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by Tom Purcell Summer officially began this weekend and we all know what that means: more nutty summer camp ideas for kids. In recent years, summer camp has undergone dramatic changes. Kids are discouraged from playing competitive games, as this might affect their self-esteem. And in our lawsuit-happy culture, counselors are worried about injuries. But a lot of kids don't go to traditional camps anymore anyhow. Instead, they're prepping for their college boards, learning Cobol or investing in the stock market. There is no time for outdoor games and Huck Finn shenanigans in such a competitive global marketplace. But this year's nutty summer camp idea is a beauty: nudist camp for kids. That's right, you read it correctly. According to the New York Times, the American Association for Nude Recreation has begun a nationwide expansion of summer camps for nudists age 11 to 18. Nudism is a growing industry, don't you see. Nude tourism is now a $400 million a year industry, up from $120 million a year in 1992. There has been a surge in nude clubs with a total of 267 across America. Nude cruises are all the rage and last month somebody organized the first nude chartered flight. But nudist camps for kids? They play volleyball, tennis and Capture the Flag. They catch frogs and eat ice cream. They make campfires and sing camp songs and stage an annual talent show. And they do every one of these activities in the buff. Now to some of you more close-minded individuals who think it's OK for adults to go to nude camps but completely nutty to allow children to do so, perhaps you just need more information on the subject. According to the Times article, parents say the camp promotes a healthy
body image among kids and teens. Nudists believe, after all, that the
body is nothing to be ashamed of and we should all be more comfortable
with who we are. But what about more practical considerations you say? What about potential pedophiles who might want to hang around such summer camps? It is true this very situation occurred at a camp in Canada. The fellow shot a lot of photos and posted them on the Internet. He also molested a young girl before he was finally caught. But not to worry. The nudist camp for kids has a foolproof policy in place for that. Every time a COG sneaks into the camp - a "creepy outside guy" - counselors herd the nude kids away and guards quickly escort the peeper off the premises. The fact is that in America, nudity has become a rights thing, just as a million other things have. In Florida, for instance, the ACLU has filed suit on behalf of 10 women demanding that they be allowed to walk around topless, an action that is currently against the law. The lawsuit states that these women seek the right to be top-free "during their work, beach-going, gardening, sunbathing, swimming, other outdoor activities, and in other nonsexual contexts as often are their husbands, sons, fathers, and other men." Well, that sounds good to me. I wrote about a woman in Maine a few years back who mowed her lawn without a top. The neighbor reported her to the police. Now if I lived next door to an attractive woman who mowed the lawn without a top, I wouldn't call the police. I'd call the topless woman. But I stray from the point, which is this: perhaps it's just a matter of time before nudists are walking around at the mall, the grocery store and at the workplace, which is perfectly fine with me. I guess they're attempting to spread their mission the way all advocacy groups do: by indoctrinating the young. Thus, the latest trend in nutty summer camps. And for those of you who still think this is a bad idea, there may be some upsides. If you have a nerdy kid who gets picked on by bullies, nude summer camp may do the trick. It's impossible to get a wedgie at such a place. Tom Purcell is a nationally syndicated columnist. Visit his website here. Other articles by Tom Purcell can be found in the MensNewsDaily.com™ archive. |
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