My body is far from perfect. Will people make fun of me?
It’s quite possible that no one has the perfect body. And while some bodies are more beautiful than others, nudism isn’t a beauty contest. Just as in the clothed world, there are all kinds of bodies in nudism. Body acceptance is at the root of nudism…you’ll learn that while not perfect, your body is as acceptable as all others when you experience social nudism.
My wife/girlfriend is hesitant. How do I get her to visit with me?
There is no simple answer to this question as obviously different people have different reasons for not wanting to experience nudism, just as there are different reasons to try social nudism. The answer is to correct misconceptions in most cases. And with nudism, most objections can easily be reasons for participating in the lifestyle, when looked at from the nudist perspective.
The American Association for Nude Recreation has a great brochure “From a Woman’s Perspective” to share with your wife or girlfriend. See if she would be willing to visit without pressure to be nude on the initial visit.
Please don’t let nudism become a source of conflict. Our ideals are family based, and family is far more important than being nude at Sunny Haven.
What if I get “physically excited”?
You’ll find that it seldom happens in a typical nudist environment. As erections aren’t acceptable or polite in social nudist society, should on a rare occurrence you experience an erection, just cover with a towel or conceal it until it goes away. Absolutely — don’t flaunt it!
How old are the people who come to Sunny Haven?
All ages! While we’ve never taken a survey to find the actual average age of members and visitors at Sunny Haven, it’s likely to be 40-45. Though we’ve had members from a few days old to in their 90s. So, the real answer is…all ages!
How do children react to nudity?
Young children find delight in being nude. Young children know what adults discovering nudism find out again–that it’s fun, free and comfortable. Older children quickly adapt and enjoy all the recreational opportunities of the park.
Why participate in nude recreation?
Because it’s fun and it’s healthy. Body acceptance is a powerful concept and a key to self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. Whether relaxing, playing sports or socializing, the nudist experience is a positive one both mentally and physically.
Is nudity offensive?
We don’t think so. If you do, we would like you to reconsider. We believe that the human body in its natural state cannot be offensive or shameful, that it is essentially wholesome.
Isn’t nudity sexual?
Nudism isn’t any more and quite possibly less sexual than life in general. Nudism is about being nude when practical, not about sex. It’s about body acceptance, physicality, spirituality and aesthetics. Nudism in general can be quite sensual–just think about the sensations of bathing your body in the air, sun and water. But nudism is not in itself sexual.
Do I have to undress right away?
Sunny Haven is a nudist park…a place where people come to be socially nude.
If one person of a couple is hesitant to disrobe on an initial visit, that would be okay. We believe that the comfort of Sunny Haven would make participation easy in a short time.
Do I have to be nude all the time?
While Sunny Haven is a nudist park, there are certainly times when being clothed is appropriate (or recommended or at times even required). In general, however, nudity is the correct state of being at all times when health, weather and safety allow while in the common and recreational areas of the park.
Do you look at each other? I don’t think I would be comfortable in a conversation.
It’s okay to look. It’s not okay to gawk or stare. (Pretty much the same as in the clothed world if you think about it.) And therein lies the answer to how to talk and interact with others. It’s just the same as in the clothed world.
To understand this, realize that nudity is the norm in our world. Just as you don’t think about others or yourself being clothed in the clothed world…you will soon give no thought in regard to others or yourself being nude.
Are there other nudist parks or clubs in the area? How do I find nudist parks, clubs and beaches?
This area of the country is rich in nudist history and we are within a couple of hours drive to five other nudist or clothing optional parks. There is a total of eight nudist parks in the state of Indiana alone. Most of them are members of the American Association for Nude Recreation, affiliated with its Midwest Division.
What if I run into someone I know?
Chances are that they will be just as nude as you….and quite comfortable with nude recreation (unless it’s their first visit too). They’ll likely be glad to see you. Conversation will be easy… you have something to talk about: a common interest in nude recreation.
What should we bring with us?
Bring the same things you would take to a visit to a clothed park or beach except a bathing suit: hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, something to read, something to play with (Frisbee, volleyball), camping supplies, if you’re camping.
Isn’t all that exposure to the sun dangerous?
Some sun exposure is quite likely good for us. But certainly, overexposure isn’t a good thing. Shade or suntan lotion takes care of that. If you think about it, while nude we don’t expose a lot more than we do when in a bathing suit anyway. So, the only difference is you’ll use a little bit more suntan lotion.