture (ALPC). After several years of growth, the organization was renamed the American Sunbathing Association as former Dutch Reformed Pastor Ilsley Boone took over as president. He had been the ALPC's executive secretary just previously under Barthel, who had resigned. During his 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. [2] The organization currently charters around 259 nudist resorts and campgrounds across the United States. The AANR charter establishes baseline standards, among which is providing for a family-friendly atmosphere. Under Boone, it was also considered a Christian organization (though open to people of all beliefs; something akin to the YMCA).This began to change in the 1960s, as both the AANR, and society in general became more secular. After a 2003 article in the New York Times discussed AANR's Youth Leadership Camps for the children of nudists, Rep. Mark Foley called for an investigation of the camps, claiming concerns of possible child endangerment. An AANR spokesperson, Carolyn Hawkins, stated that the organization is protective of children, whether at the camp or elsewhere and that since the AANR began youth camps in 1992, there have been no reported incidents of pedophilia. [3][4] [edit] Awards and associationsThe 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 activityThe 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. In a survey about their members commissioned in 2001, the AANR found that the majority of its member renewals are by Republicans with executive level jobs. [8] [edit] References
[edit] See also
[edit] External links |
| ↑ top of page ↑ | about thumbshots |
