About the American Association for Nude Recreation
AANR Mission:
AANR exists to protect, promote, provide and preserve nude recreation by:
- Protecting nudists and naturists from policies at the local, state and federal levels that interfere with the right to enjoy clothing-free recreation in appropriate settings;
- Promoting nude recreation by educating government leaders, employers and the public;
- Providing support services and community to our members;
- Preserving the financial viability, integrity and strength of the AANR organization.
The American Association for Nude Recreation is the largest, most long-established organization of its kind in North America. With roots dating to 1931, we have grown from our humble beginnings to an organization that has served over 213,000 individuals throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and beyond. These members enjoy their own backyards and pools with family and friends, as well as over 180 nudist resorts and affiliates.
For 90 years AANR has espoused the benefits of wholesome nude family recreation. Since our inception it has remained a primary mission to protect the rights of nudists in appropriate settings regardless of age, gender, race or economic status. We continue to proudly endorse the benefits and rights of families to enjoy a skinny dip and other nude recreation pastimes.
Although society has become more tolerant and accepting of nude recreation, we still have a long way to go in educating the public regarding the wholesomeness of our choice of nudity, AANR strives to distinguish between attire and behavior. Nudity, as we espouse it, is the enjoyment of the freedom of being without clothes. As such, it should not be confused with behavior, which may or may not involve nudity. It is imperative that this be understood so that the perpetuated stereotypes disappear and that tolerance for family social nudism is commonly accepted by the generations to come.
It is also the mission of AANR to be an advocate of our rights. As stated in the Nudists’ Bill of Rights, we have the right to hold our values and beliefs; to responsibly enjoy nudity in the company of our family and friends. Nudists are law-abiding citizens and have the right to be treated as such.
Many who did not grow up in a nudist environment find it difficult to fully grasp the concept that regardless of age, nudists are comfortable in their own skin. The human body is merely the vessel that carries us through life, and the transition from child to teen to adult for a nudist is comfortably free of much angst that textiles experience. And yet nudist and textile alike experience the same changes that come to our body’s agility in the autumn years.
Though we members of AANR are all accepting of those who enjoy wholesome nude recreation, we are a collection of individuals who have varying interests and levels of tolerance on a variety of subjects. However, the one constant that must remain among AANR members for us to survive as a viable organization that protects and promotes the right of nude recreation, is that we communicate and work through the challenges that each decade brings to our family in this ever evolving world.
During the past eight decades we have collectively weathered many storms. Recessions. Societal unrest. Global conflict. Reactionary assaults. Media coverage good and bad and a Worldwide pandemic Yet our members are resilient and committed, and we have become a stronger organization throughout these changes. Members and club owners are active contributors within their local communities; conscientious stewards of their environment; and most importantly accepting of their neighbors based upon who they are on the inside, not the exterior package or the financial or political clout they may yield.
The growing interest in, and acceptance of, the positive aspects of social nudity has caused many sociology professors to contact AANR looking for more information on the history of nudism, while business professors are often interested in the nude recreation industry. We are a relevant and significant segment of society. So be proud to be a naturist.
AANR’s promise to you is that we will continue to work towards protecting those places where persons have the right to enjoy nudity and privacy. These include sanctioned nude beaches and public lands set aside for that use; certainly it also includes our homes, private backyards, and AANR clubs, campgrounds and resorts as well.
AANR is committed to educating the public regarding the benefits of social family nude recreation, with the emphasis on family. Stories regarding families running nudist clubs, three-generation nudist families, and AANR youth have appeared in scores of mainstream media and helped make great strides toward public education and understanding that nude recreation is a wholesome, family activity.
AANR and its many loyal volunteers advocate, educate and work hard to enhance opportunities for enjoyment of wholesome clothes-free experiences. In the years ahead we seek to grow our ranks by increasing membership and chartering clubs that commit to upholding our principles and standards. We recognize that nude recreation is not for everyone. However, it is a basic ethic of our laws and our culture that we respect the rights of each other to choose, or not choose, nudity as a way of enhancing life. So we urge all members to respect boundaries and communicate openly with one another. Then enjoy a well-deserved Nakation® trip.
AANR Principles and Standards. While the quality of our facilities may have changed over the years, our commitment to fostering wholesome, nurturing environments that promote body acceptance and respect for all persons has not changed. Members subscribe to the following principles, which you’ll find repeated on every membership card:
We recognize the essential wholesomeness of the human body and that life is enhanced by the naturalness of social nudity. From exercise to relaxation, physical health and mental well being are enriched through social nude recreation. We have the right to practice social nudity in appropriate settings, provided we do not infringe on the rights of others.
AANR’s standards state:
AANR welcomes all people willing to conform to its principles and standards, regardless of age, gender, marital status, religious beliefs, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.
*Any agreement to be photographed or to permit any public use of name, address or occupation shall not be a requirement of membership
We reject categorically any attempt to associate the good name and reputation of family social nudism, of any AANR-chartered club, or of the American Association for Nude Recreation, with the sexual exploitation of the human body. We further reject any use of the terms nudist, nudism, family social nudism, or American Association for Nude Recreation, as a cover for sexually-exploitive purposes, commercial or otherwise.
The misuse, abuse or misrepresentation of any member’s relationship with an AANR- chartered club, or with AANR, in violation of these Principles and Standards, shall be grounds for termination of membership.
Serving Members and Clubs Through Advocacy and Education. AANR and its regions are not-for-profit organizations. We believe there is a strong symbiotic relationship between people who want an ever increasing array of choices to enjoy clothes free and the clubs and businesses that grow by serving them. Since 1931 we have worked earnestly to promote the interests of both. Both members and clubs help elect a volunteer President, Vice President, Secretary, and seven members of our Board of Trustees. Together, they provide guidance, oversight, their time, and expertise to advancing our mission.
For more information about how AANR helps it members and clubs, go to AANR Making a Difference.
Headquarters and Staff. Day to day operations, providing membership services and assistance to clubs, work in public relations and government affairs are handled by a dedicated staff working from AANR’s headquarters in Kissimmee, Florida. Members and visitors who drop into our office—located just minutes from Walt Disney World—can obtain brochures about various clubs.
In addition to AANR’s staff, the Association utilizes a number of professionals in the field ranging from legal counsel, government relations and public relations personnel, and more. Wherever, and in whatever capacity, the goal is the same: Promote, Enhance, and Protect nude recreation and nude living.
Our Regions. To aid in carrying out AANR’s mission at local levels, the association is organized into seven geographical regions. Operating as individual corporations, they include:
- American Association for Nude Recreation Eastern Region
- American Association for Nude Recreation Midwest Region
- American Association for Nude Recreation Northwest Region
- American Association for Nude Recreation Southwestern Region
- American Association for Nude Recreation Western Region
- American Association for Nude Recreation Florida Region
- American Association for Nude Recreation Western Canadian Region
For a map explaining the states, provinces, and territories served by each region, and links to region homepages, please visit AANR Regions.
Our Friends. There are many others who help spread the word about the benefits of going clothes free and help to advance nude recreation. Tour our link library of these Friends of Nude Recreation.