Young British Naturists - YBN - Articles

YBN Events List 2012

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:53:09 +0000

A new year and a whole new list of exciting events for the 2012 YBN calendar! A great way to kick off the year!!

We host events throughout the year from “The North To The South and The East To The West”, to make sure that our YBN’ers can get to an event that’s near them…
As-well as at least one event abroad, to meet all the international youth groups!

(Not forgetting the many BN and club events we will be going to also!!!)

All of our events are at a minimal cost; as nearly all of us are skint and penniless… But the fun that can be had at these events costs nothing! And let’s face it…. It’s not like we need to fork out for a new outfit to enjoy the fun!!

Central

YBN Winter Weekend
Feb 10-12th
Every Year we have a ‘Winter Weekend’ where we all go to stay somewhere together and have a few days of fun, games and many giggles! This year we are staying in Birmingham at the 'Youth Hostel’ which is a central location in the country to make it fair and easy for everyone in the UK to get to.
This event is usually a clothed event, for reasons of venue, new member additions and the beautiful cold weather British weather that we are having! But this time the ‘YBN Winter Weekend’ is going to be enjoyed with the addition of a Naturist Sunday afternoon an infamous Naturist Spa, where you can unwind after a hard weekend of partying.
The winter weekend is great way to introduce your friends to YBN for their very first time and of course; for us all to have a good catch up after the mayhem of Xmas and New Year!

London

YBN Easter Weekend
April 13-15th

This year we’re having a post ‘Easter Weekend’ at Diogenes Naturist Club just outside the west of London. This is where we get the chance to meet up again before the summer starts, to enjoy a more relaxed indoor venue; at a club that we haven’t visited before! We may even brave the elements by camping in mid April, as it can often be quite warm by then!
This is our first YBN Easter event due to popular demand for more youth events in Winter/Spring. We have so many new members; we thought we’d try to do a few more different and fun things this year!

This event is especially exciting as we will be having our first ever YBN - AGM, we will also be having our first ever YBN team meet-up. This is a great opportunity to make yourselves heard!
The theme for this evening will be a Bollywood theme, complete with authentic cuisine!! So dust of your dancing feet........ It's going to be fun!!
Plus it’s a good chance to share all your left over chocolate you won’t have eaten by then…

International

INF Youth Rally 2012
May 17-20^th
Every year YBN meet up with all the other youth organisations within the INF; we’re invited to go along for 5 days of fun somewhere new! This gives us all the chance to meet up and enjoy each other’s international company; which doesn’t happen often enough! It makes for a lot of fun!!! It’s usually hot too…………. Always a bonus!
Last year it was in France, before that Germany, then Italy and so on…

The food and all the activities are organised throughout the long weekend and there is normally a trip out of the campsite to the city where there will be another fun-filled day planned for us. This is all included in the very low price of only 50 Euros per person!!!
Where else can you get 5 days all inclusive accommodation that cheap anywhere else in the world!? And with such good company too!
So don’t miss out on this once a year opportunity…

Western

YBN Western Weekend
June 22-24^th
Our Western weekend this year will be start on the Friday night where we will be visiting Western Swimming Club (WSC) at their weekly swim, before heading off to Western Sun Folk Naturist Club (WSF). There we will spend the remainder of the weekend enjoying what their grounds have to offer and of course; one another’s excellent company! As well as the best that the West has to offer!
(WSC, WSF, WTF -that’s a lot of abbreviations!) But it would be a shame to travel all that way and not visit them both on the same weekend.

Southern

Youth GBSD Weekend
July 13-15^th
The big summer version of BN’s promotion; The Great British Skinny Dip- on July 15.
The reason behind it all is to have skinny dips everywhere on this weekend so that everyone can experience the joy of swimming without clothes, and being naked and free amongst friends...

So YBN are Hosting our own Youth GBSD @ Spielplatz Naturist Club in St Albans.
If your friends also want to try naturism for a change, then the Youth GBSD party 2012 is the place to be!

The cost is minimal for the weekend, as they are all with all our YBN events! Cost will include your 2 nights camping and all meals from Friday night dinner until breakfast Sunday morning!
On the Saturday night there will be a disco, where we will be entertained by the infamous ‘Big Mark’ the DJ!! A great opportunity to ‘strut your funky stuff’ and dazzle us all with your moves!

South West

YBN @ SW Kidz Camp
July 20-22^nd
It has been said for a while now that we need to join in with the kids, so we are joining forces and going to the South West to come along to their Kidz Camp at Avonvale Naturist Club. There we will have the option to go to Splashdown on the Saturday evening and to the Studland Beach Day on the Sunday, all in the same ‘neck of the woods’….

So a fun packed weekend that gives us the opportunity to let our hair down and behave like the ‘secret’ kids that we all still are!!!
Booking & more details TBC….

Eastern

YBN Olympic Event
Aug 10-12^th
The main Olympics takes place from the 27^th July to the 12^th August, with the Paralympics following from the 29^thAugust to the 9^th September. There are a number of locations around the country that will host sporting events.
So YBN are going to host our own Naked Olympics at Broadlands Naturist Club; where everyone is open to join in. We are also inviting our INF affiliates from all other youth groups around the world. Let’s get some real international competitiveness going and show them what us Brits are made of!!

Northern

YBN Northern Event
Aug 25-27^th
Joining our Northern counterparts up in at one of our Northern Naturist Clubs, YBN have always enjoyed the friendly welcoming atmosphere that is awaiting us from the locals.
With great facilities and even better food, they look after us all as if we were their own kids! Just another bonus to this fantastic weekend is their great bar with some very well chosen ales!
How could we resist coming back up to the wonderful and fabulous North to see them all again!

South East

YBN Volleyball Tournament
Aug 31^st -Sept 2^nd
Details to follow…

So don't miss out on this year's YBN adventures.....

My child wants to be a Naturist. What do I do?

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

You only have to open a newspaper or turn on the television to be exposed to unrealistic and unachievable images of the human body. This can have a major negative influence on a child’s sense of wellbeing and self-confidence.

Figures show that eating disorders and body image issues are on the rise; unfortunately children can believe that the images that they see in the media are what their body should look like. And it can have devastating effects upon them.

It is not easy for a child to grow up in a world with false expectation; Naturism dissipates this misguided view and allows a child to see what the true naked form looks like and to accept and appreciate their own body.

Naturism provides a platform for well adjusted, happy and balanced young adults; at the same time as having fun in a safe and secure environment!

These are just some of the reasons why British Naturism, its members and millions of Naturists around the world think that our way of living is positive and a beneficial way of life!

Hopefully with this article we can help you understand why your child wants to become part of a Naturist organisation.

Naturist children are happy, well-adjusted and safe

Children don’t care if they are wearing clothes or not, in fact they often prefer not to! It is adults that make them get dressed. Starting with a life in Naturism they grow up with a better understanding of what will happen to their bodies with time and they learn to enjoy a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Typical Naturist places tend to have entry requirements and secure gates, making the inside a far safer environment than the outside.

So what is YBN and British Naturism…?

Young British Naturists (YBN) is the youth group of British Naturism.
British Naturism (BN) is the UK's internationally-recognised organisation for Naturists in the UK. We are a membership organisation that is comprised of mainly families; we provide a variety of services for our members, as well as working to promote Naturism in wider society and to campaign against the threats to our lifestyle.

We are a self-funding organisation, approaching our 50th birthday, earning most of our revenue from membership fees and donations; occasionally we obtain grants from the International Naturist Federation (INF) to whom we are affiliated.

Naturism is accepted and practised by 3.7 million people in the UK. (Survey conducted by Ipsos Mori in the autumn of 2011)

YBN helps provide a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy inexpensive holidays and weekends, with like-minded people.

We have over 10,000 members and there are in excess of 100 Naturist clubs throughout the UK. There are also activities such as organised Naturist swims at other venues in the UK. Naturism is practised by millions of people around the world.

‘Where do you normally go to be naked?’

Almost all of our events take place in very safe and sometimes secluded environments such as Naturist Clubs, beaches and hired venues. We go to places where nakidity is appreciated and accepted as normal and customary. We use venues that are used to catering for families; we come into contact with other Naturists from all over the world, with all sorts of beliefs; therefore a Naturist environment can be extremely beneficial and educational to a child in allowing them to understand and appreciate different cultures.

‘Why do you want to be naked?’

For many reasons- because we and millions of other people all around the world believe that it’s good for you!

It promotes positive body image as there is no such thing as the perfect body and we are all unique. Both physical and mental health is improved with the benefits of sunshine and fresh air.

‘What motivates your child to want to be a part of a Naturist community?’

Purely and simply, for the same reasons as everyone else that is part of the Naturist community!

It is not always a question that can be easily answered in a short sentence; your child could be motivated to overcome their fears and their confidence issues around their own body. Or to just simply enjoying being naked in a safe environment!

Why do we want them at YBN? - ‘Why do you want to see my child naked?’

We don’t want to ‘see’ anyone naked so to speak; we do however want to see everyone happy and healthy. We want to give everyone the opportunity to reap the benefits of Naturism in the most safe and welcoming environment.

At all of our events being naked is optional, and there is never any pressure to join in and strip off, as Naturism is about feeling comfortable.

‘Why do you want to be in the presence of naked people?’

It’s not about being with naked people as such; it’s about being in an environment where you can practise Naturism and feel comfortable as well being able to reap all of the health benefits that Naturism provides. It is extremely beneficial to be in the presence of other people who don’t judge you; it can be not only provide a greater sense of well being, but it can also be invigorating and enlightening to a person.

‘What policies do you have in place to protect my child or other people…?’

We have many policies and procedures in place to protect everyone in and around our care.

British Naturism’s child protection policy and safeguarding of vulnerable adults policy is one of the most comprehensive and detailed in the country; with outside guidance and approval by the NSPCC and other experts in that field. Our leading child safeguarding officer is also the president of our organisation, and a caring mother. Our organisation is predominantly a family organisation.

In fact many of the parents within British Naturism are teachers, solicitors, nurses, doctors, social workers and child care workers themselves, and most of all - very caring and protective parents!

A Naturist environment is a safe, happy and healthy environment for a child to be a part of.

Key Facts about Naturism…

Naturism is normal

It’s just ordinary people choosing not to wear clothes when the weather and the circumstances are appropriate. Our activities are no different from what most people do in their leisure time, other than the dress code. We’re not anti-clothes; we just know that they are not always essential. It’s also a lot of fun!

Everyone was born naked

…and yet now anyone wanting to return to that natural state is treated with at best, mild amusement and at worst, suspicion. Being naked isn’t obscene, provocative, ridiculous, eccentric, shameful or immodest. Being ‘naked as nature intended’ is a perfectly normal desire. Nudism promotes wholeness of the body, rather than setting aside parts of the body as unwholesome and shameful.

Naturism is good for you

It promotes positive body image; there is no such thing as the perfect body! We are all unique; Naturism allows for acceptance of the human form no matter what shape, size or creed of the person. Both physical and mental health is improved with the benefits of sunshine and fresh air; research suggests that exposure to the sun increases the body’s synthesis of vitamin D. This is vital for calcium absorption and the strengthening of the immune system; exposure to the sun is especially beneficial for younger people for the growth of strong bones.

Naturism provides a relaxing and de-stressing environment with friendly and comfortable community spirit.

Most sunbathers wear very little more than we do. Swimsuits are pointless – why get dressed to get wet?

Naturism has wider benefits too – such as teenage pregnancy rates and abortion rates are lower in countries with a more relaxed attitude to nudity.

Naturism is not about sex

It’s Naturism – not voyeurism!
Naturists are not asexual, however despite what certain public attitude may be; a gathering of naked people does not make for a sexually charged environment.
In-fact a Naturist environment is the least sexually charged environment that a person can be in “Nudity per se cannot be sexually suggestive when it is habitual and customary”.

Sexuality is a matter of intent rather than state of dress.

Naturism is very popular

Millions of people in the UK and even more throughout the world have discovered this wonderful way of life. There are thousands of holiday resorts and other places serving the community. Plenty of people skinny-dip, go topless on beaches and spend time naked at home.

Mankind started off naked, and the naked human form used to be celebrated. It was only the constraints that were put on society in the 1400’s that made us feel ashamed about our body. Society has evolved as a whole however the same shameful and outdated attitude towards the naked human form has been carried forward through time.

The benefits of our membership include such things as;

· Four (quarterly) issues of our magazine delivered to your door

· Access to the BN and YBN members’ forum, to keep up with friends and information etc

· Many events – some for members only, others with discounts on entry

· Meeting like-minded people and the sense of belonging to a vibrant community education

· Help overcoming misunderstandings and prejudice

· General advice and support on issues that affect a naturist's daily life,

· providing a point of contact and information for enquiries, liaising with government and other authorities

· Sharing with and learning from Naturist organisations in other countries

· Discounts on some items in the BN shop

· The BN holiday advice service

· A photo ID/membership card – proven to be useful in establishing your credentials with Authority figures, especially in times of trouble. An INF card – essential for access to some naturist places, discounts offered in others

· The BN e-zine – keeping you up to date with news in between issues of the magazine

Summary

We are not asking you to leave your teenager in our care, - far from it. We would much rather that you came along and tried for yourself. We would love you to experience the normal, natural lifestyle that millions of people round the world live.

What we are asking for though is that if your child expresses an interest in a Naturist way of life, you let them explore that. Chances are it’s an opportunity that they will give thanks to you for the rest of their lives.

Remember you are welcome too!

BN Contacts of people and other parents to talk to…

Head Office
Post: British Naturism, 30 - 32 Wycliffe Road, Northampton, NN1 5JF
email: headoffice@bn.org.uk
Telephone: 01604 620361
Fax: 01604 230176

BN Youth Officer
Daryl Jones - info@ybn.org.uk

BN Child Safeguarding Officer (president of British Naturism)
Angela Russell - president@bn.org.uk
Telephone: 02476 511781

Below on the comments, please could you add your positive experiences and views in respect to how naturism has changed your view;
as a parent, and how it’s benefited your child...
Or did you come to Naturism without your parents? please tell us below…

Under 18?

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:25:10 +0000

If you are aged 14-17 you will need your parent/guardian’s permission to join in with any part of YBN; this includes coming along to our events and having full access to the YBN message board. You would need full permission that is signed on a youth consent form; especially if you want to take part in any of BN’s youth group events & activities. Your parent/guardian is more than welcome to come along with you to our events, as your legal guardian.

When you are 18 you can join as a full member, but until then some-one has to be responsible for you.

Are your parent’s members of a Naturist club…?

Yes…
Great, then they have probably heard of YBN, and should be happy if you want to join us. There is no reason why you can’t come along to our events either with them or with their consent.

No - but I can ask them if I can join YBN…
Well there’s no time like the present to ask them… Hopefully they have heard of British Naturism and the fantastic reputation that we have as the country’s leading Naturist organisation. They can look on our website to find out any information that they need and to possibly answer any questions that they may have. We have comprehensive guides regarding Naturism and youth. They can also email our child safeguarding team or our Youth Officer to discuss things further.

No - I don't want to ask them...
There really is no need to be worried or nervous about telling people or about anyone finding out that you enjoy being naked or that you are a Naturist.
You never know; your parents have probably been to a Naturist beach, club or even an event in the past and will be happy that you now want to go too.
After all; there’s no harm in asking them! We are a family organisation!
If your parents are not aware and you don't want to ask them for their permission though, then you can’t join and become a youth member. This would not prevent you from coming to meet us at our public meet-ups, like the Naturist beach days we go to in the summer as it would be at in a public space; just a group of people chilling at the beach!
But if your parents know and are happy to give permission, then great! We encourage you to be honest with your parents and inform them of where you are going and who you are going to meet.

You may encourage them to contact me direct if they have any concerns or issues – I am happy to discuss any aspects of Naturism with your parents and hopefully dispel any concerns that they may have.

Daryl
BN Youth Officer (YBN)

Erections and Naturism

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:16:05 +0000

In terms of your concerns about erections, you are not the first to be worried about this; nor will you be the last. I hope that I am able to put your mind at rest with the following information.

I have been a Naturist for a long time and YBN has many members that are completely new to Naturism and to being naked socially. Nearly all of the members have shown the same concern about getting an erection when they first joined. However when it comes to the crunch of making the step into 'public' nudity there is absolutely nothing to worry about!

It is quite normal that guys’ hormones can be a little wild when they are going through puberty and soon after. It is perfectly natural for your body to react in ways that you have no control over, without any reason or warning… It can be a worrying time, full of confusion and doubt.

The thing to remember when you are in a naturist environment is that although there are lots of naked bodies, it is not sexual in any way. But if when you are naked and feel that you may be getting aroused then you just need to make an effort to cover it up; you can wrap a towel around yourself or roll on your front etc; it is not acceptable to walk around with an erection.

But don't get too hung up on this issue, it really is nothing to worry about! The thought and worry will go away as soon as you arrive and strip off with everyone else!

Naturism is a great way to feel accepted and to become comfortable with your own body image; most members have found that by coming to Naturist events both their overall confidence and their positivity towards their own body image has increased. Naturists are very accepting people; they see people for who they are and not what they look like. It’s not about what ‘brand’ or ‘badge’ you are wearing; it is all about you as a person.

Rest assured though, you are not alone with your initial concerns! After all; the majority of us have felt those same concerns and had those same anxieties. Like most new things; the thought of trying something often creates much more anxiety than at the actual experience itself!!

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions about this or YBN & Naturism in general please do not hesitate to ask.

Daryl
BN Youth Officer (YBN)

Puberty and Naturism

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:13:58 +0000

Puberty is a name for the time when you start to change from a child to an adult. Puberty is normal and it happens to everyone. You may be looking forward to puberty, or dreading it! Or you may feel both ways about it! You’ll go through a lot of changes, but you will still be YOU, just with some important differences. Try to think of it as one of the great adventures of your life, because it is.

In terms of Naturism when you are going through puberty; there is nothing to worry about or to be embarrassed about. After all we have all been there! We understand that the changes in your body occur at different times for different people; we also understand that it can be a very confusing time for you.

When the hormones are ‘raging’ and you may feel uncomfortable with your body Naturism is a great way to be comfortable those changes. It allows you to feel accepted and to become happier with your own body; most members have found that by coming to Naturist events both their overall confidence and their positivity towards their own body image has increased.
We understand that you may have worries about what your body is going to do without any warning!

Boys - if you get an erection, don’t worry about it! It’s perfectly normal! We know that sometimes you just don’t have any control over what’s going on! Just cover yourself with a towel or roll onto your front, no-one is going to pass any comment or judgement towards you; it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Girls – You may be concerned about the changes in the shape of your body; you don’t need to be embarrassed about it! Everything that is happening is completely normal and no-one is looking at you. You may have concerns about getting your period in a Naturist environment; again this is nothing to worry about or to be embarrassed about! If you have any concerns about this then it is fine to wear bikini bottoms.

The thing to remember is that everyone’s body shape is different; even when you have gone through puberty your body is going to be completely different to someone else’s. Naturism provides a realist view of the body; it allows you to accept that the way you look is normal.
Under 18?

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions about this or YBN & Naturism in general please do not hesitate to ask.

Daryl
BN Youth Officer (YBN)

Youth Body Image

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:10:58 +0000

If you have concerns about your body image then you are just the same as nearly everyone else before they tried Naturism. You are certainly not the first to be worried about your body shape or size or the way that you look in general; nor will you be the last. I hope that I will be able to put your mind at rest with the following information.

I have been a Naturist for a long time; YBN has many members that are completely new to both Naturism and being naked in a social setting. Prior to coming to a Naturist setting many people worry about their shapes and sizes, religions and creed, any marks or scars that they may have on their body, tattoos, their menstrual cycles, disabilities, and whole host of other things! However; when it comes to the crunch of making their step into 'public' nudity they all have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Naturism is a great way to feel accepted and to become comfortable with your own body; most members have found that by coming to Naturist events both their overall confidence and their positivity towards their own body image has increased. Naturists are very accepting people; they see people for who they are and not what they look like. It’s not about what ‘brand’ or ‘badge’ you are wearing; it is all about you as a person.
Rest assured though, you are not alone with your initial concerns! After all; the majority of us have felt those same concerns and had those same anxieties. Like most new things; the thought of trying something often creates much more anxiety than at the actual experience itself!!

If at all when you are at an event you feel self-conscious then you are more than welcome to put something on or around you, in order to make you feel more comfortable. No-one will ever force you to take your clothes off! Naturism is all about comfort and being happy.

I hope that this helps and if you have any further questions about this or YBN or just Naturism in general please do not hesitate to ask.

Daryl
BN Youth Officer (YBN)

YBN’s great nude summer of 2011

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:21:07 +0000

Youthful energy driving us on!

This summer we have been here there and everywhere, travelling around the country having fun in different places.

Many clubs have invited us to join in with their summer festivities and allowed us to host YBN weekends; as always, we have to choose only a few of them to attend, this year being Manchester, Heritage, Nottingham, Spielplatz, and Ashdene, while we also have the volleyball tournament to look forward to in a few weeks.

We’ve partied with fancy dress discos in our best Hawaiian outfits at Heritage and showed the active sporty members how to play volleyball once again at their home grounds; we had an amazing UV-glow party in the evening at Spielplatz which got the dance floor lit up with multi-coloured UV paints and their very own DJ Mark’s famous music keeping everyone awake and dancing until the early hours... and we sunbathed at Manchester, using the extremely hot weather which we booked especially for the occasion!

YBN co-hosted the Great British Skinny Dip event at Spielplatz this year whilst having our weekend festivities, showing the club our great energetic spirit whilst bringing along many youngsters who were new to naturism and the idea of public and social ‘nakidity’, which was a great success for all.

We have also been hosting facilities and dedicating a lot of our time to an enthusiastic film crew from ZKK, a London-based documentary production company. We’ve been working with them for a new documentary aimed at advertising and normalising naturism and ‘nakidity’, especially among the youth of our country. Working with an award winning director, not only YBN but other clubs and individuals have been working together and along-side one another to help make this hour-long documentary into a huge success, with content that we want, in the way that we want it said.

The documentary should be shown on Channel 4 in the early part of next year and we are very hopeful that it will not only re-educate people in the way we would like things to be said about our way of life and common beliefs; we also hope that it will entice many more teens and youngsters to our friendly and family-orientated world of YBN, showing the country that there is somewhere to go and a community to join to enjoy a naked way of life!

Colourful continental fun at the INF Youth Rall...

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:20:03 +0000

This year’s INF rally was held in a stunningly beautiful naturist club in the south of France.

Being June and given what the weather man had told us all, who would have thought it would rain all week, yet be the hottest day of the year in most other federations’ countries? Nevertheless, fun was had by all and even more friends were made this time round.

The theme for the week was ‘create’ with classes on drawing, music and massage. Anyone was free to join in with the activities and take advantage of the sessions organised for everyone. I think the most popular activity for YBN was the walk through the hills. Despite the clouds and rain, the club was still a place of beauty with amazing scenery, complemented by the river running below and, may I add, an incredibly cold river!

This still didn’t get in the way of water based games, though; braving it, we got involved, as points mean prizes – one problem, though; I think the French missed out on that saying as I saw no prizes!

Body painting was also the highlight activity for many. I can see why the French chose the theme they did... Some of the things they were able to paint were amazing! Daryl was left sporting a scarily realistic eye on his chest, along with a red pair of shorts. Then, we had a problem...what to do with all of the left-over paint?? The children within us thought that a paint fight on the beach would be a great idea! What a mess we all made, but everyone brave (or stupid!) enough to join in had a blast! Red, blue, yellow, green, a bit of sand sticking and lots of giggles later, we all grouped together and made a run for the river! Guess what... Green paint isn’t so easy to get off! Then it was into the showers and time to warm everyone up for the evening.

In the evenings, everyone enjoyed a beach party and flower-power theme party. What a trek to the party, though... A long walk up a steep hill later, we were ready for the music to start and dancing go on throughout the night.

As usual, YBN sat with the Dutch JNFN group but were pleased to welcome other nationalities to our group, too.

A big ‘thank you’ to the French for yet another great youth rally. I honestly feel as though we were all able to make new friends this year and build even stronger networks with other young naturists round Europe.

I look forward to next year’s rally which should be returning to Italy – I can’t wait to party again with our international friends.

Leah

Hectic weekend at Heritage

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:17:34 +0000

We arrived to a warm welcome from the people at Heritage who helped us sign in before we desperately requested to know the direction of the bathroom – after an epic journey of all of 45 minutes!

Once all the tents were up, we headed to the pavilion for a night of karaoke. A lot of the crowd from YBN and the club were already up there. The drinks and conversation started to flow, with a few brave souls volunteering to sing (some being put up by “friends”). Soon there was an excellent rendition of ‘Man, I feel like a woman’ by Paul to the giggles of his adoring fans. As the evening developed, I ended up getting on stage as a supporting act! With the karaoke wrapped up, the YBNers expected to have to quieten down but that was not what the club had in mind. We all heard a shout of “everyone in the pool!!”; everyone looked round surprised then whipped off their clothes and dived in. An impromptu game of water volleyball which turned into water polo.

The next day we all got up to a lovely breakfast provided by the club. Throughout the day, there were various activities organised, ranging from water volleyball to steam room sessions and a trip to the shops to get food and drinks, which turned into a massive hunt for provisions for the glow disco in the evening. Upon returning we had volleyball games on the go and a slippery pole over the swimming pool for a Gladiator-style duel.

After a lovely evening meal provided by the club, all the YBNers ran off to prepare their outfits for the glow disco with the whole group drawing glow paint on each other – some were more skilled than others.

Heritage had put a massive effort into preparing the glow disco area and the whole club got in to the spirit of the evening. Plenty of drinking and dancing followed until the disco came to a close with a group of YBNers heading to the steam room to finish the night off with a bang. We piled in to sit down and watch our glow paint spill off (which we promise, we did clean up!) before everyone jumped in the shower, then headed back to the steam room for a impromptu karaoke session singing ‘The lion sleeps tonight...’Sunday was the volleyball victory day for YBN! Headline news, as YBN beat Heritage for once! Heritage put a massive effort into an amazing weekend and we all very much appreciated it. A big ‘thank you’ to the club and everyone who helped organise it.

Vicky

A bouncy birthday party at Telford

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:16:13 +0000

Once again, our lovely friends at Telford Naturist Club helped get the summer off to a great start – and this time for an extra special reason, our 10th birthday.

We always love going to Telford, getting a warm welcome from the club and really enjoying ourselves. For the special celebrations we’d invited lots of ex-members and people who had helped to make YBN a success – and so there were people of all ages. It was great to meet past friends and, as usual, people enjoying their first YBN event.

Friday night saw everyone catching up, with the drinks flowing from Telford’s famously cheap bar, well into the early hours. As usual, most awoke after a couple of hours’ sleep, with sore heads but memories of a good night. Whilst some were lazing in the sun after a filling fried breakfast provided by the club, others were getting childishly excited about the arrival of the bouncy castle! After a few high energy games of dodgeball and some low energy games of shuffle board, some bright spark joked that it would a good idea to squeeze washing up liquid on the bouncy castle and fill it with water. That bright spark had the best idea of the summer!

Who would have thought that 30 YBNers on a bouncy castle, with that many bubbles, slipping and sliding all over the place, would bring so much amusement....What a great ice-breaker for some of the new members!

With all of us dressed for the School Disco, DJ Shaun got the party started. Short skirts, freckles and pig-tails flocked to the dance floor to be met by shorts, un-tucked shirts and ties wrapped round foreheads. The dancing was questionable, but fun!

Sunday was a lazy day and we must say thank you to everyone who attended, organised and helped make YBN’s birthday such a great success. Here’s to the next 10 years!

10 years of YBN - 2010

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:13:29 +0000

It’s hard to believe that YBN is ten years old already!

What started out as a way of meeting a few other young naturists has turned into something much bigger, writes Ben Rose.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the first flyer was being sent out asking if anyone would be interested in joining a naturist group for young people – a group which didn’t have a name or any real plan as to how we were going to develop. The idea was that we would get as many people on board and, between us, maybe we could come up with a few ideas. This seemed to work as we received a dozen or so replies back and a few months later, our first meeting was held at a venue just outside London. From that point on, it became apparent that there was a need for such a group and this – combined with a trip to the International Naturist Federation youth rally – gave us renewed enthusiasm to progress and try to take things forward.

That first trip to the INF youth rally really opened our eyes. Whilst the UK was represented by only Tracey and I, there were 50-plus people from the Netherlands, more than that from Germany as well as people from France, Norway, Denmark and other countries. The rally gave us the opportunity to speak and listen to people from other youth federations which had been going a lot longer than us, picking up hints as to what worked for them – some of these are still used to this day!

Back in the UK, things were starting to gain some momentum and although we weren’t using the internet as much as we do now, a network of people was beginning to build, allowing us to hold our first YBN weekend at TARA.

From there, things grew and grew and from that first event with 12 of us attending, we have held visits to clubs with over 45 YBN members and we even held the INF rally ourselves at Broadlands two years ago.

The main way in which YBN members can communicate with each other is on our own private message board. Similar to the BN forum, it means that we can plan events, add photos that have been taken and chat with other members – the latter being particularly useful in the colder months when it isn’t possible for everyone to get together as easily. The number of registered members on the board currently stands at 139 though this doesn’t take into account couples and many more people have reached the grand old age of 30 and are no longer able to attend YBN events (though there is an XYBN group for those aged 30-plus).

Although we didn’t have message boards when we first started, it became apparent that the group would only flourish if we embraced the internet and also used email as opposed to letters. This meant that information could be sent a lot faster and the message boards created a community that people could really feel part of. This is particularly important to YBN and we have always done our best to include anyone who attends a meeting, never putting pressure on people to undress, allowing them to take things at their own pace. This sense of community and understanding has meant that members have brought friends or family to some events who, whilst not ‘naturist’ in the card-carrying sense, at least go away with a better understanding of what naturism is and the type of people (normal, we hope!) that practise it.

Similarly, we try to get involved with the clubs that we visit and not only enjoy sitting in the bar chatting to members of the various clubs but also challenging the club to some sort of competitive activity as well, usually volleyball. We are always aware that we are guests but like to think that we have something to add to a venue and here I must thank all those places that have allowed YBN to host an event in the past ten years. Without being able to visit these clubs, it is difficult to see how we could have grown to the extent that we have.

YBN is only as good as its members and a massive ‘thank you’ to all who have attended events. We have seen people from South Africa, Australia, America and Holland join YBN and attend the events and through them and our members’ praise on other online communities, interest in the group is growing all the time. It would be great to see more people coming along to one of the meetings that we hold and hopefully this summer will see some of those YBN’ers who haven’t yet managed to get to a weekend break that duck. We are, of course, always looking to recruit more people and continue to use our website and word of mouth as much as possible to promote the group and British Naturism as a whole!!

The success of YBN over the past ten years is also great news for British Naturism as our members have moved on to take various posts on the EC. This helps give a different take on things and also introduces people to the workings of the organization a lot earlier, potentially making them more likely to hold other posts in the future. Not only that but when presenting an image to the media or prospective members, British Naturism is able to say quite confidently that naturism is popular amongst young people, contrary to the ‘Carry On’ image we are trying to move away from.

Here’s to another ten years of YBN. Although I’m in my final year now and won’t be there to see for myself, I’m sure the group will continue to grow in popularity and carry on making the great strides that it already has, both for young naturists in the UK and for British Naturism.

I couldn’t go without saying ‘thank you’ to some people who have particularly helped me with YBN over the years – Tracey, my long-suffering partner who allowed me to talk endlessly about ideas and for coming with me to events, even though I know you hate camping! Colin Pickett and Ian Green, without your lifts to and fro, I’d never have gotten anywhere. Thanks to Debbie and Joel for taking on the YBN mantle and doing such an amazing job and to Leah Thomas for continuing that good work now.

Your first YBN event

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:07:42 +0000

Everyone is new to Naturism when they try socialising naked/nude for the first time; so don't worry,- we've all been there!

When you attend your first Naturist event or swim there may be a few things worth knowing beforehand, just so you feel a little more at ease...

Obviously you don't need to bring swimwear or any specific clothing with you and clothing is normally not permitted to be worn in certain areas at events or at certain times. (We do make exceptions for ladies when necessary where bikini bottoms are allowed to be worn at certain times of the month).

If you are staying overnight at an event (camping or otherwise) then it might be sensible to bring something warm in-case you get cold! We don't enforce nakidity and being nude; but if you do wish to join in at our events then it is customary to do without such garments.
A towel is the one item that we as Naturists tend to have with us at all times; this is for whatever reason it might come in handy, such as sitting on etc. Otherwise there is little else you need to know... it's just a normal event, but without clothes!

At our YBN weekend events in the summer we tend to use tents to sleep in (certainly not in the winter!!!), as camping keeps the cost down and makes for a nice and cheap event for all! Living the Naturist way of life, it makes it easy! No-one cares what you look like when you crawl of bed in the morning...

So for camping all you would normally need is;

Essential Items
- a tent - (unless you are sharing some-one else's),
- sleeping stuff - (sleeping bag or duvet, roll matt or air-bed etc),
- plate/bowl and cutlery - (most of the time not needed, but just in-case)
- a towel - (sometimes 2 towels is a good idea,- one to lay on and one to dry with!)

Non essential Items
- alcoholic drinks (over 18) - (as some clubs don't have a bar to buy them from!)
- munchies and drinks for midnight snacks - (you might get hungry at night?)
- a torch, pillows - (just to be more comfortable)
- iPod and speakers etc, - (so we can all enjoy your music)
- Sports equipment, inflatables or games…
- a BBQ - (if you’ve got one)

You can bring almost anything you like to make you comfortable, apart from camera’s and the obvious illegal items such as drugs etc.

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions about YBN or Naturism in general please do not hesitate to ask...

Daryl
BN Youth Officer (YBN)