It's overwhelming how many elderly people are into nudism versus younger people. I mean I would love to go to those nudist places advertised here from Palm Springs, Cali, but I've been through Palms plenty of times and it's nothing but retirement communities and resorts more geared towards strictly the elderly... even nudist places. I would feel awkward going to one and being the youngest one there.
Part of that is just that when you get to be my age ( hundreds and hundreds of years from now ) you don't give a rat's a$$ what people think of you anymore, and will be far more inclined to doing things you were reluctant to do when you cared what other people think.
You would/will find yourselves welcome, but we'd also understand that you'd feel weird just being so out of your age bracket.
Then again, there may be a few there your age. You won't know until you go.
Today there was a mix of ages ranging from about 20-70 participating in setting the skinni dipping record. We were all at a county park with a very modest entry fee on Lake Travis. I was assisting getting the people signed up and had one young man that was with a couple of young ladies comment that the non landed group they were members of had told their members to go to a resort to be counted. He stated that resorts were not for him, beaches were what he was interested in. Due to indications that anyone there would not be counted in the record, the turnout was lower than normal but we still had 104 people signed up.
edit: I just learned that after two visits Rock haven requires, or at least claims to require in their phamplet, that you have to become a member to attend more than twice. This totally bums me out! There are only a few months out of the year that Randy and I can attend Rock Haven, and even then it is only twice a month at most, so the $400 someodd that it costs for a membership would be a complete waste of money because we wouldn't be able to take full advantage of it. I think the private club aspect of nudist camps is what is preventing many young people from attending because it is so darn expensive. Randy and I can usually only do day visits, though we are planning a vacation to Cedar Trails up in Ohio next summer. There goes my tanning plans for this year!
At issue is younger folks.
The resorts I've been frequenting lately, one is $30/day ( $15 after 5 ) for either a single, or opposit sex couple, first visit free in any case.
It's not stated anywhere that I can find, but appears to be clothing optional.
I know I've seen couples, women especially, remain dressed for a while, until they realize that no one really cares, and start to feel like the odd man out, so it's my nature to invite along to what I believe is a clothing optional resort.
The other has it clearly posted that it's not optional, but I also don't see it "enforced" by anyone. There, $25/day single or opposit sex couple, second visit free with the internet coupon on weekends, or $15/day weekdays. I'd invite to that one on the same premis.
The second does much more "fun" stuff, like volleyball, better hiking trails, a sauna, snack bar, and the like.
Neither requires a membership, but admission is free and unlimited with a membership. In both cases there is a probationary period, and other requirements easily met.
Grounds fees and memberships are the resorts only source of revenue, so getting broke younger people to cough up the dollars would be the hard part.
I've recommended free admission to both with a student ID from any school or university, but it's up to a vote of the full membership whether they do or not, so it appears unlikely.
I might think about this more, and see if they might do something like an "under 30" weekend, since one must present an ID to get in anyway.
Of course, there'd also have to be more "under 30" kinds of activities that weekend, else it seems a waste of time.
Shame we seem to be losing some of the younger, vocal, and intelligent members of this site as well, especially women.
Their input on this matter would be priceless !!
Is nudism as we knew it-dead?
Its very difficult to sell a product that nobody wants.
Why is it that the nude resorts in the Caribbean are often booked to capacity at $300.00 to $400.00 per night. when nudist clubs offering nominal grounds fees cannot fill their pool chairs. The median age for those resorts is 20 to 25 years younger than the nudist clubs. Its a very unfair comparison but I think it establishes that nudity is not the issue.
Using that as a premise, lets make some comparisons and using our collective minds see if there isnt some way to level the playing field and attract the younger members.
1. The resorts are not affordable for many while the clubs can attract a wide cliental. Score a big one for the clubs.
2. The resorts are generally clothing optional some even requiring clothing in all restaurants except the beach side snack bars.
3. The resorts offer a nude or CO pool and beach.
4. The resorts are generally all inclusive offering deluxe accomodations, excellent food, drinks and entertainment,
allprepaid.
5. The resorts have a professional entertainment staff of young attractive people, male and female. Entertainment is somewhat titulating and fun.It runs most of the day through late night disco.
6. The resorts are in a climate where year around nudity is comfortable.
7. The grounds of these resorts are all beautifly landscaped creating an upscale ambiance .
So how can you compete with all this and attract a younger group? They have the ideal climate , beautiful beaches and first class accomodations and activities from morning till night.
Yes youre right. Its impossible ,lets just give up, pack our bags and head to one of those resorts in the Caribbean.
Wait!! We still have number one on the list
Assume for the moment that the younger nudist can induced to try a day visit. The question is how can they be induced to return and become members.The following are few ideas, some of which may require some rethinking on the part of club management.
Spend a few dollars on some flower gardens especially near the entrance to the club to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Treat all visitors as honored guests during the registration process.
Make all areas of the Club except the swimming pool clothing optional. That way no one will feel as if they were forced into nudity A hot day would get them into the pool soon enough.
Upgrade your food service. The service area should be attractive and sparkling clean. Quality frozen pizzas or even a charcoal grill serving steaks to order on Saturday evening would be a hit with members and visitors alike
This nudity thing can get boring for young people and for us old people with short attention spans. Create a festive atmosphere around the pool. Music over a loud speaker, even some of that stuff we old farts aren't crazy about. Get one of your more outgoing members on a microphone leading games of Trivial Pursuit and Bingo with food coupons for prizes. Try a poolside dance contest.
Have a full activities schedual for each weekend day to include volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, poolside games and music. Early evening could include Kareoke or Casino Night followed by an auction using tokens won.
Use your imagination.
The important thing is that as they the younger people leave, they leave feeling that they have had fun and have met some really nice people they would like to have as friends.
I will address the issue of attracting first time visitors in a later post.
Grin and Bare it
Art