Mid-Winter Naturist Festival @ Sunsport Gardens

[cenfldh]

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this forum; this is my first post. Actually, my wife and I are new to naturism. It started with a visit to Apollo Beach in July. As Floridians we have since been to Playalinda Beach, Sunnier Palms, and Cypress Cove. All good experiences. We joined TNS just last month.

As TNS members we just got a mailing about the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival February 15-20, 2007 at Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort. Admittedly we're new to all this and I don't want to anger anyone, and I do understand "different strokes..." But if our naturist/nudist position is to defend that it's not about sex and to separate naturism from swinging, isn't our positioned weakened when (I'm assuming) a TNS-sanctioned gathering at a FAMILY naturist resort includes workshops on polyamory and tantric sex, along with "a full program of fun activities for children?" I might be the only one, but I'm just not comfortable with this. Not to mention Wicca, etc. Again, I understand there is a full spectrum of people involved in naturism; peace. But isn't that sending mixed messages? We're nudists, NOT swingers, but our naturist festival includes workshops on swinging. I'm just really puzzled and wondering about our level of interest in social nudism.

[cenfldh]

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this forum; this is my first post. Actually, my wife and I are new to naturism. It started with a visit to Apollo Beach in July. As Floridians we have since been to Playalinda Beach, Sunnier Palms, and Cypress Cove. All good experiences. We joined TNS just last month.

As TNS members we just got a mailing about the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival February 15-20, 2007 at Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort. Admittedly we're new to all this and I don't want to anger anyone, and I do understand "different strokes..." But if our naturist/nudist position is to defend that it's not about sex and to separate naturism from swinging, isn't our positioned weakened when (I'm assuming) a TNS-sanctioned gathering at a FAMILY naturist resort includes workshops on polyamory and tantric sex, along with "a full program of fun activities for children?" I might be the only one, but I'm just not comfortable with this. Not to mention Wicca, etc. Again, I understand there is a full spectrum of people involved in naturism; peace. But isn't that sending mixed messages? We're nudists, NOT swingers, but our naturist festival includes workshops on swinging. I'm just really puzzled and wondering about our level of interest in social nudism.

[Gothmog]

Well first of all, polyamory and tantric sex aren't swinging. Polyamory is having multiple life partners/spouses. I'm sure there are many "poly" families with healthy children, who are also naturists. AFAIK Tantra has to do with the spirituality side of sensuality (not necessarily sex).

Wicca is a religion and personal choice just as Christianity, Buddhism, etc is and I don't see anything wrong with having a workshop on it for those who may be interested. In fact wiccans/pagans were probably the first naturists. I know many naturists who are Wiccan and they are very family oriented people so I'm not sure what your objection is here. Why not also object to Christians etc being naturists then?

[tinner666]

I didn't see the flyer. But I would bet that any such meetings will be 'private', and without any swinging. Only family activities would be viewable by any non-participant. Family parks will stay family and nothing considered objectionable will be in the open.
Kinda like when you and the wife share a private joke with each other, out of hearing of wee ones. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Big-Thinker]

Cenfldh, I think you have some great points. While I on one hand, I think nudists should have access to a spectrum of topics, including sex-related, I can see where anything associated with sex would send the wrong message to non-nudists/new nudists, and I do think such resorts should take greater care to distance themselves from sex-related attractions/activities so as not give the wrong impression.

To some degree, I understand some of alternative topics, as nudism has some history with hippie culture and many nudists are into other alternative philosophies/relgions/etc.. One problem I see with the hippie/alternative activities is "reverse discrimination" where they may be subtly scaring away the people of the growing Christian naturist movement or other major religions (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.). Maybe a workshop discussing a variety of religions and their relationship to nudism would be more appropriate than a Wiccan workshop.

I think some resorts are a little too comfortable about children. While children have the right to be nudists too, I think resorts are not strict and diligent enough to strongly warn and advise parents to never let their child out of their sight. Obviously resort management cannot supervise all of what goes on, so they should screen out those few wacko parents who let their kids run mixing with strangers. I would think a resort should not admit children altogether if they couldn't be assured they would be well-supervised and safe. Alot of us, including me, see a nudist environment as a sort of utopia... but we mustn't lose touch with reality and the dangers that persist, even in a group of generally good people.

I actually attended SunSport's midwinter festival a couple years ago. Although I think they don't do enough to discourage the swinger crowd (inevitably any large nudist group will have at few), the experience was generally good and I felt like I was at a nudist festival - not a swingers festival. I met some neat people and had a pleasant experience. It could have been better, but if you're in the area or can afford the travel/admission, it could be an enjoyable day.

Cenfldh, thanks for posting! Though some of us may have some explanations, etc., new nudists and non-nudists sometimes have the best insights. Just like any lifestyle, field or occupation, sometimes an outsider or newcomer can see issues that oldtimers have got used-to or learned to tolerate, forgetting that it ever was an issue.

[Dave Shaver]

Cenfldh,

I understand your concerns about Wicca, Tantra, etc.

Thinker's response was excellent.

The things that you have identified as 'issues' obviously rub against your traditional religious beliefs.

Of course, I have second thoughts when someone proposes Tantra, Wicca, or Baptist.

Over the years, I have researched 'alternate religions'.

Of course, the main issue is 'what is your religious beliefs'.

To me, Wicca and Tantra are not counter to my 'religious belief', therefore, they don't conflict with my 'beliefs'.

I am a conservative Catholic.

Most Catholics I know are in agreeance with about 90% of our established doctrines. Our 100% commonality is the Apostiles Creed.

But as far as 'Budhism', 'Tantra' and 'Wicca', they are not in opposition to any Christian beliefs.

Of course, there are some Christian churches which preach against those practices.

But Budhism, Tantra, and Wicca don't preach Salvation. They don't deny Salvation, they only promote acceptance and comfort on this earth! They don't go or deny a 'thereafter'.

A common idea of Wicca is 'devil worship'.

It is not!

Wicca is not a 'religion' of athiests.

I am not a Wiccan, I am Catholic, I don't 'condemn' Wiccas. I accept their idea of natural existance. The modern-day stigmas of Wica (300+ years) is associated with 'witchcraft' is legend in our text books.

I grew up a Southern Baptist. When I became an adult, I joined a Pentacostal Church (Church of God) and became a minister.

After I got tired of hating everyone who didn't believe the same as I did, I quit the Pentacostal church - backslid and ran away from them.

Then after a period of respit, I found Catholicism - I found they accepted everyone. That was 20 years ago.

As a Catholic, I can practice Budhism or Wicca. Those two practices can encompase my own religion but don't conflict with my belief of the sacrafices that Jesus endured to ensure my salvation. (I haven't been to Mass for about two years, but that has nothing to do with anything because I still believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord.)

Tantra is an 'eastern' practice of self-realization. That is not contrary to my Catholic belief.

So, as far as your concern about Wicca, Tantra, et al,,,,,,,

I really don't think that I or those who pratice Tantra or Wicca could presuade you from you morale beliefs.

And of course, I don't think Tantras or Wiccas would expect me to leave my Catholic Faith.

Now, let's grab a virgin to sacrafice on an alter. Or ever better, let's grab the virgin to have an orgy.

Of course, that is a hope of a humorous moment.

There are many people who identify themselves as Tantras, Budhists, and Wiccas.

Most of them do have the same belief of salvation as you and I do.

Educate yourself.

[WNYjoe17]

http://sunsportgardens.com/festivals/index.php

[Dolby]

cenfldh,

In your post you seem to be grouping Wicca together with swinging. Perhaps that's not what you mean, but it's how you come accross. Also, would you have the same objection if they had a workshop on Christianity?

Posted by Big-Thinker

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> One problem I see with the hippie/alternative activities is "reverse discrimination" where they may be subtly scaring away the people of the growing Christian naturist movement or other major religions (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.). Maybe a workshop discussing a variety of religions and their relationship to nudism would be more appropriate than a Wiccan workshop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How is holding a workshop enough to "subtly scare" anyone away"? The only thing that is scaring anyone away is their own intolerance.

[fredm74]

Big-Thinker, I think your post is excellent. I, for one, don't mind attending a nudist festival where there are various workshops.

And for the record, polyamory has nothing to do with swinging.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyamory

-Fred

[fredm74]

Thanks for posting the link WNYJoe, how come I have never heard of this festival before. Sounds like my kind of week-long getaway. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif



<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by WNYjoe17:
http://sunsportgardens.com/festivals/index.php </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[DoctorSurferDude]

I just read the index of planned activities and workshops. Overall a lot of eclectic choices....

Cenfldh...I understand your concern. I'm a little concerned too. My issue is not with the moral choices people make regarding their sexual practices, but rather the SETTING where they choose to have these workshops. What will be very embarassing is if those workshops fill up. The public already has a large question mark above their collective heads regarding what nudism is about. I consider it irresponsible to be advertising sexual topics in a nudist setting.

For those who can't see the difference between Christianity/Buddhism vs. Tantra/Polyamory, think of it in these terms. If a 6 year old asked you what Christianity and Buddhism was about, would you feel comfortable explaining? And.... If a 6 year old asked you what Tantra and Polyamory was about, would you feel comfortable explaining? One fits under the umbrealla of acceptable in a family nudist resort setting, the other does NOT.

Overall the Festival seems saturated with good workshops that far outnumber the questionable ones. Hopefully the sexual topics won't attract too many from that Trapeeze dive down the road.

For clarity...

Tantra = basicly yoga extended to the loins, with religious elements...

Polyamory = likely an invention of the male libido and although muslims and mormons have practiced it, most "liberalated" individuals pursue it for selfish reasons, and that's why it resembles swinging, although, technically the definitions only overlap part way ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swinging )

[WNYjoe17]

Both sides make valid points.

I have been to this festival 3 times, as well as the NorthEast Naturist Festival in August. That one is held in NYS. Both are put on by TNS and organized by largely the same person.

As far as wicca, it is a nature based religion that is often mis-understood. I think anything that could help people grow in their knowledge would be a good thing.

Sometimes people just don't want to grow, and it would not matter what the concern is. These are also the same ones who can not believe that naturism is not about sex. They can not fathom something beyond their small world.

Part of the thinking with presenting these workshops, though is that we should not try to hide our sexuality. It is part of our lives.

There sometimes is some private tantra and polyamory workshops that go beyond the intro provided by a one or two hour window.

There is a fine line because a lot of naturists live alternative lifestyles and of course want to know more. By the same token, some of the workshops are consistently the same ones. Isn't there a point when you have to say "time for a different topic?"

Joe