May 2025
Honoring Heroes and Celebrating Freedom: A Happy Memorial Day from AANR Western Region!
Dearest Members and Friends of AANR Western Region,
As the vibrant colors of spring give way to the warmth of summer, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's freedom. Memorial Day, observed this year on Monday, May 26th, is a time for solemn reflection and heartfelt gratitude.
Their courage and dedication have paved the way for the liberties we cherish, including the freedom to enjoy nature in its purest form. As we gather with loved ones, perhaps amidst the beauty of the outdoors, let us take a moment to remember the profound cost of our freedoms.
While Memorial Day carries a deep sense of remembrance, it also marks the unofficial start of summer – a season of sunshine, outdoor adventures, and the simple joys of life. We encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season responsibly and respectfully, keeping in mind the values of freedom and community that this holiday represents.
We at AANR Western Region wish you a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day. May it be a time for reflection, appreciation, and the enjoyment of the freedoms we hold dear.
Warmly,
The AANR Western Region
Get ready for some summer fun and connection! You're warmly invited to join us for our annual Western Region Summer Convention and General Assembly at the beautiful Glen Eden Sun Club in sunny Temescal Valley, California!
Mark your calendars for July 25th through July 27th, 2025. We're thrilled to be gathering at this fantastic naturist resort for a weekend of camaraderie, engaging activities, and important regional updates. This convention is also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and the vital work it does to support and promote naturism.
This year, we've scheduled our General Assembly meetings to be brief and held in the mornings of each day. This thoughtful scheduling will allow our dedicated board members to fully participate in the exciting afternoon and evening activities planned for everyone.
Speaking of activities, get ready for a diverse lineup designed to bring us all together! We'll have plenty of opportunities to connect through fun and games, relaxed social gatherings, and insightful workshops. There's something for everyone to enjoy under the California sun!
To make your plans, please contact Glen Eden Sun Club directly to make your reservations for accommodations. You can find their contact information on their website or by searching online. We encourage you to book soon to secure your spot!
We can't wait to see you at Glen Eden for a memorable summer gathering!
Warmly,
The AANR Western Region Board of Directors
The Naked Hike
A group of adventurous souls embarked on a challenging hike through rugged mountain terrain, finding themselves transported into a world vastly different from their familiar surroundings. With each step forward, they ventured deeper into the wilderness, where ancient rocks told silent stories and distant peaks beckoned them onward. As they ascended the winding trail, the vegetation gradually grew sparser and the crisp mountain air became noticeably thinner, serving as a poignant reminder of the delicate nature of their existence in this elevated realm. Yet they persisted onward, their determination fueled by both the exhilarating challenge before them and the tantalizing promise of discovering something entirely new and transformative.
As they shed their clothes piece by piece, they found themselves simultaneously shedding the accumulated weight of their worldly concerns, discovering an unexpected path to becoming truly one with the natural world around them. In this state of pure existence, they discovered a profound and liberating freedom that transcended mere physical unburdening. The warm sunlight gently kissed their bare shoulders with golden rays, while the mountain breeze playfully danced through their hair, offering constant reminders of the pure, inherent joy found in life's simplest moments. In this stripped-down state, they discovered that they were no longer defined by their material possessions or their social status, but rather by something far more fundamental - their raw, authentic connection to the natural world that surrounded them.
Surrounded by towering majestic peaks and carpets of vibrant wildflowers swaying in the alpine breeze, their physical nakedness transformed from what might have been perceived as a vulnerability into a powerful symbol of both courage and willing vulnerability. They found themselves completely immersed in the breathtaking beauty of their surroundings, simultaneously experiencing the humbling sensation of feeling small and insignificant against the grand backdrop of nature, while also feeling remarkably powerful and vitally alive in their natural state. Through this unique experience, they came to the profound realization that life's most meaningful and transformative adventures are often those that deliberately push us beyond the familiar boundaries of our comfort zones and into the realm of the unknown, where we can discover fresh perspectives and uncover deeper, previously hidden aspects of ourselves.
Thursday, May 1, 2025.
AANR Online Community
Meet and Greet
We are excited to invite you to the
AANR Online Community Meet and Greet!
Based on your feedback, we have made enhancements
to create a more enjoyable experience.
Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Meeting Details · When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month · Time: 5 PM Pacific & Arizona | 6 PM Mountain | 7 PM Central | 8 PM Eastern | 9 PM Atlantic
Here is your Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96545797190?pwd=Q09NR2pBd3RkdEJQbjBDSEdzcE5kZz09
General Information
The Meet and Greet begins promptly at the top of the hour with announcements, followed by discussion topics and breakout room assignments. Until the meeting starts, attendees will remain in a waiting room. If you require assistance navigating breakout rooms or have technical difficulties, our team is here to help.
Visit https://www.aanr.com/aanr-meet-greet-sign-up/ to sign up for the
Meet & Greet calls.
- Be respectful of others. Hate, political, sexist, or demeaning speech will not be tolerated. Speech or behavior, including private messaging, that causes anyone’s discomfort should be immediately reported to a moderator.
- Family friendly naturism is one of AANR’s core values and families are welcomed at many affiliated resorts. However, due to restrictions in place via FCC regulations, laws that differ from state to state, and Zoom’s terms of service, those under the age of 18 are not permitted to be visible on camera.
While nudity is ok here, we ask that you compose your camera frame professionally as you would for any remote, clothed business meeting with your face and upper torso being featured.
Disregard for this will result in a moderator turning your camera off or removing you from the meeting if the issue is not rectified.
Special Breakout Rooms:
Young Adult Room: For participants under 40.
WINR Room: Women in Nude Recreation hosts a women-only
session on the 1st Thursday and an open session on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Regional Rooms: Regional breakout rooms are available on
the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Meeting Duration: Sessions last approximately three hours, with the flexibility to join or leave as needed.
Zoom Link and Technical Support:
Zoom links are sent out on the Tuesday before each Thursday meeting. If you don’t receive it, check your spam folder.
Membership Reminder:
If you enjoy these sessions and are not yet a member, consider joining AANR today. Your membership supports nudist rights, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and helps expand legal gathering spaces.
We Value Your Feedback:
Your input has shaped this program, and we welcome further suggestions to improve these gatherings.
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Hey fellow sun lovers!
Let's talk sunshine. There's nothing quite like the feeling of the warm sun on our bare skin, is there? It boosts our mood and helps our bodies produce that oh-so-important vitamin D. But as we embrace our natural state, it's crucial we remember that the sun, while beneficial, can also be harmful.
Think of it this way: we cherish our freedom in nature, and part of that freedom is being responsible for our well-being. Just as we're mindful of the environment we enjoy, we need to be mindful of how the sun interacts with our skin.
So, while you're soaking up those glorious rays and letting your skin breathe, please don't forget the essentials of sun safety. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a good SPF is your best friend. Apply it generously and regularly, especially after swimming or toweling off. Don't forget those often-missed spots like the tops of your feet and the back of your neck and ears.
Seeking shade during the sun's peak hours is another great way to protect yourself without having to completely hide indoors. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also make a big difference in shielding your face and eyes.
Let's continue to enjoy the natural world and the wonderful feeling of the sun on our skin, all while taking smart steps to stay healthy. Here's to happy, healthy, and sun-safe nudist adventures!
AANR West Clubs, Parks, & Resorts
Arroyo del Sol Clothing Optional B&B Destination Club Altadena, CA
Buff-A-Teers Travel Club Tucson, AZ
Canyon State Naturists Travel Club Phoenix, AZ
Clothes Free International Online Club Oakhurst, CA
Clothing Optional Home Network Travel Club Phoenix, AZ
Front Range Naturists Travel Club Boulder, CO
Glen Eden Sun Club Destination Club Corona, CA
Hawaiian Naturist Park Destination Club PĀHOA, HI
Laguna del Sol Destination Club Wilton, CA
Las Vegas Bares Travel Club Las Vegas NV
Las Vegas Naturists Travel Club Las Vegas NV
Le Club Travel Club San Diego, CA
Lupin Lodge Destination Club Los Gatos, Ca
Mohave Sun Club Travel Club Lake Havasu, City AZ
Mira Vista Resort Destination Club Tucson, AZ
Mountain Air Ranch Destination Club Indian Hills, CO
Northern California Exposure Travel Club Sacramento, CA
Olympian Club Travel Club Riverside, CA
Pacificans Travel Club Corona CA
Roadrunner Naturists Travel Club Albuquerque, NM
Rocky Mountain Naturist Club Zip Code: 80233
Sequoians Destination Club Castro Valley, CA
Shangri La Ranch Destination Club New River, AZ
Southern California Naturist Association Travel Club Calabasas, CA
Southern Utah Naturist Society Travel Club St. George, UT
Sun Tree Travel Club Travel Club Las Cruces, NM
Swim Free Hawaii Boat Charter Destination Club Hawaii, HI
Wasatch Naturists Travel Club South Salt Lake City, UT
How Naturism Advocates for Women’s Body Positivity
The air kisses your skin, a gentle caress that feels both liberating and profoundly natural. Sunlight warms you from head to toe, highlighting the unique contours and textures that make you, undeniably you. In this moment, stripped bare of societal expectations and the constricting fabrics of convention, a powerful truth emerges: every body is a celebration. This is the heart of naturism, a philosophy that extends far beyond the simple act of being unclothed, offering a potent and often overlooked pathway to radical body positivity for women.
In a world saturated with airbrushed ideals and relentless pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards, the journey towards self-acceptance can feel like an uphill battle. Women, in particular, are bombarded with images that dictate how they should look, leading to self-doubt, body shame, and a constant striving for an often unattainable perfection. Naturism, with its inherent acceptance of the human form in its natural state, offers a refreshing and empowering counter-narrative. It provides a space, both physical and philosophical, where the focus shifts from external judgment to internal appreciation, fostering a deep and abiding love for the skin we’re in.
Shedding More Than Clothes: Releasing Societal Baggage
The act of disrobing in a naturist setting is more than just removing garments; it's an act of shedding the layers of societal baggage that dictate what is considered "acceptable" or "beautiful." The fashion industry, media, and even well-intentioned but ultimately harmful diet culture contribute to a relentless cycle of self-criticism. We are told our thighs are too big, our stomachs not flat enough, our skin not smooth enough. These messages become internalized, creating a constant hum of dissatisfaction with our own bodies.
Naturism directly challenges these harmful narratives. In a naturist environment, the diversity of the human form is not only visible but celebrated. You see bodies of all shapes, sizes, ages, and abilities, each one simply existing, without apology or the need for alteration. This visual immersion in the reality of human variation can be profoundly transformative. It allows women to see that the "flaws" they have been taught to despise are simply part of the spectrum of human experience. The stretch marks that tell the story of growth, the curves that signify life and vitality, the unique marks that make each body a personal landscape – all are present and accepted.
This acceptance extends beyond mere tolerance. In naturist communities, there is often a genuine appreciation for the natural beauty of the human form in all its manifestations. Conversations revolve around connection, nature, and shared experiences, rather than physical appearance. This shift in focus creates a space where women can feel seen and valued for who they are, rather than how they look. The constant self-monitoring and comparison that plague many women in clothed society begin to fade, replaced by a sense of ease and belonging.
Reclaiming Our Bodies: Embracing Sensuality and Strength
For many women, their bodies have been politicized, objectified, and subjected to external control. Naturism offers a powerful act of reclaiming ownership. By choosing to be unclothed, women are asserting their right to exist in their bodies without shame or fear of judgment. It's a declaration that their bodies are not objects to be scrutinized but vessels of experience, strength, and sensuality.
The feeling of sun and air on bare skin can be incredibly grounding and reconnecting. It allows for a deeper awareness of the body's sensations, fostering a sense of presence and appreciation for its capabilities. This can be particularly empowering for women who have experienced trauma or disconnection from their bodies. Naturism can provide a gentle and supportive environment to rebuild that connection and cultivate a sense of safety and trust.
Furthermore, naturism often encourages physical activity and a connection with nature. Hiking, swimming, gardening – all done in the natural state – can foster a sense of physical competence and well-being. This focus on what the body can do, rather than just how it looks, is a cornerstone of body positivity. As women experience the strength and resilience of their bodies firsthand, their appreciation for them deepens, transcending superficial concerns about appearance.
Challenging the Male Gaze: Creating Safe and Empowering Spaces
One of the most significant ways naturism advocates for women's body positivity is by actively challenging the pervasive "male gaze." In mainstream society, women's bodies are often presented and judged through a male lens, leading to objectification and a constant awareness of being watched and evaluated.
In well-established and ethically run naturist communities, the dynamic shifts. The focus is on mutual respect and acceptance. The human body is seen as simply that – human. The hypersexualization that often plagues discussions about nudity in mainstream culture is largely absent. This creates a space where women can feel safe and comfortable in their own skin, free from the pressure to perform or cater to external expectations.
It is crucial to acknowledge that, like any space, naturist environments are not immune to issues of sexism or objectification. However, the core principles of naturism actively work against these tendencies. Many naturist organizations have codes of conduct that emphasize respect, consent, and the rejection of leering or unwanted attention. The shared vulnerability of being unclothed can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, breaking down traditional power dynamics and creating a more egalitarian environment.
Building a Community of Acceptance: Finding Strength in Shared Vulnerability
The sense of community found in naturist settings is a powerful antidote to the isolation and self-doubt that can fuel negative body image. When women come together in a space where their natural bodies are accepted and celebrated, they find validation and support. Sharing experiences, anxieties, and triumphs in a non-judgmental environment can be incredibly healing.
Seeing other women embrace their bodies, with all their perceived "imperfections," can be profoundly inspiring. It challenges the internalized belief that one's own body is somehow flawed or inadequate. The collective experience of feeling comfortable and accepted in one's natural state can create a powerful sense of solidarity and shared empowerment.
Conversations within these communities often focus on health, well-being, and the joys of living in harmony with nature, rather than dieting or cosmetic procedures. This shift in focus reinforces the idea that true beauty comes from within and is intrinsically linked to our overall well-being.
Addressing Misconceptions: Naturism is Not About Sex
It is important to address a common misconception: naturism is not inherently sexual. While nudity can certainly be a part of sexual expression, the philosophy of naturism is rooted in a respect for nature, a celebration of the human body in its natural state, and a commitment to social acceptance. Conflating naturism with sexual exhibitionism is a harmful misrepresentation that often prevents people, particularly women, from exploring its potential benefits for body positivity.
Ethical naturist environments prioritize respect, consent, and appropriate behavior. They are spaces where the focus is on freedom, connection with nature, and a rejection of societal norms that perpetuate body shame.
The Path to Radical Self-Acceptance: Embracing Your Natural Beauty
Naturism offers a unique and powerful pathway to radical self-acceptance for women. By providing spaces where the natural body is not only accepted but celebrated, it challenges the harmful beauty standards that permeate mainstream culture. It encourages women to shed not only their clothes but also the layers of self-doubt and criticism they have internalized.
Through the experience of seeing diverse bodies, reclaiming physical autonomy, challenging the male gaze, and building supportive communities, women in naturist settings can cultivate a deeper appreciation for their own bodies. They learn to see their bodies not as objects to be judged but as integral parts of themselves, capable of strength, sensation, and connection.
The journey to body positivity is a personal one, and naturism may not be the right path for everyone. However, for those who are open to it, the experience of embracing their natural state in a supportive and accepting environment can be profoundly transformative. It can be a powerful step towards celebrating every body, starting with their own.
Ultimately, the message of naturism aligns perfectly with the core principles of body positivity: acceptance, self-love, and the recognition that all bodies are good bodies. By stripping away the superficial layers of societal expectation, naturism allows women to connect with their bodies on a deeper, more authentic level, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the unique and beautiful beings they are. It's an invitation to step into the sunlight, feel the air on your skin, and celebrate the incredible vessel that carries you through life – just as you are.
