Stats from the 2019 Gathering

Here are some interesting numbers from our 34th Naked Camp Gathering that took place from August 16th - 25th in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania:

• There were 630 attendees during the course of week.

• There 226 first timers

• The average age was 55 years

• 580 are OK with their picture being taken

• There were 65 vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free

• We drank almost 260 cases of beer & 100 cases of wine

• The largest group arriving was on opening Friday with 300 men

The 2019 Gathering Hangover, from Rick Bach, Mr. GNI 2018

The Gathering Hangover, nothing to do with alcohol.

There's no way that you can go back to your outer world without a wonderful residue from the Gathering.

Driving home from the Gathering silently for hours, was drifting in and out of moments from the week. The realization arose that the last week was the happiest week of my year, no question man.

We spent our time together in community and camaraderie that seeps in without warning. The safeness of a level playing field with absolutely no judgement allowed our freak flag to fly. For most, a time like no other. Icing on that cake is the new individual connections/friendships we'll have as long as we feed them.

Then the awareness appeared of what we don't have . . . 

In seven Gatherings attended, never heard a verbal or saw a physical altercation. No thievery or such from our outer world,if you would. Could have happened of course, but never experienced here. Seems that we've got a bit of a utopian society cooking.

On that note, how about a permanent year round complex somewhere in the sun in addition to the Gathering? A place based on the philosophies GNI's Gathering, where one could visit short term, live long term or swap out with others? Let your thoughts be known if you can help to make it happen.

Let's continue and expand Gay Naturists International  for generations to come. An ideal way to live.

CONGRATS to Gerald Knott, Mr. GNI 2019.

Well deserved. 

Long live the Queen, he said lovingly.

 

Cheers Gentlemen,

Rick Bach 

Mr. GNI 2018

A Message from Mr. GNI 2019, Gerald Knott

Hello All!

Words could never express the gratitude that I feel, for being chosen to represent this wonderful group of men as your new Mr. GNI 2019. 

I truly thank you and feel such honor to have this title. Please know all will be done here to continue to spread the word of this great organization.

I have met the most amazing people I could ever meet, and those never to be forgotten at GNI.   How lucky we are to have this beautiful place where we can be free to be us! 

And able to celebrate our bodies no matter how young or old, how large or small, all with imperfections and perfections. 

All without judgement. 

Thank you GNI, you're are the BEST!!!

Gerald Knott, Mr. GNI 2019 

hairknott@earthlink.net

A Message from our Executive Director, Rick Johnson

I can’t believe it’s our 35^th 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 35^thanniversary!” 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!

Season's Greetings from GNI!

The Board of Directors and staff of GNI wish each and everyone one of you a joyous holiday season!

We sincerely hope you get to celebrate naked!

The BuffBuzz blog will resume with every 2 week publishing starting in January 2020.

Registration for GNI's 35th Gathering is now open at 

GNI's 35th Gathering