I can’t believe it’s our 35th anniversary this year!
How time flies, for sure. For those that have been around since the 90’s,
you’ve seen a lot of changes in GNI. We’ve had many fantastic years and we’ve
had some challenging ones but we’ve seen the spirit of our GNI brethren stand
in unity to weather any storm that has been thrown our way over the decades. Of
course, none of this is possible without you and your unwavering support for
this fantastic group of men.
We also just began a new decade! That’s also hard to believe as
well. I mean, we’re already one-fifth of the way into this new decade, but I
remember the turn of the century like it was yesterday. Yes, many things have
changed. Thanks for modern science, we now have life-saving medication to
keep men healthy and let’s not forget the Obergefell ruling by the United
States Supreme Court acknowledging our right to marriage equality in every
state. It was almost impossible to believe that just twenty years ago either of
these things would be seen in our lifetimes, yet, here we are. Indeed, we are
thankful for progress.
I’d like to start this New Year on a positive note letting you all
know there is renewed excitement and growth within GNI. Last year (2019), we
had over 220 first timers at The Gathering and we are hopeful that the majority
of men will return again this year. We also had one of the largest
international crowds in years hailing men from all over the world from faraway
places including Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, United Kingdom,
Honduras, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Russia, and never to be forgotten,
our closest neighbor, Canada.
The recent Boot’s ‘N Bourbon Party at Mid-Atlantic Leather in
Washington DC this January was another huge success! I won’t steal Pocono
Eagle’s thunder, but suffice it to say that Pocono Eagle continues to grow and
sign more men up for naked camp every day. Thank you, Pocono Eagle! Over the
next few months, you’ll be hearing more from Pocono Eagle on some exciting
news.
There’s also a buzz amongst cabin coordinators who’ve already
reached out to me letting me know they are already making plans to fill their
cabins. No doubt, every cabin is going to be in use come August and we are more
than expecting to completely fill to capacity! This is great news for everyone,
but it also means planning and preparation on your part well in advance
so you don’t find yourself on a waitlist to register.
Preparations are well underway for a smashing dance-club
experience this year! Team Dance Club, the men who bring you our yearly disco,
has been hosting GNI’s world-class club and this year will be no different.
We’ll announce what they’re planning to do later when all of their organization
has been completed. Stay tuned for that.
Furthermore, Body Electric and our popular Yoga Retreat are
returning again and we’re expanding our sexology programming which we first
introduced in 2019. Don’t wait to register for Body Electric or Yoga; you can
do so on the Gathering registration form.
I was on the phone with Howard the other day and he said, “Be sure
to tell the guys that I’m so looking forward to seeing them again and helping
GNI celebrate its 35thanniversary!” Howard has been such a supporter
of GNI and of naturism over the years that he also was awarded the Murray
Kaufman Natural Man Award in 2019! Stop by the main camp office if you need
any help with the camp or just to say “Hi.”
There is lots more on tap that we’re working on but we can’t
announce quite yet; suffice it to say that this is all exciting news. We hope
that you join us for one of our landmark, anniversary years. Plan early and
bring a friend, or three! Registration for naked camp is now open and
confirmations are being issued quickly. Don’t wait!
