Frequently Asked Questions about CMEN Gatherings

What are the CMEN Gatherings?

The CMEN Gatherings are all male, all nude gatherings held each year for gay and bi-sexual naturist men. CMEN will be hosting three gatherings this year:

  • The Northern California Mid-Summer Gathering will take place at a 400 acre secluded retreat center on the Sierra foothills east of Auburn in late July.
  • The Southeast Spring Gathering take place at at the Whispering Oaks Retreat Center, a secluded conference center and campground located southwest of Nashville, Tennessee in early June.
  • The West Coast Fall Gathering will take place at a secluded conference center in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles in late August.

In 2019 the West Coast Gathering moved to a conference center in the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately 88 miles east of Los Angeles and 60 miles northwest of Palm Springs. The West Coast Gathering features a variety of activities with a “no attitude” friendly atmosphere. Now lasting 8 days, it includes a weekend session, a full week session and other options.

CMEN Gatherings are similar to other conferences, one will find men in a social atmosphere participating in their choices of planned recreational activities, seminars, workshops and entertainment. Clothing is not an option, everyone is nude, unless it gets too cold at night.

The annual West Coast Gathering is hosted by Community of Men Enjoying Naturism, a social organization for gay and bisexual men who enjoy nude social and recreational activities.

The West Coast Gathering is similar to gatherings held by Gay Naturists International (GNI) each August in Pennsylvania and those held by International Men Enjoying Naturism (IMEN) each July in Maryland.

What kind of activities will there be?

There are a variety of activities to choose from, including swimming and having fun in the large heated swimming pool, seminars and workshops, mountain hiking, volleyball, pup mosh, massage, aerobics, themed social hours, evening shows, talent shows, evening discos, bingo, country-style square dancing, contests, opportunity to meet new friends, naked hugs, and much much more!

Does registration include everything?

Yes! All food and non-alcoholic beverages (you can bring your own alcoholic beverages if you wish), accommodations, seminars, workshops, playshops, events, evening shows and parties are included.

Can I come for only part of the event?

YES. If you prefer to only attend for the weekend, a weekend session is available separately as is the week session, you can also register for half of the week session. Each gathering is limited in the number of men who can attend each session, West Coast Gatherings are typically limited to approximately 280 men per session. The specific dates are listed on the registration form. See the registration form for available periods you may attend.

Do I need to pre-register?

Yes, you must pre-register. On-site registration is Not allowed. Only those who are pre-registered will be allowed to attend. See the registration form for the registration closing date. Early registration is recommended, as past events have sold out well before the registration closing date. Note the discount offered for early registration.

Is there a minimum age to attend?

Yes, you must be at least 21 years old and male to attend the West Coast Gathering.

Is it warm in August?

Yes! September is one of the warmest months in southern California. Average highs are 75 – 85 degrees. You may wish to bring a sweat shirt or lightweight jacket for the cooler evenings.

Will there be transportation local airports?

YES. For a nominal fee we offer shuttle buses from Ontario, CA (ONT) to the gathering and back. A bus schedule will be provided.

What are the sleeping accommodations?

Rustic, heated bunk cabins with hot showers are included with your registration. Upgrades to 2-person “motel” rooms are also available, see the registration form for details.

Is camping allowed?

Yes. If you prefer, you may bring a tent, and use the nearby hot showers.

Can I present a seminar, workshop or an event?

Yes! Submit a proposal as to the details of what type of seminar, workshop or event you would like to present. Attendees are welcome to share their skills and experience by presenting a workshop or activity, see the online workshop presenter sign-up for details. Please submit proposals early to ensure they are included in the gathering program booklet.

How is the cost kept so low?

The West Coast Gatherings are planned and produced by an all volunteer committee. Volunteers also present the seminars and workshops, aerobics, massage, contests, game shows, and talent shows. The Gathering is a community of volunteers, others take turns working in registration, leading hikes, setting up chairs, serving ice cream, and other activities.

This volunteer community reduces the price everyone pays to attend the West Coast Gathering. As the Gathering is a community of volunteers, all men attending the gathering are expected to participate.

Are scholarships available?

YES, partial “scholarships” are available to the extent that money is available in the “scholarship fund.” You are urged to donate to the scholarship fund and help others. Special thanks to all who contribute and ensure a diverse group of men at the gathering.

Sound like fun? Why not tell a friend? For more information, telephone toll-free: 1-877-NUDIST-1 (1-877-683-4781).

Photography by Jim Mc Donald and Rick B.

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