SUMMER HILL - For more than 15 years, naturists have come from all over the United States to spend time at Empire Haven Nudist Park, gathering to celebrate the Northeast Naturist Festival.
Running Tuesday through Sunday, the gathering has many features that extend beyond the most obvious - the option to shed clothes.
Morley Schloss, a festival coordinator, also owns Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort in Florida and is on the Naturalist Action Committee's board, a political group that works for the rights of those who live a clothing optional life. He has been involved with the festival for many years.
“It is an opportunity for people to gather,” Schloss said. “This gives people the opportunity to explore different ideas and aspects of a naturist life.”
On Tuesday afternoon, a handful of the more than 400 people that are anticipated to attend the week-long festival gathered at Empire Haven, sitting in a circle to greet one another and share information about the events.
While a great amount of time will be dedicated to outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming, much of the festival is about celebrating and sharing information about naturist life.
This is a lifestyle that extends well beyond simply choosing to live clothing optional; it also incorporates numerous philosophical and ideological principals.
According to the Naturist Society Web site (www.naturistsociety.com), naturism is about recognizing and celebrating the interdependency of humans with nature.
Over the course of the gathering, workshops ranging from discussions about naturism to shamanism, yoga and various arts such as photography and painting will be held.
“It is about personal growth,” Schloss said. “We say it is about six days of fun, growth and community. We'll be looking at everything from relationships to alternative forms of healing and energy work.”
Schloss also said there will be some political discussion.
Part of the registration fee goes to support the Naturalist Action Committee. Over the nearly two decades the festival has been held, Schloss has seen it grow steadily, attracting more people.
“It has been really well received,” Schloss said. “This is really one of the only new age festivals in the area. We get people from all over.”
Visitors come from as close as Syracuse and Ithaca and from as far away as Ohio and Florida.
“It is really incredible,” Schloss said. “There is an incredible sense of community here.”
Some have been long-time followers of the naturist life, but Schloss said the festival also draws new guests.
“Everything here is clothing optional,” Schloss said. “You don't have to be undressed, except in the pool, hot tub or sauna, but otherwise it is all clothing optional. I think new people that are curious come out to see what it is all about and they might be a little shy or hesitant at first, but usually after a few minutes they feel completely comfortable and then wonder what they were so nervous about.”
Schloss said there are often misconceptions about nudity, but stressed that while clothing is optional and there are many people who choose to be nude, it is not about sex, but rather about a lifestyle choice.
“There can be some misconceptions,” Schloss said. “But there is nothing ‘adult' about it. This really is a very family-oriented event. I know in the next few days there will be a lot of families here from seeing the people that have registered. I think this is a great opportunity for everyone to see all kinds of body types and not just the Ken and Barbie image. I think things like this are a great opportunity for people to learn to be comfortable with their own body and that this can help people have a healthier body image. And here they can have that experience in a safe and completely welcoming environment.”
Whether a nudist, or one interested in new age ideals or simply curious to learn, Schloss said all are welcome.
“I encourage people to attend,” Schloss said. “There is a lot to learn and to experience here and anyone interested in learning more is welcome here.”
If you go
The Northeast Naturist Festival runs through Sunday with events beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, at 10 a.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For a complete schedule of events visit online at
empirehaven.homestead.com and follow the festival forms link.
Morley Schloss, a festival coordinator, also owns Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort in Florida and is on the Naturalist Action Committee's board, a political group that works for the rights of those who live a clothing optional life. He has been involved with the festival for many years.
“It is an opportunity for people to gather,” Schloss said. “This gives people the opportunity to explore different ideas and aspects of a naturist life.”
On Tuesday afternoon, a handful of the more than 400 people that are anticipated to attend the week-long festival gathered at Empire Haven, sitting in a circle to greet one another and share information about the events.
While a great amount of time will be dedicated to outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming, much of the festival is about celebrating and sharing information about naturist life.
This is a lifestyle that extends well beyond simply choosing to live clothing optional; it also incorporates numerous philosophical and ideological principals.
According to the Naturist Society Web site (www.naturistsociety.com), naturism is about recognizing and celebrating the interdependency of humans with nature.
Over the course of the gathering, workshops ranging from discussions about naturism to shamanism, yoga and various arts such as photography and painting will be held.
“It is about personal growth,” Schloss said. “We say it is about six days of fun, growth and community. We'll be looking at everything from relationships to alternative forms of healing and energy work.”
Schloss also said there will be some political discussion.
Part of the registration fee goes to support the Naturalist Action Committee. Over the nearly two decades the festival has been held, Schloss has seen it grow steadily, attracting more people.
“It has been really well received,” Schloss said. “This is really one of the only new age festivals in the area. We get people from all over.”
Visitors come from as close as Syracuse and Ithaca and from as far away as Ohio and Florida.
“It is really incredible,” Schloss said. “There is an incredible sense of community here.”
Some have been long-time followers of the naturist life, but Schloss said the festival also draws new guests.
“Everything here is clothing optional,” Schloss said. “You don't have to be undressed, except in the pool, hot tub or sauna, but otherwise it is all clothing optional. I think new people that are curious come out to see what it is all about and they might be a little shy or hesitant at first, but usually after a few minutes they feel completely comfortable and then wonder what they were so nervous about.”
Schloss said there are often misconceptions about nudity, but stressed that while clothing is optional and there are many people who choose to be nude, it is not about sex, but rather about a lifestyle choice.
“There can be some misconceptions,” Schloss said. “But there is nothing ‘adult' about it. This really is a very family-oriented event. I know in the next few days there will be a lot of families here from seeing the people that have registered. I think this is a great opportunity for everyone to see all kinds of body types and not just the Ken and Barbie image. I think things like this are a great opportunity for people to learn to be comfortable with their own body and that this can help people have a healthier body image. And here they can have that experience in a safe and completely welcoming environment.”
Whether a nudist, or one interested in new age ideals or simply curious to learn, Schloss said all are welcome.
“I encourage people to attend,” Schloss said. “There is a lot to learn and to experience here and anyone interested in learning more is welcome here.”
If you go
The Northeast Naturist Festival runs through Sunday with events beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, at 10 a.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For a complete schedule of events visit online at
empirehaven.homestead.com and follow the festival forms link.
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