Congressman Calls for Investigation of Nudist Camp for Kids

CNSNews.com ^ | 6/20/03 | Lawrence Morahan

[kattracks]

(CNSNews.com) - A congressman who tracks missing and exploited children said he found "truly disturbing" a report of a nudist camp in Florida for children as young as 11 years of age and is calling for an investigation.

Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) asked Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist to investigate a nudist camp for children 11 to 18 years of age at the Lake Como Resort near Tampa.

"As co-chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus, I'm asking that current Florida law be reviewed to determine if this camp is indeed legal or if it has simply slipped under the radar screen of law enforcement for the past 10 years," Foley said in a June 18 letter to Bush and Crist.

"Over the years, while working with John Walsh and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, I have come across many stories of children endangered in even less troubling situations than these camps represent," he said.

The facility, located on a 200-acre site in Pasco County's Land O'Lakes, hosted a week-long nude camp for about 25 children and teenagers that ended last week.

Officials at the governor's and attorney general's office told CNSNews.com they had not received the letter and therefore declined comment.

Foley's letter was prompted by a report in Wednesday editions of the New York Times about the camp, which is sponsored by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). The report cited instances when men made their way into the camp and peeped on the children.

Chris Paulitz, communications director for Foley, said the congressman was concerned for the children's wellbeing.

"The New York Times chronicled a couple of incidents when people with ill intent did gain access to these camps and had to be escorted out.

"Now luckily, these children were not harmed, but next time, they might not be so fortunate. We should not be putting children who are the ages of 11, 12 years old who are nude in range of people who may have ill intent," Paulitz said.

An AANR official said, however, that the children were well protected.

"Our children are in no danger whatsoever," said Carolyn Hawkins, an AANR spokeswoman.

"We are about family recreation, and we want to keep it family social nude recreation. We're very protective of our kids, whether it be there or elsewhere," Hawkins added.

The AANR boasts 50,000 members and 260 clubs throughout the United States, Canada and Jamaica. The membership reflects a growing interest nationwide in camps for child and teen nudists, Hawkins said.

Since the Pasco County camp opened 10 years ago, the AANR opened a second camp in Arizona in 2000; a third is to open in Richmond, Va., this month, and a fourth is planned for Texas in 2005, she said.

Parents and campers maintain that the camp promotes a healthy body image among the teens and better communication between the sexes. Campers are protected by adult counselors and sleep in tents isolated from regular resort-goers.

Nudity on private property in Florida is legal, even among minors, so long as there is no illicit sexual behavior. Foley, who lobbied for the Amber Alert network as a way to broadcast missing children's cases across the country, is calling on Bush and Crist to review the law. Foley is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Bob Graham.

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[lowbridge]

bump

[Steel and Fire and Stone]

Parents and campers maintain that the camp promotes a healthy body image among the teens and better communication between the sexes.

Oh..yeah, I'll bet a couple of naked 14-16 yr olds of the opposite sex can communicate pretty well. What's left to say?

FReegards, SFS

[rmmcdaniell]

Oh..yeah, I'll bet a couple of naked 14-16 yr olds of the opposite sex can communicate pretty well. What's left to say?

If you ever see some of the people who frequent these places you will understand that sex would be the farthest thing from your mind.

[DonQ]

I am sure the Congressman, and many of his colleagues and staffers, are eager to make an eyewitnesses investigation of this camp. And do the same next year and the year after, too. That's why the kids in the camp call them COGs (Creepy Outside Guys).

[rmmcdaniell]

Nudity on private property in Florida is legal, even among minors, so long as there is no illicit sexual behavior. Foley, who lobbied for the Amber Alert network as a way to broadcast missing children's cases across the country, is calling on Bush and Crist to review the law.

So if this law is repealed we could have the FBI busting down your door to make sure your kids are fully clothed? Better make sure they're wearing bathing suits in the shower or your lookin at hard time. I wish Republicans would think just a little before they go running to government to solve all problems.

[Cheapskate]

No Mr. Ritter, There are no weapons of mass destruction here
at this camp for naked and wayward children.

[visualops]

"I wish Republicans would think just a little before they go running to government to solve all problems"


What is going on with this crap?
Why are they jumping on the "the State knows best what's good for you" bandwagon?
Why aren't the so-called Republicans we elected doing a better job protecting our freedoms?

[Robert_Paulson2]

Why aren't the so-called Republicans we elected doing a better job protecting our freedoms?

---

because they derive their power and income by infringing them in any way they can imagine.... all for the children of course.

[riverrunner]

They love having power as much as the Demorats. Where doses he think he gets the consitutional authorty even to hthink about regulating this. The feds have all but forgot about the limits on federal power.

I never hear anybody bring it up in law suits. Has it just died away and all those in power have decided not to obey.

[msdrby]

"...and a fourth is planned for Texas in 2005"

Oh yeah, THAT will go over well!

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Congressman Calls for Investigation of Nudist Camp for Kids

Bill Clinton and Scott Ritter are already vying for the job of lead investigator.

[AAABEST]

Hey, I must apologize for ragging on you so bad last week, as I find myself agreeing with you often. You also send me funny FReepmails.

[Kevin Curry]

Pro-dope, pro-porn, pro-sodomy, and pro-kiddie nudist camps=libertarian family values.

Please go set up your free state that will tolerate these poisons in the name of "freedom." Move there and take your dope smoking, porn-loving, sodomy-worhsipping, and kiddie nudism-adoring fans with you.

Show us how wonderful a truly "free" society can be.

[lavaroise]

Yep, as if one needed to communicate with a toy.

[D.P.Roberts]

Are these guys (Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.)born without a clue or do they just give you tons of dope to smoke when you're elected to Congress?

[D.P.Roberts]

Have you ever thought about running for Congress?

[AAABEST]

LOL. WTF RU talking about, and what brought that on you silly trog? What a babbling fool. It's amazing how a seemingly innocuous apology post could engender such a hysterical and inapplicable rant. I guess I should be flattered that I have such an effect on you, but I'm wondering if I should apply for a restraining order.

I told you fool, I ain't a Libertarian.

I'm convinced you're losing it as of late, you don't even make sense anymore. Not that you ever did, but lately you sound afflicted.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Actually, I heard Ann Kournikova attends the one in Southwest Florida.

[Ann Archy]

You are a sick puppy.

[AAABEST]

You are a sick puppy.

No he's not. The congressman in question is a pervert homo himself. Foley used to be our state speaker, and as of late it's surfaced that he's gay. He refuses to answer the question "are you gay". Translation: He's gay.

He has no business whatsoever moralizing.

[Tijeras_Slim]

No Mr. Ritter, There are no weapons of mass destruction here at this camp for naked and wayward children.

LOL!

[putupon]

We have a naked teen camp opening in this weekend Virginia too posted here, but our Democrat Govenor Mark Warner, and RepublicRAT RINO'S AG Jerry Kilgore and Senators George Allen and the other Warner feel that a better use of their time this month was to file sleazy voter pandering lawsuits related to college football posted here

[randog]

"The New York Times chronicled a couple of incidents when people with ill intent did gain access to these camps and had to be escorted out..."

I am reminded of the Beavis and Butthead nudist camp episode.

[DonQ]

It's worth noting that Rep. Mark Foley, who seems so eager to see inside this camp, has been widely rumored to be gay, a question he has strenuously avoided answering.

Notwithstanding some comments about the camps, I think it should be emphasized that these camps are by no means free of charge, parents are paying a substantial amount for their kids to attend, which pretty much means that the parents themselves are committed nudists, and their willingness to pay the camp fees shows their own approval of the camp for their kids. So why should some politician want to interfere??

[stuartcr]

Isn't that where we live today? We tolerate all these things, and by far we live in the best country ever.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP

[Xenalyte]

Hey, y'all, looky here. I'm a Libertarian, and I think nudist camps for kids are a disgraceful, appalling idea.

Bet I'm not the only Libertarian here who feels like that.

So what was that again about us being morally bankrupt?

[Dane]

So what was that again about us being morally bankrupt?

Take a good look at the political organization that is rightly identified as the closest thing as the political organization to the Libertarian ideals, The Libertarian party.

Read their platform, it is pro-abortion, pro-drug, etc. etc.

You know the world doesn't revolve around you. When defining political groups most people look at the leaders of that political group and their platform.

[cinFLA]

If you ever see some of the people who frequent these places you will understand that sex would be the farthest thing from your mind.

I won't ask how you know ... :-)

[Dane]

Harry Browne, Libertarian party candidate for President in 96 and 00, would have no problem with these camps, IMO.

He endorsed a platform where a minor can "emancipate" themselves from their parents and go out in the "workforce" and such.

[Mean Maryjean]

We have a naked teen camp opening in this weekend Virginia too, but our Democrat Govenor Mark Warner, and RepublicRAT RINO'S AG Jerry Kilgore and Senators George Allen and the other Warner feel that a better use of their time this month was to file sleazy voter pandering lawsuits related to college football.

I hear ya. Live near this camp as well. The camp's been there for quite awhile; "enhancing" their program, I guess.

In the opinion of one poster on another thread: God created us naked and unashamed.

My reply: "Yes, you are right. He did. HOWEVER...that unashamedness quickly came to a halt when sin entered the human race through Adam and Eve's disobedience:
"But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said; Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." [Genesis 3:3]

The immediate result was:
"And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons." [Genesis 3:7]

Something definitely changed...aside from their new "awareness" of being naked. For shortly thereafter the Bible says they heard the voice of God calling Adam:
"And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself." [Genesis 3:10]

What does this have to do with nudist camps, whether they be adult, teen, child, or whatever? Nothing...except just one more example of mankind's neverending love affair with "SELF" ... as in "self"/idol-worship -- worship of the "created" instead of fearful, reverent worship of the CREATOR. (IMHO, of course.)

[weegee]

Voyeurism happens in locker rooms too (Australia and Great Britain are looking at banning cellphones with cameras; no mention of banning the voyeurs).

U.K. fears camera phones’ use by pedophiles

Pools ban camera phones from changing rooms to deter peeping Toms

Australia Bans Mobile Phones from Swimming Pools

I'd feel better about these camps if the parents were present.

[weegee]

This is likely to generate more backlash press against Republicans in nudist newswires but aren't they all Green Party supporters anyway?

[freepatriot32]

heres the original story that started it all

[KCmark]

Read their platform, it is pro-abortion, pro-drug, etc. etc.

---

Sounds kind of, ..... pro-freedom.

[stuartcr]

Only those that believe as you do, have that shame.

[Mean Maryjean]

Only those that believe as you do, have that shame.

Only those that believe as YOU do, SHOULD!

Only those that believe as I do, are no longer bound by "that" shame, thanks in total measure to the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who desires that our bodies be a "living" vessel for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Ashamed of my nudity? No. In honor and reverence of the Holy Spirit, I choose modesty of dress....to bring HIM glory --not attention (flattering or otherwise) to me.

[stuartcr]

Fair enough, we each have our beliefs.

[Constantine XIII]

You've hit that target dead center.

I'm sure George Washington and the young men who camped at Valley Forge had kiddie nudist camps high on the list of things that they were fighting to protect. :o)

[johnb838]

"...and a fourth is planned for Texas in 2005"

Oh yeah, THAT will go over well!

There used to be a clothing optional apartment complex in the Peoples Republic of Austin when I lived there. Then there's the infamous Hippie Hollow, and Paleface Park where clothes were shed all summer long. I'm quite sure something of this nature would be somewhere around Texas' own liberal enclave. I hadn't thought about this but I find the idea of a nudist camp for children to be in incredibly poor taste, to say the least. Who are the counselors who are 'protecting' the children, I wonder? I don't care what they say about it not being about sex, children who aren't old enough to make up their own minds about something like this should not be going around naked in public. Period. Course the liberals would say if a child can be forced to go to church he or she can be forced to strip down in front of adults and other children. Hell they're saying they should be allowed to coerce them into sex. I don't trust these nude recreation people. They've always seemed to be spinning and covering something up (no pun intended). Hell, I've skinny dipped in the Austin hangouts before, it was no big deal, but that was about swimming and partying... it wasn't an organized deal like this AANR thing.

[rmmcdaniell]

Actually, I heard Ann Kournikova attends the one in Southwest Florida.

I want photographic proof!

[rmmcdaniell]

I'm sure George Washington and the young men who camped at Valley Forge had kiddie nudist camps high on the list of things that they were fighting to protect.

Well they certainly weren't on a Christian crusade against the pagan heathen savages.

[Constantine XIII]

That still didn't address my point, witty as it was. ;op

[weegee]

Hippie Hollow is now restricted to those OVER the age of 18:

http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/graphic/parks_graphic/hippie_hollow.htm

Hippie Hollow Park has a long tradition as the only clothing-optional public park in Texas. Entry to the park is restricted to those people 18 years and older.

I've never seen a reason to remind people of this at "ordinary" parks:
Please respect the privacy of other visitors and ask permission before taking photographs. Remember that nudity is acceptable, lewd behavior is not.

[gcruse]

Pro-dope, pro-porn, pro-sodomy, and pro-kiddie nudist camps=libertarian family values.

You left out pro-pane, Kevie.  It's a gas!

[Publius]

I don't trust these nude recreation people.

Well, the only way to end nudity is to expose it.

[Prodigal Son]

He endorsed a platform where a minor can "emancipate" themselves from their parents and go out in the "workforce" and such.

I did that when I was sixteen. I didn't realize it was bad.

[johnb838]

I think that the reason I don't trust these "nudist" people is that in their zeal to make it no big deal it becomes this big huge deal. Like the homosexuals that want to be 'accepted' but the first thing they tell anyone is about their sex lifestyle/preference. I think they protest too much.

I've been to HH. Like you said, nudity was ok, lewd behavior wasn't. Oh there were a few gawkers, but it was really no biggie if somebody wanted to skinny-dip or get an all over tan. I don't think I'd do it anymore because it sort of was associated with a bohemian lifestyle I used to live and a laissez-faire attitude that I want no part of since 9/11.

[gd124]

Nudity on private property in Florida is legal, even among minors, so long as there is no illicit sexual behavior. Foley, who lobbied for the Amber Alert network as a way to broadcast missing children's cases across the country, is calling on Bush and Crist to review the law.

When I first read that, I thought it said "calling on Bush and Christ to review the law."