We talk to three young people: one who rebelled against naturism when she was a teen; one who stayed as a naturist; and another teenager who is new to naturism.

Why teenagers leave:

The club does not make them feel comfortable (possibly because it isn’t really about true naturist values like acceptance and tolerance of others) The club does not offer them things to do, peers to hang out with, or opportunities (e.g. jobs!) Their social circles are at home with their school friends and they want to fit in with them They want to develop their own identity by differentiating themselves from their parents (rebellion!) They would rather stay home alone while their parents go to the club (freedom!)

So teenagers leave for a variety of reasons. They always have and they always will. If it’s reasons numbers 3 to 5 there’s not much that can be done. But if a club deals with reasons numbers 1 and 2, then some teens may stay. At Bare Oaks, we have actually had teenagers visiting us on their own because their parents are not there. (reason #4 but reversed) Over the years, we have also had many young people, including teens, work as staff for the summer and they loved it! (like Nicole in this episode of the podcast)

Links to items mentioned in the show:

Photo: Nicole and her sisters by Matthew Hamon

Episode CVII