Kellie Hwang

The Republic | azcentral.com

Many Arizonans have likely thought about shedding clothes to deal with the sweltering heat. For most, that would be in the privacy of their homes.

But if a clothes-free lifestyle intrigues you, consider taking part in Nude Recreation Week, a national weeklong campaign sponsored by the American Association for Nude Recreation. This year, in honor of the Summer Olympic Games in Brazil, clothing-optional resorts are hosting the AANR Nude Games.

'Some people need a push'

"We have Nude Recreation Week every year, and try to celebrate at the end of the week by attracting people that might want to try the lifestyle," said Beverly Price, AANR president. ​"Some people need a little bit of a push, and when they realize we are just playing games for the weekend, might say, 'Let's go try it.' "

Shangri La Ranch in New River, north of Anthem, will offer games on Saturday, July 9, inviting anyone who is curious to come check it out. Newbies to the resort get their first visit free. There also will be karaoke on Friday night and a dance on Saturday night.

Two rounds of competition will take place on Saturday in a poker-themed version of a triathlon. During the running component, competitors will have to shuffle a deck of cards while moving. They'll play poker in the pool, and then instead of biking, play a round of Texas hold 'em.

Participants also can play cornhole and Mölkky, a Finnish throwing game, and enjoy the resort's two pools. First-timers will get a tour of Shangri La Ranch, and hosts are happy to answer any questions.

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Cyndi Faber, who works at Shangri La, said this is the perfect time to try the nudist lifestyle.

"No one really wants to be in any clothes when the weather is so hot," she said. "When you're in a swimsuit, you're a sticky, clingy mess once you get out of the pool. Here, we don't have that, there's nothing holding onto you anymore. It's a great environment."

Skinny-dip record

Last year, AANR challenged clothing-optional resorts to break the skinny-dip world record. Just under 250 people took part at Shangri La, narrowly missing their previous record. Shangri La Ranch is the main clothing-optional resort in the metro Phoenix area. There are clothing-optional bed-and-breakfasts in central Phoenix and Cave Creek, and private nudist clubs.

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Nude Games

When: Friday-Saturday, July 8-9. Karaoke starts at 8:30 p.m. Friday. The games start at 1 p.m. Saturday. The dance starts at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Shangri La Ranch, 44444 N. Shangri La Road, New River.

Admission: Free for first-time visitors. Ask about membership and room rates.

Details: 623-465-5959, shangrilaranch.com, aanr.com.